Hypothyroidism manifests itself as lethargy, overweight, and difficulty concentrating. If you have these symptoms, get tested. Most likely, they are caused by a lack of thyroid hormones that need to be supplemented pharmacologically. Diet also helps in hypothyroidism.

Diet for hypothyroidismis a must, because a deregulated metabolism causes kilos to grow quickly.Thyroidis a tiny gland that produces the most important for metabolism hormones: triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and calcitonin, influencing the body's calcium and phosphorus balance. Thyroid hormones need iodine to develop their biological potential. Its recommended amount in the diet in thyroid diseases should be about 150 µg. So why, despite following the nutritional guidelines and hormone treatment, many patients still cannot cope with their carcass?

Hypothyroidism - diagnosis

Before a diagnosis is made by an endocrinologist, many patients go from specialist to specialist to deal with, inter alia, with depression, chronic fatigue, skin problems, high blood pressure and obesity. Hypothyroidism has so many different symptoms that it is difficult to diagnose quickly. The consequence of this is a significant reduction in metabolism. It is difficult to accelerate it with the appropriate dose of the drug afterwards. The endocrinologist does this gradually. Therefore, despite the treatment, many people still complain of being overweight and depressed mood. The matter is further complicated by a bad diet, lack of exercise, and even the wrong type of diet.

The unregulated metabolism of the thyroid gland badly tolerates a diet overloaded with carbohydrates, especially a vegetarian one, with a large amount of anti-nutritional compounds that inhibit the effects of iodine and the T3 hormone. He does not like sweets and dairy products enriched with sugar (all yoghurts, cottage cheese, sweetened milk drinks). These will slow down your metabolism and cause your body to accumulate every calorie you eat. Another cause of high body weight, despite taking hormones, may be their poor biological availability. Most often it is caused by interactions with other medications, celiac disease, intestinal diseases, a large amount of soy in the diet, and failure to observe the appropriate time (1 hour) from taking the pill to the first meal.

Important

When it comes tohypothyroidism?

  • In Hashimoto's disease, i.e. in the case of thyroiditis
  • After gland excision
  • After treatment for hyperthyroidism
  • With a high iodine deficiency

Movement for hypothyroidism

Without daily physical activity, you will not give thyroid hormones a chance and you will not feel their slimming effect on the body. There is only a small "but": in hypothyroidism, it is not advisable to try to force the muscles to put in a short but intense effort. No TBC, resistance exercises or modeling of "small muscles" using the sense of balance (F.I.R.E). After such an effort, the muscles will take a long time to regenerate, which can lead to inflammation. The best way to fight excess kilograms is the morning aerobic exercise (walking, running, swimming), which will cause you to burn calories for a few more hours after it. It is also the most effective speed for metabolism and allows the thyroid hormones to act in the cells.

You must do it

If you have 2-3 of these symptoms, seek help from an endocrinologist

  • Dry skin and swelling, especially of the upper body
  • Low appetite and weight gain
  • No desire for sex
  • Fatigue and depression
  • Feeling cold
  • Reluctance to exercise
  • Weak hair and nails, even baldness
  • High cholesterol and sugar
  • Pain in muscles and joints
  • Problems with menstruation and getting pregnant

Diet for hypothyroidism

It can accelerate metabolism and compensate for the deficiencies of many components related to thyroid diseases. In hypothyroidism, a diet rich in protein, carbohydrates with a low glycemic index, vegetables, fruit and he althy fats is recommended. The amount of calories should be properly balanced with the lifestyle. During slimming treatments, you must not limit the amount of calories consumed, because this treatment will additionally weaken the metabolism and promote weight gain. It is worth moving more and using the knowledge of a dietitian to properly select the diet and the amount of carbohydrates to proteins, increasing the amount of the latter.

Protein in the diet requires the body to spend the greatest amount of energy. This speeds up the metabolism by up to 25%. This is why the thyroid gland likes lean poultry, sea fish, veal, and eggs. Properly high protein intake will also stop the hair loss that often accompanies thyroid diseases.

Hypothyroidism is often accompanied by insulin resistance, so energy should be provided by carbohydrates digested slowly. So that glucose enters theyour bloodstream gradually, which in turn will control the release of insulin. Thanks to this, the body will not store the calories eaten. Also, the diet of "thyroid glands" must include a minimum of 25 g of fiber, due to frequent constipation and maintaining adequate insulin stimulation. Flaxseed, nuts and grains, apples, pears, vegetables and whole wheat bread are especially recommended. It is also worth taking care of the appropriate dose of selenium and zinc in the diet. They facilitate the conversion of T4 to T3 (it works more effectively in cells). A dose of 15 to 25 milligrams of zinc and 400 micrograms of selenium should be supplemented with supplements (after consultation with an endocrinologist). It is also worth taking care of the appropriate amount of good fats in the diet: olive oil, linseed oil or cod liver oil. A tablespoon every morning will stimulate the liver to transform T4 into T3 and thus increase metabolism.

Important

Does iodine harm? Yes and no

Noin the amount of about 150 µg, which is the standard recommended by nutritionists for he althy adults (Germany recommends 180-200 µg). Iodine inhibits further goiter enlargement in the case of its deficiency. Prevents the formation of nodules; and even if there are "hot nodules" in the thyroid gland, iodine may reveal latent hyperthyroidism, which will speed up diagnosis and treatment. Iodine is also not harmful in hyperthyroidism.Yes- people with autoimmune thyroid diseases, even at a safe level. Excess iodine in the diet can happen with supplementation with vitamins and minerals, algae preparations, or by eating large amounts of fish, seafood, and overuse of iodized s alt.

Average Food Iodine Levels (micrograms per 100g)

  • s alt 3000
  • seafood 66
  • vegetables 32
  • meat 26
  • eggs 26
  • follow 24
  • milk and its products 13
  • bread 10
  • fruit 4

Sample menu (approx. 1500 kcal)

Breakfast approx. 300 kcal and approx. 20 μg of iodineFruit muesli - 3 tablespoons of oat flakes, a glass of water, 2 peaches and a tablespoon of blueberries (can be frozen), a tablespoon of linseed linseed, a teaspoon of sunflower seeds. Soak the petals overnight. In the morning, add flaxseed and chopped fruit, sprinkle with blueberries and sunflower seeds. Green tea to drink.2nd breakfast approx. 250 kcal and 10 µg of iodineRaspberry cocktail - mix a tablespoon of linseed oil with a glass of raspberries (they can be frozen), buttermilk or whey (half a glass), a teaspoon honey, decorate with lemon balm.

Dinner approx. 500 kcal and 100 µg of iodineGrilled fish and vegetables - Nile perch fillet approx. 200 g sprinkle with lemon juice, sprinkle with sesame seeds and grill. Eat with stewed in olive oil and diced inpieces: zucchini, eggplant, small potatoes, red pepper and tomatoes. To drink broth.

Tea around 60 kcal and 10 μg of iodineApple

Dinner approx. 300 kcal and 40 μg of iodineScrambled eggs royal - beat one egg with milk (two tablespoons), add a tablespoon of grated cheese, chopped into tomato pieces. Fry on a teaspoon of butter. Sprinkle with chives and eat with a slice of wholemeal bread. Green tea to drink.

What should the diet for hypothyroidism look like? Advice is given by our expert - dietitian Adrianna Frelich

Category:

Diets