Sluggish thyroid and still lose weight

What is the function of the thyroid gland?

Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ in your throat, just below the Adam's apple. It is responsible for growth and the production of hormones that regulate metabolism. In other words: the thyroid ensures that your food is converted into energy! Doesn't this work? Then you can imagine that you notice this on the scale or because you feel lethargic, cold or irritated (more about that later).

The brain controls the thyroid gland

The brain also produces hormones, such as TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). This hormone puts your thyroid gland to work. Your brain and your "throat butterfly" work closely together.

By reading this post you will understand how you can influence this collaboration. This ensures optimal metabolism and successful weight loss results.

Important thyroid hormones

The thyroid gland produces two important hormones:

T3 – Triiodothyronine
T4 – Thyroxine

It is essential that T3 and T4 levels are not too high or too low. You can easily test this at home. Within 6 days you will know whether your hormone balance is preventing you from losing weight.

Thyroid hormones in balance

How do you keep the thyroid hormones in balance? This balance is arranged in your head. Two glands in the brain, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland, communicate with each other to maintain the balance between T3 and T4. You can think of it as a conversation:

The hypothalamus signals the pituitary gland: "Hey, pituitary gland, tell the thyroid to produce more or less T3 and T4." The final level of T3 and T4 hormones in the body then determines whether more or less hormones need to be made.

• Low T3/T4 level: The pituitary gland releases more TSH to tell the thyroid gland to produce more thyroid hormones.
• High T3/T4 level: The pituitary gland releases less TSH to the thyroid to slow down the production of these hormones.

 What is an underactive thyroid?

You can compare this feedback mechanism with a thermostat on your heating: if it is colder in your house than the set temperature, the heating turns on. But is it warmer? Then the heater goes out.

If your 'thyroid thermostat' is broken, your body will use energy faster or slower than it should. The result is that you quickly lose or gain weight. In addition, all kinds of other physical and mental complaints occur.

Hypothyroidism

An underactive thyroid means that your thyroid gland produces too few hormones. This is called hypothyroidism. This is what happens:

• Your metabolism slows down;
• You notice this throughout your body and mind;
• You will notice that you are gaining weight or that losing weight is no longer possible.

Hyperthyroidism

The opposite can also happen; your thyroid gland produces too many hormones (hyperthyroidism). This causes the organ to work 'accelerated' (you lose weight too quickly).

If your thermostat is set to the slow setting, you can tell because, despite your best efforts, the arrow on your scale gets stuck. Because thyroid hormones affect almost all organs and processes in your body, the list of symptoms and complaints varies considerably. These are the most common signs and symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland:

• Not losing weight
• Fatigue
• Feeling cold (especially hands and feet)
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• muscle strain
• A sore throat
• Sleep problems
• Depression
• Low heart rate
• Constipation

Important: these symptoms can also have a completely different cause. So don't jump to a conclusion too quickly and, if you recognize yourself in this list of symptoms, first go to the doctor for a blood test.

How can I prevent or cure an underactive thyroid?

Has the doctor diagnosed you with an underactive thyroid? Then you want to know as quickly as possible how to get your thyroid working again, right? The solution depends on the cause, but fortunately you do not always have to go to the pharmacy for medication. There are also natural ways to support your thyroid.

Nutritional Tips for Promoting the Thyroid System

• Get enough iodine: The recommended daily allowance of iodine for adults is 150 micrograms per day (175 mcg for pregnant women). Foods rich in iodine include:
• Bread with iodized salt 
• Oily sea fish (herring, mackerel, salmon)
• Whitefish
• Egg
• Cheese
• Seaweed such as kelp and nori are also a good source of iodine, especially if you eat little or no animal products
• Please note: too much iodine can actually lead to thyroid problems. Make sure you do not exceed the daily intake of 150 mcg.

1. Eat foods rich in zinc every day (RDA: 7-9 mg per day): Beef, grain products, legumes, nuts and green vegetables.
2. Make sure you get enough selenium (RDA: 70 micrograms per day): Brazil nuts are an excellent source. Note: 3-5 Brazil nuts per day is sufficient. Too much selenium can be harmful.
3. Eat foods rich in magnesium every day (RDA: 300-350 mg per day): Whole grain products, spinach and unsalted nuts are good sources.
4. Sufficient healthy (omega-3) fats: These are found in linseed, ghee, oily fish, nuts and coconut milk. They can reduce inflammation and support thyroid function.
5. Protein-rich foods: Quinoa, legumes, nuts and animal products are good choices.
6. Fish: Enjoying fish a maximum of 1-2 times a week helps prevent the build-up of heavy metals in your body.
7. Avoid large amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables: Vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can inhibit thyroid function if eaten in large quantities.
8. Limit sugar and unhealthy carbohydrates: White bread and white pasta can destabilize blood sugar levels and affect thyroid function.

Choose healthy recipes with natural ingredients: Make sure your meals contain sufficient iodine, zinc, selenium, magnesium, healthy fats and proteins.

Prevent with healthy lifestyle tips

• Eat organic: Dairy and meat from grass-fed cattle help limit your intake of pesticides and other chemicals.
• Provide a healthy living environment: Avoid toxins and chemicals that can inhibit your thyroid. Use good quality pans, don't drink water from plastic bottles and regularly explore nature.
• Prevent stress: Chronic stress increases the production of cortisol, a stress hormone that can hinder thyroid function. Getting enough sleep, breathing exercises and meditation help reduce stress.

How can you lose weight with an underactive thyroid?

Losing weight with an underactive thyroid is difficult, but not impossible. The good news is that you can do a lot yourself to get your thyroid working again. First, go to the doctor to confirm that your thyroid is the problem.

You can start detoxing your body. You do this through a detox. This way, the toxins stored in your fat cells disappear, which makes losing weight easier.

An accessible way is a detox of a few days, such as the 7-Day Smoothie Detox Plan.