iodine

Identifying the actual reason why you’re not losing weight is the beginning of a successful weight loss/health journey

Weight loss might be the major complaint, but you might be at risk of cardiovascular diseases and diabetes if not placed on a healthy diet.
With this article, we’ll be looking at one major reason why you might not just be losing weight accordingly.

THE THYROID GLANDS
The thyroid glands are located just in front of your neck. They produce hormones that help regulate metabolic rate controlling the heart, muscles, and other important parts.
The thyroids get their information from the pituitary gland which helps to stimulate their hormone release to help in bodily functions
The thyroid glands could either overproduce hormones (hyperthyroidism) or it could underproduce (hypothyroidism). When it does either of these, it affects your weight entirely.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN THE THYROID GLANDS MALFUNCTION
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid glands are under-producing hormones. This comes with symptoms such as weight gain (finding it difficult to lose weight), slower heart rate, more frequent and stronger heart rate, dry skin, and hair.
With hypothyroidism, the way your body processes energy is quite slow, making it hard for you to put off extra weight. If not supervised, you might just get frustrated on the long run, see how your dietitian can help you out:

HOW YOUR DIETITIAN AN HELP YOU
– Your dietitians duty is to help you plan out adequate number of calories and merge it with exercises that would help enhance your metabolism
– Your dietitian aims to make sure you have the important nutrients that are depleted in you, especially if you have hypothyroidism. Nutrients like iodine, vitamin D, selenium, and B12 are mostly affected when the thyroids malfunction
– Also, he/she makes sure every goitrogen ( substances that interfere with how thyroid hormones are utilized) present in your diet is totally removed. Goitrogens include soy, cabbage, broccoli, and cauliflower.
Furthermore, you can help support your thyroids by incorporating these into your diet

Nutrients to support thyroids:
Iodine: fish, cheese, milk, seaweed
Sodium: iodized salt
Potassium kiwi, potatoes, banana
Selenium: fish,
Tyrosine: eggs, plan cut beef
Zinc- liver, oyster

MEDICAL TREATMENT
Diet alone won’t help manage your underactive thyroids, because without medical treatment, dietary management won’t be effective
So, your doctor would most likely place you on an oral synthetic thyroid hormone (levothytoxine) that would help replace the amount of hormone your body is no longer producing.

The absorption of this might be tampered with if you take supplements that contain iron, or calcium, and even some antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide.

The thyroid gland is the major support system that determines how much energy is used up or stored in your body. When it malfunctions, it totally can affect your weight. It is important to speak to your doctor when you notice struggles with losing weight for a correct diagnosis.

Sources:
1.https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/070112p40.shtml
2. Biondi B, Klein I. Hypothyroidism as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Endocrine. 2004;24(1):1-13
3. Dean S. Medical nutrition therapy for thyroid and related disorders. In: Mahan KL, Escott-Stump S, eds. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008: 711-724
4. Rayman MP. Selenium and human health. Lancet. 2012;379(9822):1256-1268
5. Messina M, Redmond G. Effects of soy protein and soybean isoflavones on thyroid function in healthy adults and hypothyroid patients: a review of the relevant literature. Thyroid. 2006;16(3):249-258

Ever wondered if any of your internal organs could affect your weight? Maybe due to its overactive nature or underactive nature?

Well, it is actually possible for an organ to affect your metabolism, growth and weight patterns and that organ is the thyroid.

Globally, 1.6 billion people are currently at risk of developing thyroid related diseases.

In this write-up, we’re going to see how the thyroid affects weight, for those who want to gain weight or lose it, if your thyroids are mal-functional, then you might just experience some difficulties with your weight.

WHAT IS THE THYROID?
The thyroid gland looks like a butterfly and is  located at the front of the neck right below the voice box (larynx).

The thyroid is small, but functions and affects all other organs in the body. It is involved in the regulation of fat and carbohydrate metabolism, respiration, body temperature, brain development, cholesterol levels, the heart and nervous system, blood calcium levels, menstrual cycles, skin integrity, and more.

WHAT IS THE IMPORTANCE OF THE THYROIDS?
The thyroid controls almost every major metabolic function in the body.
The hormones present in the thyroid glands are responsible for the regulation of the metabolic rate of all cells, as well as the processes of growth of cells, tissue differentiation, and reproductive function.
These hormones are also necessary for (and promote) protein metabolism when enough carbohydrates and fats are available.

