Posted on 22nd Dec 2019 @ 9:33 AM

Healthy foods, controlled portion sizes, and regular exercise — these are key components to losing weight. But if you have hypothyroidism, your underactive thyroid gland may also play a role.

If hypothyroidism is inadequately treated it can be harder to lose weight, since the thyroid is a large regulator of metabolic function. (Weight gain is often the first noticeable symptom of low thyroid.) The most important thing you can do — for weight loss and for your overall health — is to get proper treatment for your hypothyroidism. However, making a few dietary changes may help boost weight loss success. Losing weight is never easy, but people who have well-controlled hypothyroidism shouldn’t struggle to lose weight more than anyone else.

Use these five strategies to jump-start weight loss with hypothyroidism.
1. Low-carbohydrate diet that focuses on complex carbohydrates (think starchy vegetables and legumes) and avoids simple sugars (pass on the candy and soda). But eating enough calories because "low calories can cause a stress response and result in decreased T3 [the active thyroid hormone triiodothyronine] production。

2. Eat More Anti-Inflammatory FoodsAnti-inflammatory foods can help ease joint aches and pains as well as depression, all of which can result from hypothyroidism. And anti-inflammatory foods can help soothe the immune system, which is often in overdrive in people with hypothyroidism。An anti-inflammatory diet can help calm the immune system and excessive inflammation, and support adequate intake of the essential nutrients needed for healthy thyroid function, including magnesium, B vitamins, zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamin C。Leafy green vegetables, tomatoes, fatty fish, nuts, fruit, and olive oil are all good foods to battle inflammation. And this diet decreases the burden on the liver to metabolize highly processed foods. “Healthy liver function is essential because the liver is responsible for converting 60 percent of T4 [the thyroid hormone thyroxine] to T3.

3. Stick to Small, Frequent MealsHypothyroidism slows digestive function. Eating smaller, more frequent meals with balanced macronutrients — quality proteins, complex carbs, and healthy fats — supports balanced blood sugar and helps avoid the highs and lows of oversized, highly processed meals.

4. Keep a Food DiaryYour daily caloric intake can quickly skyrocket unless you log everything you eat and drink. It can also help ensure that you’re eating a balanced diet. Keeping a food journal is important for someone with hypothyroidism to track their macronutrient intake. A diet high in healthy fats, moderate proteins, and moderate to low carbohydrates is best for thyroid function.

5. Move Your Body Exercise is an important complement to a healthy diet in order to help burn calories. But consider the individual case, if a person is terribly fatigued, exercise can further suppress hypothyroidism. If a person has properly managed their hypothyroid and has the energy, exercise is encouraged.