Thyroid health and weight gain

Thyroid health and weight gain

Many women have read or learned that their unexpected weight gain may have something to do with their thyroid health. This is not always the case, but it is certainly a possible factor.

Our thyroid is one of the main players in how our body regulates our metabolism and how it uses the nutrients from the foods we eat. Studies also show that even the smallest changes that occur in our thyroid can affect our weight.

Sudden weight gain and hypothyroidism

Although not everyone can blame their thyroid for unexpected weight gain, there are others who have found that their difficulty losing weight is due to hypothyroidism.

When a person has hypothyroidism, it means that their thyroid functions sluggishly. This sluggishness results in an impaired ability of the gland to produce the proper hormones. As a result, the ability to properly use the nutrients contained in food also slows down.

The reason more women are having problems with their thyroid health and weight gain is because the thyroids are connected to other systems in their body. Some of the key systems that influence thyroid function are the neurotransmitters, adrenal glands, and reproductive hormones.

How can you avoid weight gain and thyroid problems?

An obvious answer to this question is maintaining a healthy and balanced diet. When it comes to nutrition, consistency is very important.

If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it is very important that you be consistentonlyEat healthy foods all the time, not just when the urge strikes you.

It's an all-too-common scenario to start a healthy eating program only to relapse and then repeat the cycle.

This yo-yo diet can be detrimental to metabolism, weight gain, and overall health.

How to Support Thyroid Health

Thyroid health or otherwise is not a random event, and you can take steps to care for your thyroid. Here are some recommendations.

• Eat whole foods to get essential vitamins and minerals. Selenium, iodine, zinc, copper and iron are some of the nutrients needed for thyroid health.

• People who eat a low-salt diet and live in northern climates may suffer from iodine and vitamin D deficiencies. Please consult your doctor before taking vitamin D and iodine supplements.

• Always respect your meal time for regular meals and snacks. Avoid skipping meals and make sure you eat breakfast to boost metabolism.

• Protein and fiber should always be present in every meal. Learn which foods are a good source of fiber and protein so you can plan your meals to include them.

• Foods made from gluten, sugar, processed foods and alcoholic beverages should be avoided at all costs as they contain substances that can interfere with the proper functioning of the thyroid.

• Broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower are some examples of goitrogens that should be removed from a patient's diet because they contain thyroid-suppressing compounds.

• Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily to maintain healthy blood flow and improve the thyroid's ability to distribute needed hormones.

If you experience any or all of the symptoms of hypothyroidism such as dry skin, low energy, insomnia, weight gain, depression, joint pain, heart disease and allergies, it may be time to consult your doctor.

With continued awareness and practice, it is very possible to alleviate the effects of hyperthyroidism, making weight control easier and leading to better overall health.

Inspired by J Russell Hart