People with hypothyroidism which is caused by low production of hormones by the thyroid gland find it difficult to lose weight. Read further to know the details of a diet plan for these people.
Hypothyroidism is more common in women than in men. It mostly affects women who are in the age group of 40 – 50 years. People suffering from this disease find it very difficult to lose weight and even if they do, it is next to impossible to maintain it. Almost 90 percent cases of hypothyroidism are because of a problem in the thyroid gland, and it can be treated using thyroid hormone medicine. People who have hypothyroidism find it difficult to lose weight and for them the best option is to stick to a diet plan. Hormonal imbalances and resistance to insulin and leptin are some of the factors that lead to weight problems in people with thyroid. These people need to eat food for low thyroid levels in order to lose or maintain their weight.
Insufficient production of hormones can lead to various problems and to counter the effects of hypothyroidism one needs to take synthetic hormone replacement therapy. One of the side effects of hypothyroidism is that people affected with this disease find it difficult to lose weight, such people need to follow an underactive diet plan.
Iodine: One of the main elements for thyroid production is iodine, hence a person suffering from thyroid problems needs to intake food items rich in iodine. A sea herb known as kelp is a rich source of iodine and it is generally recommended by nutritionists to people with a thyroid problem. Other dietary sources for iodine are freshwater fish like codfish and haddock fish. Iodized salt and sea salt should be included in your recipes, if you have low thyroid, but most times a physician will test you for iodine levels before recommending you to go on an iodine diet.
Fibers: Thyroid deficiency causes havoc on your metabolism rate and that is one of the reasons for weight gain in people with thyroid problems. Fiber slows the digestive process and helps maintain blood sugar levels, it is also effective in maintaining cholesterol levels. People following a diet plan should include vegetables and fruits in their routine, as these are rich in fiber. Whole grains are also a good source of fiber and need to be included in your diet plan.
Selenium: It is a critical mineral in the thyroid gland which maintains the level of hormone production in the gland. Selenium is found in the soil and crops absorb it and convert it to a form which we can take. Selenium can be obtained from crops like rice, wheat and cereals, a person with low thyroid needs to inculcate these in their menu. Other resources of selenium are cheese, eggs, chicken, beef, and some fish like tuna, cod, and salmon.
Protein: Most glands are made up of protein and if you have a problem with your thyroid gland you need to up your protein intake. Foods like turkey and lamb are rich sources of protein and need to be included in your underactive diet plan. If you are a vegetarian you need to up the intake of cheese and soybean in your diet, these natural thyroid supplements are a great addition to your diet plan.
Fatty Acids and Vitamins: Essential fatty acids help the cells to be sensitive to thyroid hormone, include food that is rich in fatty acids like walnuts and almonds. Include flaxseed oil and olive oil in your recipes, along with green leafy vegetables. Intake of vitamins will also help you with your low thyroid levels, take vitamin A and vitamin C. Mangoes, spinach, cantaloupes are rich in vitamin A and foods like broccoli, tomatoes, orange are rich in vitamin C content.
Having a healthy diet plan is the most effective way to fight weight problems and stay healthy, it is also advisable to consult your physician before starting any diet plan.
Disclaimer: This article is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.
