3 Tips for Weight Loss with Underactive Thyroid

3 Tips for Weight Loss with Underactive Thyroid

Underactive thyroid is a condition that affects a lot of people around the world, according to the American Thyroid Association 12% of the USA population suffers from thyroid issues and 60% of them are unaware of their condition. 

The hormones of the thyroid produced in the thyroid glands work in different functions of the body. The main activity is to regulate metabolism, but it acts in every cell, tissue and organ. 

When the thyroid glands release fewer hormones, which does in people with an underactive thyroid, it will slow down the metabolism. So, you won’t burn calories quickly and it can result in weight gain if you don’t follow a balanced diet. 

One way to manage the underactive thyroid and weight is by taking the thyroid hormone medicine prescribed by your doctor. After following the instructions given by your doctor, there is a couple of ways that you can naturally improve the thyroid glands function. 

Balanced Diet

Keep in mind that weight is only one piece of the puzzle when it comes to your overall health. If you are suffering from an underactive thyroid, keep your eyes away from the scale and focus on the benefits of changing your lifestyle. 

Have a balanced diet based on vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. This kind of food is low in calories and very filling, which may help prevent weight gain. See the list below:

• Eggs: Whole eggs have iodine and selenium found in the yolk, which is two important trace minerals for thyroid glands, while the whites are full of protein.
• Meat: Lamb, beef, chicken, etc are rich in zinc, iron and selenium.
• Fish: seafood like salmon, tuna, mackerel, shrimp, that are rich in omega 3.
• Vegetables: cruciferous vegetables are fine to eat in moderate amounts, especially when cooked.
• Fruits: all fruits, including berries, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, etc are rich in lots of nutrients.
• Gluten-free grains: rice, buckwheat, quinoa. 
• Seeds and Nuts: chia seeds, flax seeds, brazil nuts, almonds an excellent source of minerals and vitamins.
• Beverages: water and other non-caffeinated beverages. 

Exercise

Exercise is the other essential component that supper the person who is suffering from underactive thyroid. Regular exercise turns your body into a more efficient fat-burning machine, it will help with the weight loss program and control the weight.

A daily workout will also give you more energy, counteracting the fatigue of underactive thyroid might cause. Because it can slow your heart rate and metabolism. Start ease into a routine of exercise, and only gradually increase your pace and workout duration when you feel ready. 

Sleep 

Besides that underactive thyroid cause fatigue by slowing metabolism, it also can increase the risk for some sleep disorders. When it comes to fighting the fatigue of this thyroid issue, part of the answer is simply to sleep more.

Many people don’t get the sleep they need. Improving sleep can have significant results in thyroid function, reduction of food cravings, stress, fatigue, and many other symptoms caused by an underactive thyroid.

There is a couple of ways that you can improve sleep patterns. Sleep hygiene is something that I always recommend to my clients. The ritual to prepare yourself for sleep makes a difference in the quality of your sleep.

Final Thoughts

When we talk about weight loss and underactive thyroid try not to compare your progress with others progress. Everyone has a different metabolism, and your body will act in its own way.

Focus your attention on things that work for you. A great piece of advice is to keep a journal, where you can write down everything that is working and also what is not working. It will give you the motivation to continue your routine. 

I am Simone Holz a Nutrition and Health Coach, who is helping people to improve eating habits, having a balanced diet using all food sources available. Encouraging clients to get into a routine of exercise, enhances sleep patterns, use mindfulness techniques that will manage a lot of factors in their life that will promote a healthy lifestyle.

If you want to improve your lifestyle and don’t know how to start the process. I’m here to help and guide you on this journey.

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