Many individuals who experience unexplained weight gain along with feelings of fatigue, hair loss, splitting nails and itchy skin may not realize that their thyroid may be to blame. When the thyroid gland does not function at optimal levels, it is labeled as a condition called hypothyroidism. Although hypothyroidism can cause sudden and excessive weight gain, proper nutrition and dietary supplements can help the thyroid function at optimal levels. This will send your energy levels through the roof and assist you in shedding unwanted pounds.
Signs of hypothyroidism
Because the thyroid helps to regulate the body’s metabolism, weight gain is usually the first symptom of hypothyroidism. Unexplained muscle and joint pain, swelling of the neck, hair loss, depression, fatigue, dry skin, splitting nails, itching skin, low libido, irregular menstrual cycles and long-term constipation are also signs that your thyroid may not be functioning at optimal levels.
Hypothyroidism and weight loss
Individuals who suffer from weight gain as result of an underactive thyroid might find it almost impossible to lose. Severely restricting your diet does not provide your thyroid with the proper nutrition it needs in order to produce vital hormones. Severely restrictive diets will not result in sustained weight loss and will leave you feeling even more fatigued. This in turn places a strain on the thyroid, which causes it to reduce its hormone production, leading to a vicious cycle of fatigue, dieting and weight gain.
In order to jumpstart the thyroid and succeed at weight loss, you must first nourish it with supportive supplements and foods. Iodine, selenium, zinc, copper, coconut oil, omega-3 fats, B vitamins and antioxidants are all beneficial for stimulating the thyroid to function properly.
Foods that nourish the thyroid
Foods such as salmon, tuna, cod, iodized salt, seaweed, liver, mushrooms, Swiss chard and turnip greens should be added into your diet as often as possible. Make sure these foods come from organic sources, as pesticides have been known to hinder thyroid function.
Foods that harm the thyroid
Just as foods can heal the thyroid, they can also harm it. Individuals suffering from hypothyroidism should avoid artificial sweeteners, especially aspartame, at all costs. It has been known to trigger autoimmune diseases and suppress thyroid function. Gluten should also be avoided by individuals who have a sensitivity. Gluten is found in most breads and processed foods, and has been shown to trigger Hashimoto’s Disease.
Supplements for hypothyroidism
Supplements that contain iodine, such as Magnascent Iodine, is pertinent for proper thyroid function. The thyroid contains the only cells in your body that can absorb iodine. Without iodine, the thyroid cannot produce sufficient amounts of hormone to keep the metabolism functioning properly.
Selenium is important for regulating and producing thyroid hormone. Selenium supplements from SelenoExcell are of the highest quality and can help promote optimal thyroid health.
7-Keto is a metabolite of DHEA that does not convert into a sex hormone. It is useful in building muscle, maintaining lean body mass and stimulating thyroid production. 7-Keto DHEA from Nature’s Purest is a high quality supplement that contains no fillers or artificial ingredients and should be used as part of an overall healthy thyroid program.
Hypothyroidism does not mean you must deal with debilitating fatigue and unsightly weight gain. By nourishing your thyroid with nutritious foods and high quality supplements, you can regain your life.