Hypothyroidism is an incurable medical condition that affects millions of Americans. The American Thyroid Association explains that people with hypothyroidism have low-functioning thyroid glands, which decreases their metabolism and contributes to weight gain and other symptoms. Avoiding weight gain is possible even if you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. With the right eating and exercise habits, you can even lose weight despite having a slow thyroid gland.
Step 1
Take all the medications that your doctor prescribes to you, as directed. Thyroid medications effectively promote weight loss in some hypothyroid patients, says the American Thyroid Association. Use the medications only in the exact quantities and doses that your doctor recommends to you, as changing your dose without first consulting your doctor could put you in danger.
Step 2
Decrease the amount of salt in your diet. The American Thyroid Association says weight gain in the hypothyroid patient is most often aided by excess salt accumulation in the body. Avoid canned foods and frozen dinners, which are often high in salt. Instead of using salt to season your meals, cook with herbs and spices such as garlic, ginger, peppers and chives.
Step 3
Switch from eating processed junk foods to choosing natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Natural foods without added sugars or salt generally have fewer calories than processed foods. The Mayo Clinic says one pound is made up of 3,500 calories. Therefore, you need to eat 500 fewer calories a day to lose 1 pound a week. Even if you don’t eat 500 fewer calories every day, decreasing your calorie intake will help you lose weight.
Step 4
Avoid consuming foods that contain goitrogens. Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, soybeans and spinach all contain naturally-occurring plant compounds that can interfere with your thyroid function. The George Mateljan Foundation explains that these compounds, called goitrogens, decrease the effectiveness of your natural thyroid hormones, making weight loss more challenging.
Step 5
Exercise three to five days a week to help burn calories and promote weight loss. The American College of Sports Medicine, or ACSM, recommends that adults under the age of 65 participate in moderately intense cardiovascular exercise for 30 minutes, five days a week, or intense cardiovascular exercise three days a week for 20 minutes. In addition, ACSM recommends doing strength training moves such as bicep curls and shoulder presses twice a week. Exercise works the heart muscle and burns calories. Strength training with resistance bands or free weights can also build muscle mass.
Things You'll Need
- Medications as prescribed
- Herbs and spices
- Low calorie, natural foods such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Resistance bands or free weights
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