Hashimoto's/Hypothyroidism

I was just recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease which is leading to/lead to hypothyroidism. If anyone else on here has Hashi's or Hypothyroidism I'd love if you could share any tips on nutrition/weight loss/anything that has or is helping you. I don't know too much about it other than the basics, any information is helpful!

Replies

  • kimekakes28
    kimekakes28 Posts: 103 Member
    I have Grave's Disease which is another form of hypothyroidism. I was diagnosed in 2009. I was on medication for about a year, but really didn't like being on medication. My doctor told me the key was to exercise and limit processed foods. Hypothyroidism makes you tired anyway, so you kind of need to stay away from those foods that will make it worst. I haven't had to take any medication for three years. I've learned to listen to my body and watch the foods I eat. I know some people with Hashi's have issues with gluten. There is a support group in MFP for Hyper/ hypothyroidism.
    I learned to NOT let it control my life and just LIVE the life good purposed for me. I wish you great health.
  • BaconBae
    BaconBae Posts: 4,568 Member
    I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism when I was 10 - I'm 32 now. A daily Synthroid pill is what I have to take. It is supposed to be taken on an empty stomach relatively at the same time everyday (my Dr. says in the morning). I haven't really been following the routine since the end of the year 2014 with all the holiday eating and basic negligence and was taking it with my other vitamins at the end of the night and I just learned at my annual physical last month that that created complications with the absorption of the thyroid med.

    This has contributed to me now having vitiligo (loss of pigmentation of certain areas of your skin - for me it is a splotch on my back (didn't know for the past 2 years what it was until last month) and a splotch across the bridge of my nose which developed after a trip to India this Feb, possibly exacerabated because of the extended sun exposure). Vitiligo can occur for people with autoimmune diseases, i.e. Hashimoto, hypothyroidism, etc. In addition, I have Reynaud's disease which affects blood circulation in your extremities (fingers/toes), also affects people with autoimmune diseases. I get cold, numb and kinda purple in my fingers and toes...yea, not the best of scenarios...and it happens even when it's blazing hot outside.

    Not to overwhelm you, but one thing I've learned is to really keep to the schedule of taking the medication on time and be aware of other vitamins or medications that may interfere with the absorption of the med. Also, eating healthy...i'm doing organic foods now and trying to avoid oily, fried foods, especially because I tend to gain weight quickly with the hypothyroidism.

    Good luck with your journey and it's not as bad as it may seem as long as you stay on top of things.
  • CSARdiver
    CSARdiver Posts: 6,252 Member
    Total thyroidectomy in 2000 due to thyroid cancer. I put on ~80lbs over the last 14 years until finally fed up and got back in shape. Find an endocrinologist who is up to date and willing to work with you rather than just preach. FYI the narrowed range for TSH is 0.3-3.0 and you will feel the difference if over 3.0. Need to create a regimen and stick to it. Take your meds 1st thing and allow it to absorb (fast for 30mins after taking Synthroid).

    Stay active and do not let your exercise regimen fall. There is also a mental side to this - you may feel the desire to sleep all the time. I got over this by getting interested in everything. At the time I was finishing grad school and doubled up on my curriculum to force through this.

    I'm on .175/.200 mcg alt. day and feel wonderful. There are a few side effects, but nothing you cannot will yourself through.

    Best regards.
  • prowlingrowlin
    prowlingrowlin Posts: 7 Member
    Actually, Graves is the opposite (hyperthyroid) than Hashimoto's. I have Hashimoto's. I had to add cytomel to my Synthroid to start having any success at all with weight loss or symptom mgmt. I also try to limit carbs to 45g per meal and 15g per snack. I also avoid all soy because it mimics estrogen and that is not supposed to be good for people with Hashimoto's.
  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    I take my Synthroid around midnight. This gives enough time after my last meal and lets me wake up and not drag in the morning. I also try to eat a Brazil nut or three everyday for the selenium.
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
    edited May 2015
    ginaxmc wrote: »
    I was just recently diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease which is leading to/lead to hypothyroidism. If anyone else on here has Hashi's or Hypothyroidism I'd love if you could share any tips on nutrition/weight loss/anything that has or is helping you.

    I have Hashi's (autoimmune thyroid disease). The only treatment is hormone replacement—either synthetic or desiccated pig (or pig + cow) thyroid glands. Your endocrinologist will test your levels regularly & adjust your meds accordingly.

    There's no such thing as a thyroid diet. I lost weight just like everybody else—by eating fewer calories than I burn. Read the Sexypants post: http://community.myfitnesspal.com/en/discussion/1080242/a-guide-to-get-you-started-on-your-path-to-sexypants/p1