Hypothyroidism is when the body produces too little thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone controls the way your body uses energy (among many other things). Too little of it can affect your body in many ways.
Hypothyroidism is typically treated with thyroid hormone medication. This replaces the hormone in the body. Dietary changes will not reverse the condition, but they can help improve your overall health. They may also ease some of the complications and side effects of the disorder, which can include:
* Fatigue
* Depression
* Weight gain
* Cold intolerance
* Dry, coarse hair and skin
* Constipation
* Muscle cramps
* Increased cholesterol and blood pressure
* Metabolic syndrome
How to take control with diet
For starters, wean yourself off processed and junk foods, including foods high in sugar, salt and trans fats. This leaves more room for wholesome, healthy foods that can help restore balance in your body and help ease some of the side effects. In addition:
Increase fiber intake. Include foods like whole grains (brown rice, barley, quinoa, oats, whole-grain breads and cereals), nuts and seeds, fruits, vegetables and beans/legumes. Increased dietary fiber from whole foods can:
* Help keep cholesterol in check
* Ease constipation problems
* Increase intake of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and are involved in the metabolism of thyroid hormones
* Be filling and helpful for weight control
Help improve insulin levels and metabolic syndrome, along with healthy fats and lean proteins.
Note that fiber can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone. As you increase fiber, your doctor may need to adjust your thyroid medication to compensate. A simple blood test can check to ensure the correct level of thyroid hormone in your body. Taking your medication on an empty stomach can also help to reduce this problem.
Eat healthy fats. These include olive oil, fish (sardines, salmon, halibut, herring, fresh tuna), nuts, seeds and avocado. You may also want to ask your doctor about a fish oil supplement. This will give an extra boost of omega-3 fats that can be hard to get from diet alone.
Restoring your balance of essential fats is important for overall health and weight control. Healthy fats:
* Can improve cardiovascular risk factors
* May help with dry skin and hair
* May be beneficial for depression
* Watch iodine intake. In small amounts, iodine is needed for healthy thyroid function. But too much iodine can actually harm the thyroid. Make sure to add these foods in moderation:
Iodine sources include greens (spinach, Swiss chard, turnip greens, etc.), zucchini, mushrooms and lima beans.
Table salt also contains iodine, as does sea salt, but should be used sparingly due to sodium content.
Remember, excess salt can also contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems that go along with hypothyroid.
Be safe with soy. Although soy will not cause thyroid problems, there has been a lot of controversy about soy and the thyroid because of soy's estrogen-like effects.
There is some evidence that soy may interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone.
Ask your doctor if soy products are okay for you to use.
Timing of medication is important
Certain foods, supplements and medications can affect the absorption of your thyroid medication. As a result, most doctors recommend:
Taking your medication on an empty stomach, at least one hour before eating.
Leaving a two- to three-hour window between taking your medication and any supplement that contains iron or calcium. This includes calcium-fortified orange juice and antacids.
Taking cholesterol-lowering drugs at a separate time from your thyroid medication.
Finally, try to add some regular physical activity to your day. This can help battle the fatigue, depression and weight gain that can sometimes go along with hypothyroidism. Always check with your doctor, though, before you start any new exercise routine.
source: kndo
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