5 Dietary Tips to Help with Hypothyroidism

You’ve done everything right—you exercise regularly, you watch what you eat, and you get plenty of sleep every night. You should be losing weight, but you aren’t. Your thyroid, a gland that contributes to metabolic function, could be to blame. If you have an underactive thyroid, a condition called hypothyroidism, your metabolism could be slowing down to the point that you can’t achieve the results you want.

In addition to treating your hypothyroidism with your physician, there are dietary adjustments you can make so that your thyroid cooperates in your weight loss journey. Here are some tips you should keep in mind!

Cut Back on Sugar and Carbohydrates

Candy, soda, and other simple sugars are clearly not helpful when it comes to losing weight, but you should also stay away from simple carbs, such as those found in refined grains. Complex carbs in starchy vegetables are okay and shouldn’t lead to inflammation like other foods do.

Eat More Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Inflammation in the body is never a good thing, and people who struggle with hypothyroidism often struggle with it. Fortunately, certain foods can reduce inflammation, which not only helps soothe the immune system, but also makes it easier for the body to absorb and use nutrients in food. Some of these foods include leafy greens, fatty fish, olive oil, and nuts.

Record Your Food Intake

As simple as it may seem, the act of keeping track of the foods you eat can help you see whether you’re receiving the macronutrients—which are high protein, complex carbs, and healthy fats—your body needs. It can also reveal times of the day when you struggle with unhealthy foods or reveal certain indulgences that may be impeding your progress.

Have Smaller, More Frequent Meals

On a normal three-meals-a-day plan, your blood sugar levels can rise and fall significantly. Having smaller meals throughout the day can help you keep it more balanced and make it easier for an underactive thyroid to keep up.

Follow Directions for Your Thyroid Medication

When taking your thyroid medication, you need to have an empty stomach. Drink plenty of water and wait 30 to 60 minutes before eating to give the medication plenty of time to be absorbed.

In the end, hypothyroidism can be controlled through medication and smart diet choices. When it’s properly treated, you should be able to see more weight come off. So don’t give up on your goals!

About the Practice

Richardson Pain & Wellness is a clinic that helps with more than just pain management. We also can provide nutritional support and supplements for those seeking to lose significant weight. Are you interested in learning more about your weight loss options, such as HCG and Sermorelin? Give us a call at 972-907-1125 or visit our Contact Us page to schedule a consultation today!