Hypothyroid, or low thyroid function, is extremely common. This condition, which affects women roughly ten times more frequently than men, causes metabolism to slow down, which in turn makes losing weight more difficult. The symptoms of hypothyroid include fatigue, water retention, getting chilled easily, depression, constipation and dry skin, hair and nails. Fortunately, there are ways to make weight loss easier, even with a sluggish thyroid.
Supplement with Iodine
Iodine is one of the most useful nutrients in our diet, especially for hormone balance and for optimizing thyroid function. Without sufficient iodine, the human body cannot manufacture the active form of thyroid hormone; therefore, iodine deficiency makes hypothyroid symptoms worse. In addition, iodine is necessary for hormone receptors, which catch hormones and deliver their signal to the cells of the body. If hormone receptors aren't catching properly, then there is no way for the thyroid hormone to get its message across. Supplementing with iodine will boost your metabolism and help you to shed pounds more easily. Iodine can also be added through your diet in foods like kelp, sea vegetables and shellfish.
Use a Sauna
A person with hypothyroid has a body temperature that is below normal; therefore, calories aren't burned as quickly as they are in someone with normal thyroid function. Using a sauna three to four times a week gives the body a temporary temperature boost that can help burn extra calories. Saunas also help your body eliminate toxins through your sweat. Research has shown a strong link between low thyroid function and toxic levels of heavy metals in the tissues, so detoxification is especially important when your thyroid function is low. Releasing heavy metals will help you to normalize your thyroid hormone levels as well as your weight.
Avoid Foods that Slow Down Thyroid Function
When thyroid function is low, it is especially important to avoid foods that decrease the function further. These foods are called "goitrogenic" because they are known to cause goiters, which are physical growths on the thyroid that form because the thyroid isn't working properly. The most noted foods that decrease thyroid function are soy and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower. Milder goitrogens include millet, strawberries and peaches.
Increase Selenium, Zinc and Vitamin E
Selenium can enhance thyroid function and is easily found in Brazil nuts, whole wheat bread, tuna, onions and tomatoes. In fact, eating three Brazil nuts daily provides the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of 200mcg of selenium. Zinc is often deficient in people with low thyroid function and supplementing zinc can boost your thyroid function tremendously. The RDA for men is 11mg daily and 8mg for women. Oysters are the best known food source of zinc, but zinc is also found in many meats. Phytates, found in whole grain breads, bind zinc and carry it out of the system. Vitamin E, especially taken in conjunction with iodine, increases thyroid hormone markedly in the blood. The recommended daily allowance 400 IU per day, but for people with hypothyroid, 600 IU per day may be more effective.
Eat More Fiber
Constipation is a common symptom in people with hypothyroid. Making sure your daily fiber intake is higher than the recommended daily allowance of 25g will help keep your bowels moving and help you to clean out your system. Keeping your digestion working smoothly and efficiently will help your body process and eliminate your food normally, absorb the nutrients you need and let go of the toxins you don't, especially the heavy metals that may contribute to low thyroid function. For people with hypothyroid, 30g or greater will help them to digest properly and eliminate waste.
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