Hypothyroidism: What it is and how to handle it!

So, as I travel this journey one thing most important is knowledge. Knowledge about my conditions, how to handle them and what to do to beat them.  So step one in educating myself is make myself familiar with hypothyroidism. This condition is what is going to be the biggest struggle for me, as one of the main symptoms is weight gain.  Heres what I have learned:

Foods that cause hypothyroidism

Many common foods can cause hypothyroidism if you eat them in sufficient quantities, especially if you have an iodine deficiency. These foods are called goitrogens because they can trigger the enlargement of the thyroid (a goiter) as well as hypothyroidism. They block the conversion of T4 hormone to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Among the more common foods that cause this condition are

• Almond seeds

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Corn (**this is one of my favorite foods.....)

• Kale

• Turnips

If consuming these foods causes your condition, simply removing them from your diet will cure your hypothyroidism. It takes between three and six weeks for your thyroid to return to normal after you stop eating these foods. (www.dummies.com)

 

List of Foods for Hypothyroidism

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegatables supply rich amounts of nutrients, many of which strengthen your body's ability to protect itself from infections and disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce symptoms of underactive thyroid. As fiber-rich foods, fruits and vegetables can help remedy constipation and enhance satiation. They also provide low-calorie alternatives to processed snack foods. Limit consumption of vegetables that may interfere with thyroid function, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens. Fruits and vegetables rich in disease-fighting nutrients that you may consume more freely include blueberries, cherries, red plums, kiwifruit, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash and red and green bell peppers.

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Whole Grains

Like fruits and vegetables, whole grains provide significant amounts of fiber and nutrients, including B vitamins, which contribute to your metabolism and energy levels, as well as the mineral selenium. Selenium stimulates thyroid function, according to women's health expert and coauthor of "Energy Medicine for Women," Dr. Christiane Northrup. Whole grains are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar. Maintaining proper blood sugar balance can help ensure sustained energy levels and fullness between meals. To reap ample benefits of whole grains, replace enriched flour products, such as white bread and pretzels, with healthier foods, such as 100 percent whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, quinoa and air-popped popcorn.

Fatty Fish (** i dont eat fish/seafood)

Oil found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout and flounder, contains omega-3 fatty acids-- essential fats associated with positive heart health and brain function. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that people with hypothyroidism consume omega-3 fats regularly for improved immune system function and reduced inflammation. As protein-rich foods, fatty fish also promote healthy blood sugar levels and provide nutritious alternatives to protein sources rich in saturated fat, such as red and processed meats.

Poultry

Poultry provides rich amounts of protein and nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc and iron. Iron deficiency is common among postmenopausal women and may cause symptoms similar to those of hypothyroidism, such lethargy, confusion and headache. If you have hypothyroidism, iron deficiency may worsen your symptoms. Since iron supplements can interfere with thyroid medications, incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet is important. Choose lean poultry varieties most often, such as baked, roasted or grilled chicken and turkey breasts, served without the skin. Chicken eggs are also rich sources of protein. To avoid excessive saturated fat and cholesterol intake, consume egg whites over yolks most often.

(http://www.livestrong.com/article/353758-list-of-foods-for-hypothyroidism/#ixzz2RUFHijcj)

 

 

What Is the Best Workout If You Have Hypothyroidism?
(http://www.livestrong.com/article/477000-what-is-the-best-workout-if-you-have-hypothyroidism/#ixzz2RUJsawYE)

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Aerobic Exercise

Some experts believe aerobic exercise is the best type for hypothyroidism. Thyroid Guide recommends rowing, swimming, walking, cycling, hiking and dancing -- activities that get your heart pumping and cause you to sweat -- as good aerobic exercise. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart and lungs and burn calories. At least 30-minute sessions four to five days a week are suggested. Mary Shomon, thyroid advocate and author of "Living Well With Hypothyroidism," adds that aerobic exercise is a natural mood elevator and antidepressant that can help the depression that often accompanies an under-functioning thyroid.

Strength Training

Also important are muscle and strength-building exercises. These types of exercises protect the joints, tendons and ligaments and build strength for handling everyday activities such as carrying groceries. Working out at a gym or at home with weights is an example, as are exercises like lunges, leg raises and pushups. These exercises raise the metabolic rate as well. A combination of aerobic exercise and strength training would be a good program for someone with hypothyroidism. You can alternate between the two on different days of the week. In all exercises, start slowly and work up to a higher level.

Interval Aerobics

Writing for Thyroid-Info.com, Mary Shomon advocates a program of 20-minute interval aerobics. Start by picking an aerobic activity you enjoy doing, such as walking, running, jumping rope or stationary bike or stairclimber. Imagine the hardest you could possibly work at this activity on a scale from 1 to 10, which would probably be a 10. Cut the level in half, to a 5, to begin with. For 2 minutes do the activity at a level 5. Then go up to 6 for a minute, then 7, then 8 and then 9. Return to level 6 for a minute and continue the succession as before. On the fourth run-through, do levels 6 through 9 again, but during the 18th minute, go to level 10, the hardest you can go, for 1 minute. Finish up with level 5 for the last minute. Notice that it is all relative to your fitness level. Your level 5 might be someone else's level 8.

Read more: http://www.livestrong.com/article/477000-what-is-the-best-workout-if-you-have-hypothyroidism/#ixzz2RUJjrr1k

 

 

So as you can see this journey is going to be tough, this plus PCOS (poly cystic ovarian syndrome) (more info about that coming up next) are going to make this extremely hard!