Weight gain is one of the symptoms of a slow thyroid. Your thyroid gland is considered "slow" if it does not have the ability to produce enough thyroid hormones for your body. This condition is also referred to as an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism slows down your metabolism, causing inevitable weight gain over time. In addition to medical treatment through hormone replacement drugs, you might consider embarking on a specific diet plan tailored to an underactive thyroid level. Dieting alone, however, does not cure a slow thyroid gland.
Role of Iodine
Iodine deficiency is one of the causes of hypothyroidism. The thyroid gland needs iodine in order to make hormones. The American Thyroid Association reports that 40 percent of people worldwide are at risk for iodine deficiency. Iodine is an ingredient in iodized table salt and sea salt. Since the American diet is rich in salt, iodine deficiency is not a common problem in the United States. According to nutritionist and professional weight loss consultant Anne Collins, a diet rich in iodine may benefit an underactive thyroid and help you lose weight.
Thyroid-friendly Foods
Some foods are thought to help improve hypothyroidism by optimizing iodine absorption. Anne Collins reports that these foods include fish, bananas, asparagus, avocado, olive oil, spinach, whole grains, carrots, sunflower seeds and apricots. The website encourages eating such foods at every meal when possible. An optimal thyroid gland can help speed up your metabolism and promote weight maintenance.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods can actually worsen hypothyroidism because they block the absorption of hormone replacements. According to MayoClinic.com, these include soy, walnuts, cotton seed meal and high-fiber foods. Consult with an endocrinologist before starting a diet for hypothyroidism in order to prevent interactions. Anne Collins explains that some foods can even block natural iodine absorption. These foods include seaweed, cabbage, broccoli, peanuts, mustard, sweet potato and lima beans. Eat these in moderation.
Supplements
Certain diet pills on the market claim to help speed up thyroid function and help you lose weight. Such supplements likely contain high levels of iodine. While this sounds effective in theory, taking too much iodine will not help hypothyroidism, especially if you eat iodine-rich foods and take thyroid hormone replacements. In fact, taking too much iodine without consulting your doctor can cause your thyroid to become hyperactive.
Prevention/Solution
The primary form of hypothyroid treatment is prescription hormone replacements. MayoClinic.com reports that there is no other proven way to treat hypothyroidism, including dieting. Thyroid hormone replacements come in different dosages, depending on the severity of your condition. For the best results, take your hormone replacements in the morning at least 30 minutes before you eat. MayoClinic.com advises against taking antacids, calcium supplements, ulcer medications, iron supplements and cholesterol medications within a few hours of taking thyroid medications. Such supplements and medications can interfere with hormone replacement drugs.
