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9 Strategies of weight loss for hyperthyroidic patients

Hypothyroidism is a disease of thyroid gland which is characterized by low production of thyroid hormone. This results from a malfunctioning of thyroid gland. There are many reasons due to which thyroid glands become impaired. The general metabolism of the cells in the body is affected by this disorder. This disorder can make a person tired and low on energy as it slows the metabolism giving birth to constipation and weight gain. The other symptoms of this disease are lack of concentration, weakness, sensitivity to cold, loss of appetite, dryness of skin, hair loss, menstrual irregularities, etc. Though the weight gained due to hypothyroidism can take some time but the good news is that by using some simple strategies, you can effectively combat this problem. A few changes in your diet plan, an exercise regime and the consumption of a few supplements can help you get rid of the weight gained without causing any health hazard.

Diet

Diet is one of the main strategies which helps in losing weight with this disease. An appropriate and healthy diet can make a person lose weight successfully. The person suffering from hypothyroidism should consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of vegetables. Eliminate the consumption of soy completely from your diet as the studies show that the consumption of soy can cause enlargement of thyroid gland thus resulting in depressing the thyroid function. Include radish in your diet as it helps in balancing the thyroid hormones. Dietary fiber in your diet reduces the situation of chronic constipation thus reducing bloating. Usage of coconut oil also helps in stimulating the function of thyroid gland thus reducing the accumulation of fat cells in your body. So try to include as much lean proteins as possible such as skinless chicken, legumes, egg white, etc., and to initiate weight loss.

Iodine

Iodine is an important mineral which helps in proper functioning of thyroid gland. The modern day diet has insufficient amount of organic iodine. When one increases the iodine level in the diet, the thyroid function and metabolic rate comes back to normal. Iodine is generally added to the diet through iodized salt. Sea weed and sea food are also good sources of iodine and have no side effects or after effects. The soil and the fertilizer is also responsible for the iodine deficiency in the body. Another way to combat iodine deficiency is consuming iodine in a supplement pill form like kelp. Kelp has a balancing effect on the thyroid gland thus helping overweight people to lose weight. One must be careful about the overdose of this supplement. Avoid taking the iodine supplement if you are sensitive to iodine.

Walking

Walking can provide a simple solution to lose weight if you are suffering from hypothyroidism. Regular walking at your own pace allows you to manage weight. A 30 minutes walk for at least 5 times a week is beneficial to balance your thyroid and lose that extra lard. To make your walking program more rigorous, you could include activities like hiking, power walking and back packing. Walking during under active thyroid condition allows you not only to lose weight and burn calories but it also prevents diseases like kidney disease and diabetes. Consult your physician before you include walking in your daily regime in case you have underlying conditions like diabetic neuropathy or a blood clot you may have to be treated before you are actually advised to do so. It is advisable to take sufficient rest and drink plenty of fluids to avoid fatigue and maintain proper fluid levels.

Medication

Levothyroxine is a synthetic thyroid hormone prescribed for hypothyroidism. This medication helps to normalize your metabolism thus helping you to lose weight easily. This medication should be taken life long to help you stabilize your condition. Make sure that nothing in your dietary regime interferes with the absorption of your medication. This medication should be taken with an empty stomach all alone. Vitamins containing calcium and iron and antacids with aluminium hydroxide can block the consumption of levothyroxine. So, if you have to take any iron or calcium supplements, then make sure that you take them two to four hours after the consumption of levothyroxine.

Carbohyrates

If you are suffering from hypo-thyroid, then carbohydrates are not good for you. During hypothyroid condition, metabolism of the body slows down and with it the ability of body to process sugar also slows down resulting in higher glucose and insulin levels. The consumption of carbohydrates such as sugar and starch should be kept to a minimum. Include carbohydrates which have a minimal effect on your glucose level which will help you lose weight with your prescribed medication. Though there is no specific diet to treat hypothyroidism, but following a diet low in carbohydrates can help in controlling your weight. Avoid the consumption of foods like refined sugar, flour, corn syrup, candy, cookies, canned fruit juices, white bread, pastas, rice, potatoes, etc., and maintain a healthy weight.

Herbal remedy or Ayurveda

Ayurveda or herbal remedy cures the patients through almost 250 herbal plants. Siberian ginseng and black walnut assist thyroid function and support adrenal and thymus glands. Guggulu an Ayurveda or herbal preparation is also helpful in the stimulation of thyroid gland. Spirulina and black chohosh are other herbal remedies which can help to balance your thyroid function thus regulating your metabolism and resulting in a weight loss. Do consult your doctor before putting it in practice. Ayurveda is an efficient remedy for weight loss and slows metabolism in hypothyroidism and demands the preparation of baked and grilled foods with minimal use of butter and oil. Check with an Ayurvedic physician for the intake of proper dosage. Herbal remedies promote the weight loss in under active or hypo thyroid and activate proper digestion and metabolism and absorb the nutrients effectively to eliminate the growth of waste and toxins in the body. Though these herbal remedies are unlikely to have any side effects, but it is always better to check with your doctor for any avoidable interactions with already prescribed medicines.

Yoga

Yoga is a wonderful technique to combat hypo-thyroid and high stress level. The sarvangasana or the shoulder stand pose is an appropriate pose for the movement of thyroid gland. This posture helps to improve the blood circulation and flush out unnecessary toxins from the body. According to the yoga theory, the postures which include compression of chin against your chest stimulate the thyroid and parathyroid glands located in the lower part of your throat. Yoga helps the hypo-thyroid patients produce sufficient levels of thyroxine which helps in regulating the metabolic process which further helps in burning the extra calories efficiently. Some of the breathing exercises also help in directing the flow of oxygen and thus balancing the function of thyroid glands. Other techniques which are helpful in losing weight in hypothyroidism are the rabbit pose, downward dog pose, kapalbhrti or the cleansing breath, pavan mukt asana or the wind removing pose, backward and forward bending pose, bikram yoga if practiced daily for 30 to 45 minutes would definitely help you to elevate the metabolic rate and shed those extra pounds. Don’t forget to take proper guidance of the a yoga instructor and your doctor before incorporating these poses in your schedule.

Strength training

A hypothyroid condition is responsible for sluggishness, slow metabolic rate, loss of strength and fatigue in the body, which pose as a hindrance in performing physical activity and thus elevating the chances of weight gain. Strength training includes muscle and strength building exercises which help in handling your daily routine more efficiently. This technique includes working out with weights at home or a gym. Lunges, leg raises and push ups are also a part of strength training program. Combine weight training with some aerobic exercises to achieve maximum weight loss. This activity has no side effects and it provides long term benefits to the patient in improving general health and losing weight. Start with two days in a week, working out slowly and gradually and achieve a higher competence with practice.

Interval aerobics

Interval aerobics is a 20 minute aerobic activity which one enjoys doing like walking, running, jumping rope, stationary bike or stair climbing. Now evaluate in your mind the time period you could perform this activity for on a scale of 1 to 10. Supposedly your scale is 10, bring down the activity to half i.e. 5 to begin with. Do this activity for 2 minutes everyday at level 5, then go up to a level of 6, 7, 8, 9 and 10 in succession. Then for a minute return to level six and resume as before. Repeat the fourth run and perform levels 6 through 9 for 18 minutes. Go to level 10 the hardest you can achieve for one minute. Now finish it to scale 5 in the last minute. This regime would boost your stamina and prepare your body for more effective workouts. Patients of hypothyroidism would certainly find this strategy beneficial to gain strength and regulate their metabolic rate.

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