Your thyroid may be the reason you are not losing weight!

Be sure to read this before getting on your next crazy diet!

I see many female clients who are at a loss and completely frustrated at their inability to lose weight, sometimes even gaining weight for no apparent reason!

Hormones and hormone balancing are areas that I look at when I see a client struggling with weight loss and menopause issues, and the thryoid gland in one particular place where I start.

The thyroid gland is often called the master regulator. It is critical to many functions in our bodies – it produces hormones that regulate our metabolism, balance other hormones (e.g. sex hormones), and maintain a balanced calcium level, which is critical for bone health.

I like to compare our thyroid to a furnace and the pituitary gland as the thermostat. Thyroid hormones are like heat. When the heat gets back to the thermostat, it turns the thermostat off. As the room cools (the thyroid hormone levels drop), the thermostat turns back on (TSH increases) and the furnace produces more heat (thyroid hormones).

Thyroid dysfunction is a worldwide health problem, mostly as a result of Iodine deficiency.

Low thyroid hormone level – known as hypothyroidism – can lead to symptoms such as:

• fatigue
• increased sensitivity to cold
• constipation
• dry skin
• hoarse voice
• elevated blood cholesterol level
• unexplained weight gain
• muscle aches and weakness, stiffness
• heavy menstrual period
• brittle hair and nails
• as well as depression.

Low thyroid level in pregnant women is linked to developmental delay in their children after birth.

Hyperthyroidism – too much thyroid hormone – can result in:

• appetite change
• insomnia
• frequent bowel movement
• increased sweating
• irritability
• light or missed menstrual periods
• nervousness
• dizziness or tremors,
• shortness of breath
• thinning of hair
• even itching and hives.

To maintain healthy thyroid function, make sure you get enough of these nutrients:

• iodine
• selenium
• zinc
• and the amino acid tyrosine

Iodine deficiency is one of the main causes of hypothyroidism.

Foods that support healthy thyroid function:

• Sea vegetables, such as kelp.
• Chlorella and algae
• Good fats such as avocado and coconut oil (especially helpful for hypothyroidism)
• Omega-3 fats, such as salmon and sardine.
• Foods rich in antioxidants (fresh fruits and vegetables) to help neutralize oxidative stress.

Foods and other substances to avoid:

• Foods with goitrogenic properties in moderation if you are diagnosed with thyroid issues. Some examples are cruciferous vegetables, soy products, peaches, strawberries, radishes, spinach and peanuts.
• Non-fermented soy foods (especially processed soy food) are high in isoflavones, which can interfere with function of the thyroid gland. Choose fermented soy products, such as miso, natto, tempeh and traditionally brewed soy sauce because the fermentation process reduces the goitrogenic activity of the isoflavones.
• Soy exists in many forms in processed foods. If you eat a lot of processed and packaged foods, you may be consuming a lot of soy without knowing it.
• Gluten can trigger autoimmune responses (including Hashimoto’s thyroiditis) in people who are sensitive.
• Foods high in refined, added sugar.
• Isothiocyanates found in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are goitrogens as well. While it’s true that large amounts could interfere with thyroid function, especially if eaten raw, these veggies offer a myriad of other health benefits that make the benefits outweigh the risks for most people. If you know you have thyroid disease and want to be particularly cautious, steaming these vegetables will negate the goitrogenic effect.
• High fat animal and dairy products, which often contain higher levels of hormones and hormone disrupting chemicals.
• BPA and other hormone disrupting chemicals (e.g. in plastic packaging) – avoid using plastic wraps, particularly on hot, high fat foods, or using plastic containers as much as possible, especially for hot and acidic foods.
• Artificial sweetener aspartame (brand name Equal) is suspected to trigger immune reaction that causes thyroid inflammation and thyroid autoantibody production.
• Fluoride, which is found in tap water, toothpaste and mouthwash (look for fluoride-free toothpaste) and bromide (found in brominated flour), which complete with iodine for absorption.

Green tea has a great effect on metabolism but can have a negative impact on those with hyperthyroidism, although it's effect on hypothyroidism is still inconclusive. If you have or feel you have thyroid issues, it’s best to use green tea in moderation.

Nutrition can play a crucial role in stabilizing your hormones. Contact me today to find out how I can help you implement a nutrition and lifestyle program to help you on the road to better health.

One of the programs that I am offering right now at a totally crazy price is my 28 Day Jumpstart Weight Loss Program.  Through the use of natural nutrition, it can help to balance your hormones, and one of the beautiful side effects of this program is weight loss!

Take advantage of this low price before it ends!