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Thyroid and Weight : Thyroid problem is increasing day by day. This disease is more common in women. Because thyroid causes many physical problems like obesity. In such cases it becomes difficult for people with thyroid to control their weight. Nutritionist Pallavi Sawant gave detailed information about this while talking to ‘Loksatta’.
The thyroid gland is located in the neck area. These glands are controlled by the brain. When we say that the weight has increased due to thyroid, we mean that the function of the thyroid gland has been affected. The thyroid gland secretes two hormones Triiodothyronin (T3) and Thyroxin (T4). These hormones keep the metabolism of the body in good condition. It supplies oxygen to the body, keeps the heart rate up and helps generate heat in the body.”
How to know that the thyroid is enlarged?
There are two types of thyroid, hyperthyroid and hypothyroid. In hypothyroidism, when thyroid function is impaired, the thyroid gland has to work too hard. It causes low metabolism, fatigue, shortness of breath and slow weight gain.
If you have hyperthyroidism, you may experience constipation. Your appetite may decrease, resulting in weight gain.
Thyroid symptoms?
An enlarged thyroid can be detected after a blood test but before that let us know its symptoms.
1. Swelling of the body
2. Very cold
3. weight gain
4. Excessive fatigue
4. Excessive irritability
5. Heavy bleeding during menstruation in women
6. Fatigue
7. Difficulty breathing
Why does thyroid cause weight gain?
Says Pallavi Sawant, “An important function of the thyroid is to keep our body’s metabolism running smoothly. Apart from this, the thyroid gland controls appetite and generates heat in the body. If you don’t feel hungry, your digestion may be impaired. It affects our food preferences. Chills are an important thyroid symptom. If iron is low, we get cold. As a result, we tend to eat sweets. Therefore, we avoid eating good food like rice, salad, leafy vegetables, and if the thyroid is not balanced, we gain more weight. Hypothyroidism is more common in women.
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How to lose weight when suffering from thyroid?
Before losing weight, check your thyroid levels. According to that amount, take medicine for thyroid as per doctor’s advice. Do not eat anything for 30 to 45 minutes after taking the medicine. There is a misconception that if you want to lose weight, you should not eat fats. When you eat foods rich in essential fats, you can lose weight, and secondly, if you eat too many carbohydrates and do no exercise, you can stay at the same weight. So when you have thyroid it is important that you maintain a balance of proteins and fats. Those who have thyroid should avoid eating cauliflower raw in salad.
What kind of diet should be followed to control weight?
Pallavi Sawant says, “Thyroid sufferers should preferably eat home cooked meals. All kinds of fruits can be eaten by thyroid people. At least one bowl of pulses a day can also be cooked and eaten. Vegetables like cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage should be avoided because the nitrogen in them can be harmful for the thyroid. As much fresh food as you can eat at home is good for your thyroid gland. People with hypothyroidism who often don’t eat because of lack of appetite should get their thyroid levels checked with a blood test and eat accordingly. Regular exercise can help keep your thyroid gland under control. Just as proper regulation of the body’s organs can automatically regulate the body’s hormones, it is equally important to get proper amount of sleep. Going to bed early and waking up early and making lifestyle changes like that can also help reduce thyroid problems to some extent”
Source: Marathi