Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and a host of other symptoms.
If you have hypothyroidism and want to lose weight, there are a few things you can do. Here are 10 tips to help you lose weight with hypothyroidism.
- Get tested and treated for hypothyroidism
The first step is to get tested for hypothyroidism. Once you know you have the condition, you can work with your doctor to get the proper treatment. This may involve taking thyroid hormone replacement medication.
- Watch your calorie intake
To lose weight, you need to create a calorie deficit. This means you need to burn more calories than you consume. If you have hypothyroidism, you may need to eat fewer calories than someone without the condition.
- Increase your activity level
Exercise is important for weight loss. But if you have hypothyroidism, you may need to be careful about the types and intensity of exercise you do. Talk to your doctor about what’s safe for you.
- Avoid goitrogens
Goitrogens are substances that can interfere with thyroid function. Some foods that contain goitrogens include soy, kale, and cabbage. If you have lose weight with hypothyroidism, you may need to limit or avoid these foods.
- Get enough iodine
Iodine is a mineral that’s important for thyroid function. If you have hypothyroidism, you may need to make sure you’re getting enough iodine in your diet. Seafood, dairy, and eggs are good sources of iodine.
- Don’t skimp on sleep
Getting enough sleep is important for overall health. But it’s especially important if you have hypothyroidism. That’s because sleep helps your body regenerate and heal.
- Manage stress
Chronic stress can worsen hypothyroidism. If you can, find ways to manage stress. This may include yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
- Avoid toxins
Exposure to certain toxins can trigger or worsen hypothyroidism. So it’s important to avoid toxins as much as possible. This includes things like cigarette smoke and mercury.
- Take supplements
Certain supplements may help improve thyroid function. These include selenium, zinc, and iron. But talk to your doctor before taking any supplements.
- Lose weight slowly
If you have hypothyroidism, it’s important to lose weight slowly. That’s because rapid weight loss can worsen the condition. A slow and steady approach is best.
If you have hypothyroidism, you may struggle with fatigue and insomnia. You might have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. This can lead to daytime sleepiness and make it difficult to concentrate or complete simple tasks.