Hashimoto S Thyroiditis Diet Hypothyroidism - Will it Stop You From Losing Weight.
Most of us have heard of hypothyroidism but have no idea what it is. Likewise, we know we have a thyroid gland but no clue as to what it even does. Your thyroid gland is an endocrine gland found in your neck. It is one of the largest endocrine glands in your body and produces hormones that regulate the rate of your metabolism and affects the growth and rate of function of many of your body's other systems. Hypothyroidism is a state in which your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone. This can often lead to weight gain and difficulty in losing weight.
Although this may sound like an excuse, people with hypothyroidism have an all too real gland problem that can stand in the way of them losing weight. People often roll their eyes when overweight people state that they have a "gland problem", but it may be true.
There are three types of hypothyroidism: primary, secondary and tertiary. They are named for how many steps away they are from affecting your thyroid directly.
Primary hypothyroidism results from Hashimoto's thyroiditis (an autoimmune disease in which your T-cells attack your thyroid cells) or radioiodine treatment for hyperthyroidism.
Secondary hypothyroidism occurs if your pituitary gland doesn't produce enough thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, to induce the thyroid gland to make enough hormones. This is usually a result of damage to your pituitary gland by radiation, surgery, or a tumor.
Tertiary hypothyroidism, also known as hypothalamic-pituitary-axis hypothyroidism, results when your hypothalamus does not produce enough thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), which stimulates your pituitary gland to produce thyrotropin (TSH).
No matter what type you have, or what the cause is, the fact of the matter is your metabolism is affected. Without the proper amount of hormone affecting your metabolism, your body will have to work harder in order to lose weight.
Also, hypothyroidism often affects your very brain chemistry. Your hypothalamus in your brain creates the feeling you know as "hunger" by releasing neuropeptide Y and the feeling of being satiated, which it creates through releasing serotonin. If you have a thyroid problem, your metabolism is slowed and there is a miscommunication with your brain. What your hypothalamus deems an appropriate intake of food may be too much for your metabolism, resulting in weight gain.
There is also the effect of stress. When you have hypothyroidism, your body is under stress, which reduces the release of serotonin. Therefore, you get a delayed feeling of satiation and eat more food, resulting in weight gain.
Although you can't say that hypothyroidism will stop you from losing weight, it certainly affects your ability to lose weight.
First and foremost, you need to have an appropriate treatment for this disorder. There are a few medications available and your doctor can point you in the right direction as far as that goes. Second, try to eat a high protein, low-sugar, low refined carbohydrate diet. Third, monitor your blood pressure, cholesterol level, blood glucose level and thyroid level. Knowing this kind of information about your body is vital to losing weight and monitoring your hypothyroidism. Lastly, of course, is exercise. You don't have to go out and run ten miles every day, but some sort of aerobic exercise five days a week is a good idea. After all, people were not meant to sit around in chairs all day.
We've all heard overweight people claim that they have a gland problem, but the fact of the matter is that this may truly be the case for them. Thousands of people the world over suffer from hypothyroidism, by no fault of their own. Although it can severely affect your ability to lose weight, it does not prohibit weight loss. Admittedly, it is very easy to just say oh well and use your condition as an excuse to not even try to peel off some pounds, but you should really double your efforts to lose weight if you are diagnosed with this disease.
If you want to live a longer, healthier life, it is essential that you bring your weight under control. Obese people without a doubt lead lives plagued with heart problems and many other issues that usually lead to an early death. If you want to avoid that fate it is vital that you take action today and do something to deal with your health problem. See a doctor, talk to a dietitian, do some research. It just might save your life. Hypothyroidism does not need to be a paralyzing disease.
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