The thyroid is a small organ located at the base of the throat. It is responsible for producing hormones that control the functions of nearly all of the rest of the body. If the thyroid becomes sluggish or stops producing hormones altogether, the body functions can become unstable. This often leads to weight gain and other health issues. Fortunately, there are ways to get the thyroid back on track and regain a healthy weight once more. Here are some of the best tips!
Consume More Water
Drinking sufficient amounts of water every day will help keep your cells functioning normally and allow your body to get rid of toxins. You should drink at least eight ounces for every hour that you spend outside. This will help prevent dehydration and a number of different health problems. The thyroid hormone thyroxine is less soluble in water than the T3 version, which is the active form of the hormone. The T4 version is stable and more readily available than the T3 form. People who are drinking sufficient amounts of water will generally have a smaller percentage of body fat than those who are not drinking enough fluids. This is probably because their bodies are working more efficiently, allowing them to burn calories more easily.
Reduce Stress
Stress hormones are secreted by the adrenal glands and cause the body to store more calories even when at rest. This makes the person more prone to weight gain and many other serious health problems. Reduce your stress levels and you will begin to notice that your body is adjusting to a healthier weight range. Many people with thyroid problems report that their weight fluctuates greatly, even in the face of equal calorie intake. This is because their bodies cannot keep up with the changing metabolic demands that come with stress and anxiety.
Consult Your Doctor
If you have been consistently losing and gaining weight despite your best efforts, you should consult your doctor as soon as possible. An underactive thyroid can lead to all kinds of complications, including severe weight loss. In most cases, medical intervention is required to bring the patient’s metabolism back on track. Your doctor may prescribe medication or recommend surgical procedures to help increase the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Watch What You Eat
The most efficient way to lose weight is to reduce the amount of calories consumed relative to the amount of calories expended. This makes sense because most people who are obese have metabolic problems that make it difficult to lose weight without becoming hypothyroid (i.e., having too little thyroid hormone). People who are struggling with their weight need to consume fewer calories than they expend in order to make the necessary changes. Make a commitment to watch what you eat and be aware of how many calories you are taking in, and you will be on your way to a healthier weight range in no time!
Exercise
Getting more active will help you shed off those extra pounds. Exercise is essential for maintaining a healthy weight and helping the body produce more thyroid hormone. Try riding a bike, taking walks, or going to the gym to get moving. You will be providing your body with the nutrients it needs and preventing a number of different health problems that come with inactivity.
It is important to keep in mind that a healthy weight range is not the same as a weight loss goal. Everyone’s weight is different and there is no exact formula for determining a healthy weight range. You should expect to weigh a little more than you did before you started losing weight, but nothing drastic. Follow these tips to lose weight with thyroid problems, and you will be on your way to a healthier lifestyle in no time!