Diet and Exercise advice needed for Hypothryoid

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Hello!
I am 31 years old at 162 lbs. In the past two years I have gained ~40 lbs due to issues from having an under-active thyroid. I am currently taking medication and also being tested for other issues which could be causing the condition (Hashimoto's disease). I have read several articles and a couple books and there does not seem to be one standard for a diet for hypothyroidism. I'm steadily gaining weight and am very unhappy. Is there any workout or diet that has worked for anyone dealing with these issues?

Also, are there any groups out there for people with thyroid disease? I'd love to see what everyone is learning and sharing.

Thanks!

Replies

  • snowangel43
    snowangel43 Posts: 7 Member
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    www.thyroidchange.org
  • snowangel43
    snowangel43 Posts: 7 Member
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    www.thyroidchange.org
    I am hypothyroidism for many years and I am having problems with weight gain too.
    That's why I joined the group here and get some help and support.
    Good Luck!
    Feel free to add me as a friend :-)
  • editorgrrl
    editorgrrl Posts: 7,060 Member
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    MFP has a "Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism" group: http://www.myfitnesspal.com/forums/show/770-hypothyroidism-and-hyperthyroidism

    I have Hashimoto's. There's no special diet needed. Everyone loses by eating at a deficit. I lost really slowly (20 lbs. in a year), but I lost.

    Edited to add that Synthroid should be taken on an empty stomach w/ a full glass of water. Wait an hour before eating or drinking anything but water. Wait at least 4 hours before taking vitamin or mineral supplements.
  • kimad
    kimad Posts: 3,010 Member
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    I read a book once called the Thyroid Diet. But in all honesty if your levels are normal with Meds you should be able to loose weight eating right at a deficit and exercise. Nothing fancy here. That's all I did. Good luck.
  • Taytoretots
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    I have hypothyroidism as well, though mine is not active at all (due to a greater issue that caused it).
    Hypothyroidism is of course not one of those diseases that has a specific diet to it, for example diabetes, so you'll be hard pressed to find some sort of cookbook or excersise specifically for it or that will help it.
    Do you have a specialist for this issue? If so, they are used to these kinds of questions and may have answers that have worked for other patients.
    A big aspect will be your metabolism. I don't know very much, but from what i've talked about and heard, it's good to have your daily carbs in the morning, because that's what your metabolism will assume it has to be able to kill off for the rest of the day (sorry for crude terms), and so you'll eat healthy for the day, things low in fat and carbs etc. It will help get your metabolism to become faster. Though I would do more research on it, as I am by no means an expert.
    The excersise I do to try to stop weight gain and (cross your fingers) lose weight is currently the 30 day shred. It is only about 20 minutes not including the warm up, but it is a pretty hard core workout, so you can usually fit it in within your day while still doing a great workout. A great amount of people have seen good results.
    Good luck!
  • Huppmanj
    Huppmanj Posts: 60 Member
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    Once your thyroid levels are corrected with medication/surgery, you will be able to loose weight- I promise! In the meantime, do your best to eat at a deficit and exercise. Even when you don't feel like hitting the gym, at least take a walk, you will feel much better if you do. Hang in there- you're not alone!!
  • kimad
    kimad Posts: 3,010 Member
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    Edited to add that Synthroid should be taken on an empty stomach w/ a full glass of water. Wait an hour before eating or drinking anything but water. Wait at least 4 hours before taking vitamin or mineral supplements.

    While I read this on here before I was never told it nor have I followed it for 14 years and my levels are fine. Interesting!!!
  • jennibuswell
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    I have Hypothyroidism too and have put on such a depressing amont of weight. My DR says my levels are right now so hopefully the weight will start to come off. I hate this condition!!
  • jtjeprovost
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    I have Hypothyroidism along with fibromyalgia and sever migraines. I am on medication for my thyroid and the doctors say my numbers are where they should be but I have consistently gained weight to a total of 50 pounds over the past few years the most I have ever weighed even though I would exercise and watch what I would eat. I decided to try something different I joined a gym and I work out for at lest 5 day a week and at least 1 hour to 1 and 1/2 each of those days and the scales have finally started to go down not a lot it is only 2 pounds but that is the first time the scales have started moving downward in along time. I am noticing that my clothes are fitting me better though so even though the scales aren't moving as quick as I would like them to them results are coming along. I have found that doing zumba 2 times a week and TRX 2 times and then pick 1 other class to throw in the mix has been working really well and keeping me from getting bored and then I also on the days that I do zumba also do my weights to help with my toning for those days. Not only is it benefiting me for my weightless but it is helping me with my fibromyalgia pain the pain goes away while I am exercing and I get relief for about and hour after I am done before it starts to come back