what is hypothyroidism and how to loose weight

NOTE: THIS ARTICLE IS ONLY FOR TEACHING PURPOSES PLEASE CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR BEFORE U MAKE ANY DIET MODIFICATIONS

What Is Hypothroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone.

Early symptoms:
* Weakness
* Fatigue
* Cold intolerance
* Constipation
* Weight gain (unintentional)
* Depression
* Joint or muscle pain
* Thin, brittle fingernails
* Thin and brittle hair
* Paleness

Late symptoms:
* Slow speech
* Dry flaky skin
* Thickening of the skin
* Puffy face, hands and feet
* Decreased taste and smell
* Thinning of eyebrows
* Hoarseness
* Abnormal menstrual period

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How to Lose Weight With Hypothyroidism

Many hypothyroid patients struggle with an inability to lose weight. If you are on thyroid hormone replacement, but find that the weight is not melting off, there are some steps you can take.

Here's How:

1. Make sure you're not undertreated. Some endocrinologists believe that patients do not feel well and can't lose weight unless TSH is in the low-normal range.

2. Ask your doctor if you need T3. Research has found that many hypothyroid people fare better when they add T3, a second thyroid hormone, to the typical treatment of levothyroxine (i.e., Synthroid or Levoxyl.)

3. Make sure you're not sabotaging your thyroid drug treatment. Doctors have found that taking calcium supplements or calcium-fortified orange juice, vitamins with iron, and antacids may interfere with thyroid drug absorption. Take these supplements at least 3 hours apart from thyroid hormone.

4. Consider taking your calorie requirements for the day and breaking them into smaller, 250-calorie mini-meals. Frequent smaller meals can help balance blood sugar, prevent fat storage, and help you feel less hungry in general.

5. Consider a low-glycemic and/or low-carbohydrate diet. This means you limit the amount of starches - such as bread, pasta and rice - that you eat, and eliminate refined sugars.

6. Eat a diet of low-fat protein and complex carbohydrates like vegetables.

7. Ask your doctor if you need an antidepressant. Some hypothyroid people find their weight loss efforts are more effective when they're on a prescription antidepressant therapy.

8. Exercise 30 minutes a day. You don't have to run marathons, or become a fanatic. Even brisk walking in 3 10-minute segments a day will raise metabolism and help you burn more calories.