Hypothyroidism | Diet vs Disease

How to Lose Weight with Hashimoto’s Disease

Stephanie Garr (Certified Nutrition Consultant) — Wed, 27 Mar 2019 10:25:01 +0000

Weight loss is hard enough—especially if you feel like your body is working against you. Those with Hashimoto’s face an especially tough obstacle. The disease is characterized by an underactive thyroid (hypothyroid), which can wreak havoc on your metabolism and lead to weight gain, fatigue and other nagging health problems. But there are specific steps you can take to overcome this struggle. Below, we discuss why it’s so hard to lose weight with Hashimoto’s and how exactly you can change your diet to help you start shedding those extra pounds. What is Hashimoto’s Disease (Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis)? Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system slowly attacks and destroys the thyroid gland. It’s the most common form of hypothyroidism in the Western world, and is about eight times more common in women than men (1). Symptoms can often[Discover More...]

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Low Dose Naltrexone: Splitting Fact From Fiction

Erin Peisach (Registered Dietitian Nutritionist) — Tue, 27 Mar 2018 07:18:03 +0000

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) is a small or microdose of the drug Naltrexone. Over the past few years it has become very popular due to its supposed anti-inflammatory and anti-pain effects. This article explains what LDN is, how it works and who could consider using it. What is Low Dose Naltrexone and How Does It Work? Naltrexone works by blocking the receptors that heroin and opiate drugs binds to. Just like your body’s natural endorphins, this produces a “feel-good” and pain-blocking effect. This can be useful in those who suffer from chronic aches and pains, at least theoretically. It was originally approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1984 to treat chronic opioid and alcohol dependence as well as drug detoxification. Benefits of Microdosing LDN is a microdose of the original Naltrexone drug, which typically has a daily[Discover More...]

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Armour Thyroid vs. Synthroid: An Unbiased Look at The Evidence

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Wed, 24 Jan 2018 19:17:10 +0000

Armour Thyroid and Synthroid are medications used to treat hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid). Synthroid is the most commonly prescribed, however some claim Armour Thyroid produces better results. So, which is the best treatment for you? This article looks at the evidence for both to help you decide. What is Hypothyroidism and How is It Treated? Armour Thyroid and Synthroid are medications used to treat hypothyroidism. In this condition, the thyroid gland is underactive, meaning insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones are produced. Three main hormones are measured to determine if the thyroid is functioning properly: thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), Thyroxine (T4) and, in certain circumstances, triiodothyronine (T3). You can read more about these hormones in these guides to interpreting TSH levels and T4 and T3 levels. It’s important to remember that the thyroid gland produces mainly T4, even though the active[Discover More...]

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Levothyroxine for Hypothyroidism: What You Need to Know

Joe Leech, Dietitian (MSc Nutrition & Dietetics) — Mon, 02 Oct 2017 05:14:14 +0000

Levothyroxine is the preferred medication of choice for treating an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It’s typically taken for a long period of time, if not for life, so there are many important things you should know. This article looks at how it works, how much you need, and your alternatives if it doesn’t seem to be working. What is Hypothyroidism? Hypothyroidism refers to an underactive thyroid. It can result from insufficient thyroid hormone production or because thyroid hormones are inactivated before they have time to work (1). Left untreated it can cause many health issues including fatigue, hair loss, poor memory and weight gain. Summary: In hypothyroidism, the level of active thyroid hormones is lower than what is needed to maintain good health. What is Levothyroxine Sodium? Levothyroxine sodium is an oral medication used to treat — not cure — hypothyroidism[Discover More...]

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What is T4 and T3? A Simple Guide For The Non-Scientist

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Mon, 02 Jan 2017 05:59:44 +0000

T4 and T3 are important hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Unfortunately, several thyroid conditions can cause abnormal levels in the blood. This article will explain the actions of T4 and T3 and how to interpret test results. What Are T4 and T3? The thyroid hormones Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3) are produced and secreted by the thyroid gland. Each molecule of T4 and T3 is made up of a protein and iodine (in the form of iodide). T4 contains 4 molecules of iodide and T3 contains 3 molecules of iodide – hence the names T4 and T3. This is what T4 (Thyroxine) looks like. It’s bound to 4 iodine molecules, while T3 is bound to 3. Interestingly, thyroid hormones are the only compounds in the body that contain iodine. This is why dietary intake of iodine is important for thyroid health. T4[Discover More...]

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Is Low Carb Bad For Hypothyroidism?

Eleise Britt (MSc Nutrition) — Wed, 19 Oct 2016 11:19:10 +0000

Hypothyroidism is becoming increasingly more common in Western countries. One of the main symptoms of this hormone disorder is a slower metabolism and gradual weight gain. Low carb and ketogenic diets have emerged as popular approaches to weight loss, at least in otherwise healthy individuals. But there is some controversy over the safety of these eating patterns for hypothyroidism. This article reviews the scientific evidence available. What is a Low Carbohydrate Diet and Ketogenic Diet? A low carbohydrate (low carb) diet is any eating pattern that limits carbohydrate consumption. The standard Western diet is about 50-60% energy carbs, or roughly 300 grams per day. Low-carb diets are typically 30% energy or lower, although there is no set criteria. However, there is a clear distinction between a low carb diet and a ketogenic diet. A ketogenic diet (keto diet) is a[Discover More...]

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