Hashimoto’s and Sugar Cravings

iamMaLisa
iamMaLisa Posts: 278 Member
in Motivation and Support
I have recently been diagnosed with Hashimoto’s (December 2012) by my gynecologist. I was referred to an Endocrinologist but apparently there is high demand for appointments and I have had to wait since then for my appointment.. I will get to see them on the 29th of this month. I am not on any medication as to my Dr wouldn’t treat me since he doesn’t know enough about the illness so I was referred out.. I have been reading a lot of information about it, since I knew nothing or have ever herd of such a thing. Anyways, my question is that I have been craving nothing but fruit, I am certain it’s the sugar.. all I eat anymore is fruit.. breakfast lunch and snacks… all fruit.. I don’t want regular food..

i have many more issues.. but this seems to be the biggest question for me today...

Is there anything I can do while I wait for the doctor?

Replies

  • Lizzy622
    Lizzy622 Posts: 3,705 Member
    Stay away from raw brocolli, cauliflower and cabbage (cooked is okay) and soy products, I heard they can make things worse. Keep exercising and don't get too upset or discouraged if you don't see any weight loss for a while. Good luck
  • paxbfl
    paxbfl Posts: 391 Member
    I don't know much about thyroid issues. But I know about sugar cravings because I used to have big problems with it.

    Foods that are high in sugar cause a spike in blood sugar. After a while, your blood sugar crashes and you crave sugar again. I call it the sugar roller coaster - you go up and then you come crashing down and look for more sugar to pick you back up.

    I did two things. First, I got away from all refined sugar and simple carbs like white bread and pasta. I didn't eliminate fruit but definitely cut back on it. In your case, maybe eliminate it completely until you're sure you can handle eating it in moderation.

    Second, I ate mini-meals. Large meals also cause a spike and subsequent crash in blood sugar. So I'd eat 5-6 smaller meals through out the day to keep my blood sugar more stable.

    These two things basically eliminated my sugar cravings. I'm not going to tell you I wouldn't be happy with a candy bar or a big bowl of pasta right now, but I can easily resist now.

    I'm curious how (or if) the thyroid issue would be related to your craving sugar. Maybe you're using sugar as a "pick me up" for energy to counter the fatigue from the Hashimoto's?

    Hope this helps!
  • raeleek
    raeleek Posts: 414 Member
    Stay away from raw brocolli, cauliflower and cabbage (cooked is okay) and soy products, I heard they can make things worse. Keep exercising and don't get too upset or discouraged if you don't see any weight loss for a while. Good luck

    Good advice. I personally don't have thyroid issues but almost every other female on my mom's side does and they were all told the same thing.

    My doctor, knowing my family history, recommended that I take and Iodine supplement. Check with your doctor first of course but I have noticed I'm more clear-headed in general, my sugar cravings are much much lower, and my muscles and joints feel better overall.

    Again, mine is under dr supervision and, before I get nipped at, yes, what works for some will not work for others and check with your doctor before taking anything.

    I AM NOT pushing this but this is the brand I take, http://www.amazon.com/Iodoral-Potency-Potassium-Supplement-Tablets/dp/B000WG3FU4

    I take half a pill one day and then a full pill the next. Good luck!!!!
  • theCarlton
    theCarlton Posts: 1,344 Member
    How long have you been craving fruit?
  • iamMaLisa
    iamMaLisa Posts: 278 Member
    Thanks ill get into it.... I havent lost any weight in almost two years even with a nutritionist and a personal trainer... and yes i have hit bottom with my self esteem issues because of it..

    yes.. the sugar is a pick me up... i am trying atleast to keep it to the fruit side rather then candy...

    dang.. i love brocolli, cauliflower and cabbage.. poop...

    i get so tired i often slur my words... so ive started taking B-12 and its helped some.
  • iamMaLisa
    iamMaLisa Posts: 278 Member
    about three weeks.
  • iamMaLisa
    iamMaLisa Posts: 278 Member
    How long have you been craving fruit?



    oops... about three weeks
  • theCarlton
    theCarlton Posts: 1,344 Member
    How long have you been craving fruit?

    oops... about three weeks
    There are a lot of cravings that could be satisfied with the craving for fruit. I'm not a doctor, so I won't act like I know more than anyone else on the subject, but cravings for sweets are sometimes cravings for other things your body needs, like Carbon, Chromium, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Tryptophan. Just something to keep in mind. I don't think it's bad that you're eating so much fruit in response to it.

    Can you get your primary doctor to do a full blood workup for you? Then it'll be done already for the endocrinologist to examine right away, and maybe it'll reveal a deficiency that your primary can help you address. Good luck!
  • ElizabethKalmbach
    ElizabethKalmbach Posts: 1,415 Member
    I have hashimotos as well, and have been on a thyroid hormone supplement for about 6 years. My carb cravings went away when I reduced carbs in my diet and increased eating frequency while decreasing portion size. (8 oz of food ever 3 hours. Emphasis on protein and veggies. Lentil soup, etc.) I notice that I sometimes crave sweets if my thyroid has an uptick in functionality and I fall into the hyperthyroid zone for a while. When that happens, I have to adjust my meds down based on blood tests.

    The cruciferous veggies are considered "goitrogens." You should avoid them as they are bad for your thyroid gland and can result in a swollen gland called a "goiter." (Iodine supplement can help.) Soy products are xenoestrogen that can bond to what little thyroid hormone you have in your system and render it inoperative. Once you are on thyroid hormone supplements (if you end up on them) some soy will be fine, but you need to keep the amount consistent so that it can be accounted for when the doctor is calculating your dosage. Serious fluctuations in your soy intake can cause incorrect dosing. Similarly, switching birth control can change your required dose, etc. Estrogen and thyroid effect each other, so when one changes, pay attention to the other.

    Good luck!
  • sbbhbm
    sbbhbm Posts: 1,312 Member
    Sugar cravings really aren't connected to the Hashimoto's. If your thyroid has caused you to gain excessive weight however, you may be becoming insulin resistant. Insulin resistance will start a horrible spike and crash cycle- it's how I gained over 100 pounds in three months, and all I ate was fruit to try and cure the sugar cravings. I would let the endo know, and have them test your blood sugar.
  • iamMaLisa
    iamMaLisa Posts: 278 Member
    Thanks everyone.

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