General Motors Weight Loss Diet

Weight gain is a big concern for hypothyroid patients and many seek weight loss diets to get rid of the excess weight but to no avail. This is because most fad diets and general diet plans are not formulated specifically for patients of hypothyroidism, but for the general populace. Many of the foods or supplements that are included in some of these diets may impair the absorption of the synthetic thyroid hormone.  It is not uncommon for certain foods that are added to your diet or the exclusion of others to affect the action of medications you are on. Consult with your doctor and dietician before switching on to any weight loss diet.

In the meantime here are some more general guidelines to help lose or prevent weight gain when suffering from hypothyroidism.

Exercise for Hypothyroidism

• Make sure that you get regular exercise as physical activity is of the utmost importance for someone suffering from your condition. This will help to speed up your metabolism with the intention of weight loss. Workout everyday for at least thirty minutes, and once you get into the routine; gradually try to increase it to forty five minutes.
• Iodine is extremely important for the functioning of the thyroid gland and an iodine deficiency is generally connected with an under active thyroid or hypothyroidism. Seaweed and sea salt are the best sources of iodine but it can also be obtained in the supplement form. Avoid having any supplements however unless recommended because excess iodine can also contribute to hypothyroidism.
• Increasing your selenium intake is also believed to help deal with the condition. Your intake can be increased by eating foods like bran, bread, whole wheat, Brazil nuts, onions, tomatoes, broccoli and tuna.
• Other foods that you should consider including in your diet are spinach, apricots, carrots, asparagus, olive oil, whole grain cereals, bananas, avocado, sunflower seeds, and oily fish.
• Some foods interfere with iodine absorption and so should be avoided. These include kale, broccoli, kohirabi, cabbage, mustard, lima beans, linseed, soy products, sweet potato, and peanuts. You do not need to eliminate them completely from your diet but keep your consumption at a minimum.
• Caffeinated drinks and stimulants like alcohol and smoking should be avoided as they interfere with the thyroid function.
• Other dietary supplements like iodine with vitamin E and zinc can also improve thyroid function but should never be consumed without the prior consent of your doctor.
• Stress is the most important non dietary factor that contributes to hypothyroidism so avoid getting to weighed down. Meditation and yoga can help a lot along with exercise. Yoga would be great as it will help you stay physically fit as well as relaxed.