Hypothyroidism

verity434 wrote: »

Hi,
I looked at the community section of mfp in the hope of finding inspiration. I used to use this app with my best friend until she got diagnosed with leukaemia. Then, obviously, weight loss was no longer a priority. Since she left us in the summer I lost my way health wise and have gained weight due to making bad choices. I didn't feel I had any support to give, I thought I would be just taking until I saw this feed:
I was an undiagnosed hypothyroidism sufferer. I was exercising like mad:hiit, running (up to 12 miles), T25 and step- 6 days a week. I craved carbs and wasn't getting enough sleep with two young rugrats and a business to run.
Shortness of breath and exhaustion led me to a nurse practitioner and a blood test after being told by my GP I couldn't possibly be anaemic so was diagnosed mild asthmatic(!). My Hb was 8 and my thyroid bloods flagged a problem. I'd just undertaken a 12k obstacle course the previous week and was cross with myself as I knew I should have been faster.
I was told to halt all exercise at that point. All I could do was wonder how much faster my parkrun could get if I wasn't anaemic!
Later I was to realise I had 'brain fog' (very technical), I was getting more unwell and ignoring all my symptoms without realising, putting everything down to my hectic lifestyle. I had put pressure on my heart and cardiology were concerned I was in the first stage of heart failure at 40.
Getting on top of my thyroid levels didn't right things immediately. I think it took a while for my body to catch up. After nearly a year of being on thyroxine and what felt like a trillion web searches I stumbled upon an author who stated that eating a gluten free diet can reduce hypothyroid symptoms, explaining that the blood-brain barrier was influenced by gluten in the same way the blood-gut barrier was. Within three days of going gluten free I was less exhausted (my eyes would normally be trying to shut during basic tasks and some days I couldn't drive because of it), I felt less 'heavy' and I started to feel somewhat normal again.
Now I know that maybe I have a wheat intolerance alongside a thyroid problem but from what I've read there are links, some suggesting that gluten can be a causal factor of autoimmune problems in the first place, (Just putting it out there, not needing to be challenged, as it's only from what I've read).
My weight loss became easier and up until this spring I've stayed on top of things with minimal exercise due to my cardiac issues being still under investigation.
The line that eating less calories than you burn is the simple answer to weight loss is something I would have sworn to be an obvious truth but I am now of the opinion that not all calories are equal. If I'm eating healthily I can eat more calories and not gain weight than if I eat unhealthy foods. A couple of unhealthy days can bloat me and shift the scales by 6lbs easily which may not sound believable but I do believe that a thyroid problem can leave you more susceptible to erratic weight surges dependent on the type of foods you are eating.
So, my suggestions would be: check all the things the other guys are advising, correct logging etc but if you find no obvious issue with how you're managing things, get you Hb checked as my carb intake lowered once I increased my Hb to within normal limits. (It is written that the chemical reaction caused if gluten intolerant gives your body a kind of 'high' so your body unwittingly craves that high and you find yourself eating the foods that are actually causing the problem).
Try a gluten free diet, needs a bit of research and can be a pain at times but the results were definitely worth it for me and I've stuck to it for 15 months now.
And consider what 'type'of calories you are consuming, as with the condition you have, you may be scuppering your hard work through just a couple of negative choices, e.g. Sugar has been linked to exacerbating thyroid issues.
I also used a supplement called Glucobalance which helped me kick start my healthy eating. It helps balance glucose levels so leaves you able to eat carbs without it triggering a craving for more.(you'd need to check that you are a suitable candidate for taking them, not everyone is, especially if diabetic).
Sorry if too much typing but I know how it can feel when you're struggling with no obvious reason why. I've gained 8lbs since spring but through terrible food choices, seeing it as comfort eating but ironically getting very little comfort from it. I know that if I make healthy choices and watch my sugar intake, being gluten free has changed how my body manages weight loss.
Don't give up! Hope this helps x

mommy404 wrote: »

Sorry to hear about your struggles. There is a lot of research going on regarding the relationship between thyroid issues and gluten. My personal experience was very similar to verity 434. Until I eliminated gluten from my diet I was unable to loose any weight and the weight swings were brutal. It is also important to point out that dairy and gluten intolerance also have a connection and that dairy should not be ingested 3 hours after taking synthroid. It is hopeful that once they adjust your t3 levels that you may find the success you are hoping for. I have heard that dessicated thyroid meds work better for many and synthroid often needs a t3 supplement. As a fellow Canadian those are really the only choices and most drs hate dessicated thyroid meds. I wish you success and hopefully this doctor will be able to get your numbers to where they need to be.

spiritbrat wrote: »

What Meds are you on? Are you suppose to wait an hour before eating on them? Or are there any instructions maybe you over looked? Also have you talked to your doctor about diet? Maybe he or she over looked telling you to avoid something?

spiritbrat wrote: »

I take synthroid too. I'm surprised your dr hasn't tried other medications or has he? Wish I could help more. You are correct about this medication though. Least from my understanding. I truly hope you feel better soon.