Hypothyroidism often causes patients to gain weight, which is a common cause for frustration among patients. Many patients who begin treatment for hypothyroidism want immediate results. They want weight gained as a result of thyroid disease to simply fall off. But this doesn’t always happen.
Weight gained can take some time to come off. The good news is with regular treatment and a weight loss plan, the weight gained as a result of hypothyroidism can come off. Patients can develop a weight loss and exercise program that will help them lose weight and keep it off.
Weight Loss Hypothyroid Diet
Do patients with hypothyroid disease have to consume a special diet? Sometimes patients with hypothyroid disease benefit by taking certain supplements to help support the thyroid. These supplements help the thyroid gland regulate the release of thyroid hormones in the body.
Thyroid hormones are responsible for many body functions including fat metabolism. If fat metabolism is affected because the thyroid is under active, then a person will have a hard time losing weight. If however someone is actively seeking treatment for hypothyroid disease and following an appropriate and healthy diet, they will lose weight. So what is a healthy diet for hypothyroidism and how does one lose weight?
The diet for hypothyroid disease is much like any other diet. Patients should consume plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean sources of protein. Patients benefit from eating several smaller meals per day rather than eating three large meals, because this helps keep fat burning throughout the day and provides the body with energy.
Some supplements including selenium and Vitamin B are helpful for people with hypothyroidism because they nourish the thyroid gland.
Certain foods are very helpful for patients trying to lose weight including kelp, which contains natural iodine. Many believe kelp also aids in fat metabolism or weight loss.
Exercise And Hypothyroid Disease
Ultimately, any weight loss program must also include exercise. Patients with hypothyroid disease must plan to exercise at least 3x a week or more to lose weight. A strength training and cardiovascular program is highly beneficial to anyone who wants to lose weight. Weight loss will occur more rapidly for patients willing to exercise three times a week or more.
There are many types of exercise a patient can try. Swimming is a great exercise that is easy on the body and joints. It exercises the entire body. 20-30 minutes in the pool will accomplish more than most people realize.
Walking is another great form of exercise. It doesn’t require any equipment and patients do not require a membership to the gym. You just need to have a decent pair of shoes, although there are those that claim they prefer walking barefoot.
If you can get outside to walk three or more days each week, you will see much more dramatic results in your weight loss program. You can consult with your healthcare provider about the intensity and duration of your walking and other cardiovascular activities during the course of your treatment program. If your doctor or health provider approves, you can increase the intensity of your workouts as you continue to gain strength and become healthier.
Strength training is also a great way to help improve your health and increase the rate at which your body burns fat. If you can, you should consult with a trainer or physical therapist, or anyone else that can help teach you how to train with weights without straining your body. Using proper form is essential to strength training. Once you know what you are doing you should try to strength train at least two times each week. This will help build stronger bones and help increase the rate at which you burn fat.