Hypothyroid Weight Loss Diet

Hypothyroidism is another way of saying you have an under-active thyroid. According to AnneCollins.com, it is 10 times more likely to affect women than men and is most common between the ages of 40 and 50. Thyroid disease can be treated by dieting, exercising and destressing your body. Some doctors may also treat patients with a thyroid hormone. Doing nothing about hypothyroidism can lead to heart disease, cancer, diabetes, fibromyalgia or infertility, just to name a few complications. Getting serious about weight loss can dramatically improve your condition.

The Do's

Despite medical treatment, people with thyroid issues often have difficulty losing weight. It's important for patients to focus on a diet that is high in fiber, low calorie and contains low-glycemic carbohydrates. Carbs that have a high glycemic rating are high in refined sugar, so they cause cravings and fluctuations in your energy levels. Eat spinach, asparagus, olive oil, apricots, sunflower seeds, avocados, whole grain cereals and oily fish to boost thyroid function. It may also help to increase the amount of selenium in your diet by eating tuna, whole wheat bran, onions, tomatoes and Brazil nuts. Meals should be spaced out and timed every few hours so they impact your hormones as much as they can. Exercise is also essential to any hypothyroid weight loss diet. It speeds up your metabolism and increases weight loss. Try to do 30 minutes of exercise every day.

The Don'ts

There are thyroid-damaging foods to avoid or limit. Eat less of the foods that can interfere with iodine uptake. This includes broccoli, cabbage, kale, kohlrabi, linseed, mustard, sweet potatoes, lima beans, peanuts and products made of soy. Avoid caffeine-laden drinks such as soda and coffee because it is a stimulant that affects your thyroid. Alcohol and smoking will also affect the gland's functioning.

Supplements

There are helpful herbs and supplements when you're on a hypothyroid weight loss diet. A diet low in iodine is usually associated with an under-active thyroid. You get the most iodine from sea salt and sea weed. There are also iodine supplements. The American Food & Drug Administration limits iodine in supplement form to 0.15mg. Some patients have had good results from taking 4mg of iodine and 600 units of vitamin E. A diet rich in zinc has also been shown to improve thyroid function. Consult with your doctor before buying or taking any supplements, as each case is different.