Weight, Thyroid and Metabolism
By Derby Stewart-Amsden
As much as 40% of overweight people may have an undiagnosed thyroid condition. Like any condition, these can be comparatively mild in a clinical sense, but still be disruptive to the individual.
As well as having trouble losing weight, there are many other side effects of thyroid imbalance - including fatigue & exhaustion, moodiness, muscular pains and aches, loss of sex drive. The great problem in diagnosis is that all these symptoms can be associated with a wide range of conditions.
Unfortunately, even if you are diagnosed and put on medication for your thyroid, this does not necessarily mean that you will be able to lose the weight you wish. Because obesity can have a causative or at least a contributing effect on so many conditions, I have taken the following notes from Mary J ShomonÕs ÒThe Thyroid DietÓ
Balance!!!
There are many reasons why you may have trouble losing weight:-
too many starchy carbs, or too many carbs overall
too many or too few calories
too little protein or fat
deficiency of digestive enzymes
leptin imbalance, or leptin resistance - ie your brain is not getting the message that you have enough fat
adrenal system unbalanced due to stress
hormonal imbalances/also peri and post menopause
high blood sugar
insulin resistant or have a meabolic syndrome
insufficient exercise
insufficient muscle
may have a slower basal metabolism
reduction in body temperature
Important points to start from:
Muscle cells are as much as eight times more metabolically active than fat cells. So the very best thing that you can do to help regulate your system is to change the ratio of fat to muscle. This means that losing weight is only half of the equation, you will need to improve your general level of fitness and bodily strength. When you do this, then the cells of your body will each burn more energy. In other words, the stronger you get and the more fat you convert to muscle, the easier it will be to stay fit.
Your body naturally starts to lose muscle after the age of 30, so you are likely to put on more weight as fat as you age - unless of course you are very careful to take care of yourself.
Many people who are currently trying to lose weight are in fact starving their bodies - ie eating too few calories. When you do this, your body will cannibalise (eat) away at your muscle tissue to make up for the lack of food you are eating, BUT KEEP THE FAT TISSUE AS BACK-UP.
Eating
Protein requires more energy to break down
Drink plenty of water
Bio yoghurt
You want to eat mostly lean proteins and low-glycemic carbohydrates (these are ones that create a slower rise in blood sugar)
Lean proteins
eggs
low fat milk
low fat cheeses
Neufchatel cheese
feta cheese
fish, shellfish
lean beef
buffalo/bison
lean pork, boiled ham
tofu, soy
beans
turkey breast
chicken breast
turkey bacon
ostrich
proteins to limit or avoid
beef brisket, liver and other fatty cuts of beef
bacon, fatty cuts of pork, honey baked ham
chicken/turkey dark meat - legs & wings
duck & goose
full fat dairy products
beans are a great source of protein, but they also contain carbs, so remember this
Supplements
Good nutritional balance is essential for smooth working metabolism
- Dr TeitelbaumÕs Daily Energy Infusion
- Advanced Nutritional Systems Rainbow Light - complete antioxidant multivitamin
- Iron free Complete Nutritional System multivitamin
other things to consider
Acetyl-L-Carnitine - as aid to losing weight
Alpha-lipic Acid - may help reduce insulin resistance and help control blood sugar
Calcium - ensure that your supplements include calcium
Coenzyme Q-10 - good antioxidant, cannot hurt & might help
CLA Conjugated Linoleic Acid - thought to reduce fat storage and increase muscle mass
Zinc & vitamin C - make sure your supplements include these
Toxins to avoid
fluoride
some drugs can contribute to weight gain - do study the possible side effects before starting a drug therapy
Exercise and self help
tackle your stress and negativity with:-
yoga
visualisation/affirmation
breathing
sleep
meditation
light therapy
Exercise - start small and comfy and do a tiny bit more every day
walking and gentle stretches are the place to begin.
Derby Stewart-Amsden runs Ashwhin Balanced Living Centre and Personal Retreat, where she offers therapies, workshops, Ashwhin Flower Remedies, and resources for individuals and groups. http://www.ashwhin.com
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