Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid does not produce enough hormones. Hypothyroidism may also be referred to as an underactive thyroid. When your thyroid is underactive, it affects your metabolism. If you already consume a poor diet, you are setting yourself up for rapid weight gain and other health problems.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism involves your thyroid not making enough of the main thyroid hormones including the thyroxine or T4 and triiodothyronine or T3. These two hormones are vitally important to your health because they regulate how your body uses carbohydrates and fats. This process also controls body temperature, heart rate and the production of protein. If you have an underlying autoimmune condition such as Hashimoto's disease, it causes your thyroid to suppress the T hormones while your immune system ends up producing antibodies that attack thyroid tissue. Several causes for hypothyroidism exist including a congenital disease, a pituitary disorder, radiation therapy, treatment for hyperthyroidism, medications such as lithium and an iodine deficiency.
Poor Health Habits
Poor health and poor eating habits can make dealing with hypothyroidism challenging. Your metabolism is sluggish with an underactive thyroid. If you eat poorly and lead a sedentary lifestyle, you could see rapid weight gain. Eating foods that are high in sodium such as lunch meats and junk food can contribute to water retention and swelling. If you have a goiter as a result of your hypothyroidism, you may find swallowing difficult. Eating foods such as ice cream and gravy may make eating easier, but can lead to substantial weight gain.
Effects
Eating a poor diet with hypothyroidism leads to obesity, heart problems and peripheral neuropathy, explains Familydoctor.org. Obesity is caused from eating more calories than you burn, including leading a sedentary lifestyle without exercise. A diet consisting of high calorie, sugar-laden meals puts you at risk for weight gain -- combine that with a low or sluggish thyroid and obesity develops rapidly. Hypothyroidism causes elevated blood cholesterol levels. If you are eating poorly, especially a diet that is high in fat, red meat and processed foods, cholesterol levels can spike. Peripheral neuropathy occurs when uncontrolled hypothyroidism causes damage to your peripheral nerves, which results in pain and numbness in your extremities.
Solution
Getting your hypothyroidism under control is the first step to leading a healthier lifestyle. Treatment may include a synthetic hormone replacement to get thyroid levels back in the normal range, EndocrineWeb explains. This can also lower your cholesterol levels and increase your metabolism -- both of which will assist with weight loss. Eat a balanced diet that includes fruit, whole grains, vegetables, protein and low-fat dairy to see eventual weight loss results.
References
- MayoClinic.com; Hypothyroidism Definition; June 12, 2010
- MayoClinic.com; Hypothyroidism Causes; June 12, 2010
- Familydoctor.org: Hypothyroidism
- EndocrineWeb; Treating Hypothyroidism; Eren Berber M.D. et al.; Sept. 29, 2009
- Thatsfit.com; Ten Bad Diet Habits; Amy Paturel; Dec. 2, 2009
- Choosemyplate.gov: Tips and Resources for a Healthy Diet
