Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces insufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone. Since the thyroid hormone is responsible for regulating metabolism, hypothyroidism often means that metabolism slows, causing symptoms such as fatigue, constipation, weight gain and trouble losing weight. Losing weight might be tougher to achieve for someone with hypothyroidism, but following the appropriate diet can make it a little easier.
Thyroid Weight Loss Diet
Step 1
Eat fiber. According to My Optum Health online, increasing fiber intake can help a person with hypothyroidism to lose weight. This is primarily because fiber is filling, typically leading a person to eat less. Fiber also helps alleviate constipation, it is full of essential B vitamins and it helps regulate cholesterol and insulin levels. Fiber-rich foods, such as beans and whole grains, are the surest way to get plenty of fiber, but fiber also comes in pill form. Too much fiber in a diet can negatively affect the way that hypothyroid medication is absorbed into the body, so a person taking such medication should consult a physician to get dietary advice.
Step 2
Eat frequently. Eating three large meals a day might be sufficient to fill a person up, but the metabolism responds poorly to large meals with nothing in between. This routine ends up on a stop-and-start cycle. On the other hand, eating five to six small (approximately 300 calorie) meals throughout the day can keep your metabolism running evenly. Eating multiple, small meals also can balance energy levels rather than causing energy bursts and crashes. These small meals should be healthy, including fresh fruits and vegetables, lean protein and the aforementioned, fiber-rich whole grains. Drinking plenty of water is also a crucial step in keeping your body as healthy as possible.
Step 3
Get enough selenium. This trace mineral and antioxidant is responsible for converting the thyroid hormone produced by the body into the thyroid hormone that actively circulates in the body. New evidence supports that it could be a crucial element in treating hypothyroidism and its symptoms. A 2000 study, published in "Biological Trace Element Research," found that treating hypothyroid children with selenium supplements caused their hormone levels to return to normal and their symptoms to disappear. A selenium-rich diet includes foods such as whole grains, nuts, seafood and seeds. Selenium can also be found in multivitamin supplements.
Step 4
Watch your iodine intake. Iodine deficiency is associated with hypothyroidism, but most people living in developed countries get plenty of iodine through sources such as iodized salt. Alternately, too much iodine can harm the thyroid. A hypothyroid person should keep an eye on how much iodine is in her diet to ensure that she is getting a moderate amount. Besides enriched salt, iodine also can be found in foods such as spinach, turnip greens, mushrooms, lima beans and zucchini.
Step 5
Reduce intake of some foods. It is best for a person with hypothyroidism--particularly someone who has hypothyroidism as well as an iodine deficiency--to avoid eating too many foods that contain compounds known as thioglucosides. In excess, these compounds could disrupt the thyroid's functioning. Foods that contain these compounds include cabbage among other brassicas vegetables, such as Brussels sprouts, turnips and kale.
Tips and Warnings
- Consult a doctor if you suspect that you have hypothyroidism. Your doctor will be able to determine if you have this condition and, if you do, develop a treatment plan that meshes with your lifestyle.
