Under Active Thyroid

Is your thyroid keeping you fat?

The thyroid is the gland primarily responsible for regulating your metabolism.  An under- active thyroid does not produce sufficient hormones to stimulate your metabolism to operate at peak efficiently.

An under active thyroid (hypothyroidism) can effect a persons metabolism and their ability to take off weight.

How can you tell if you have an under-active thyroid. Here are some of the most common symptoms of an under active thyroid.

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Weight gain in the butt and abdomen
• Increased difficulty losing weight
• Coarse, dry hair
• Dry, rough pale skin
• Hair loss
• Cold intolerance
• Muscle cramps
• Constipation
• Depression
• Irritability
• Memory loss
• Abnormal menstrual cycles
• Decreased libido

We can take some simple nutritional steps to help the thyroid operate more efficiently.

Here are some common foods that will help to improve the thyroid function.

• Kelp (sea vegetable)
• Beets
• Radish
• Parsley
• Potatoes
• Fish
• Oatmeal
• Bananas

Here are some other steps to improve thyroid function.

• Iodine supplementation- the thyroid uses iodine to produce the hormones which stimulate the metabolism.  The safest iodine supplement would be kelp.
• Exercise- a regular exercise program will help improve your thyroid function.

Hear are some common foods that impair the function of the thyroid.

• Cabbage
• Brussels sprouts
• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Sweet potatoes
• Maize
• Lima beans
• Soy beans
• Millet

If you have an under active thyroid you should eat less of these foods.