When the amount of thyroid hormones is excessive or when energy from food is deficient, thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) promote protein breakdown. This processes in turn totally affects weight management.

WHY AM I FINDING IT DIFFICULT TO LOSE/GAIN WEIGHT

HYPOTHYROIDISM
It would be difficult for you to lose weight if you have the condition called hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid.

Hypothyroidism is usually caused by an autoimmune response known as Hashimoto’s disease (a condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid) or autoimmune thyroiditis (inflamed thyroids).

What happens in this disease is that your body mistakenly sees its own tissues as an invader and starts fighting against it. This process prevents the thyroid from releasing adequate hormones for the proper functioning of the body.

The lack of these hormones can slow down metabolism and cause weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and hair, and difficulty concentrating. Hypothyroidism affects women more than it affects men and is common in middle aged people. Also, women may also experience thyroid inflammation after pregnancy.

Some symptoms associated with hypothyroidism includes:
• tiredness, fatigue, lethargy
• depression and losing interest in normal activities
• forgetfulness
• dry hair and skin
• puffy face
• slow heart rate
• intolerance to cold
• constipation
• brittle nails
• muscle cramping
• changes in menstrual cycle

HYPERTHYROIDISM
A very common condition related with thyroid is hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid gland. Hyperthyroidism is caused by an autoimmune response of the body in the form of Graves’ disease.

In Graves’ disease, the body produces too much of thyroid hormones and makes it seems like your body is revving so fast in response to these hormones.

This could also lead to weight loss, high blood pressure, and a rapid heartbeat. Graves’ disease also disproportionately affects women and typically presents before the age of 40.
Hyperthyroidism as an autoimmune diseases and have strong genetic links which are also associated with other autoimmune diseases as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus and celiac disease.

The most common symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism includes:
• racing heart and palpitations
• trouble sleeping
• tremor and nervousness
• weight loss
• hair loss
• muscle aches and weakness
• diarrhea and over-active digestive system
• sweating and trouble tolerating heat
• exophthalmos (bulging eyes)

A goitre is the most common and evident symptom of chronic hypothyroidism. Some might have it, but not all.
Also, chronic or severe disease can manifest with dull facial expression, drooping eyelids, hoarse speech, thinning or dry and brittle hair, dry skin, myxedema (swelling of the skin and soft tissues), menstrual disorders, constipation, depression, anemia.

HOW DO I KNOW IF MY THYROID IS UNDERACTIVE/OVERACTIVE?
You can go for a thyroid function screening if you’re up to 40. A blood test is used to measure thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH).

WHAT ARE THE RISK FACTORS?
Gender. Majorly occur in women, especially those who had small weight at birth
Age.

Risk of hypothyroidism increases with age.
Genetics.
Psychological stress
Smoking
Iodine: excess dietary iodine intake and iodine-rich medication (amiodarone) may lead to hyperthyroidism.

IS HYPOTHYROIDISM/HYPERTHYROIDISM TREATABLE?
Yes it can’t! It can be treated medically by a hormone replacement therapy, administering oral thyroid hormones, and addressing iodine deficiency with potassium iodide.

CAN I STILL MANAGE MY WEIGHT WHILE WITH A DYSFUNCTIONAL THROID HORMONE?
Certainly you can! With the right approach, and evaluation of your hormones by specialists, also treating every imbalance, you can still lose or gain weight. Knowing the right type of dietary choices, the foods allowed and the foods to avoid makes it easy to lose weight.

A dietitian would help calculate your caloric needs and place you on a sustainable dietary pattern to help achieve your goals with your hormone therapy and exercise regimen.

Foods to avoid for hypothyroidism includes:
– refined carbohydrates and caffeine
– energy bars and genetically modified organisms (GMO) foods
– gluten-containing foods, such as wheat, rye and oats
– cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale.
– Soy and millet

Foods to include in hypothyroidism:

-vitamin B12 food sources like sardines, salmon, organ meats such as liver, muscle meat, and dairy

– foods rich in iodine like seaweed, iodized salt,
– Whole grains
– Legumes, eggs (especially egg white), nuts, nut butter
– Oily fish, flaxseeds, extra virgin olive oil and avocados will help balance your lipid

-brazil nuts, crabs and tuna fish which contain selenium
– incorporate healthy bacteria (probiotics) from pap, yoghurt. Kimchi and sauekrat

Foods to include in hyperthyroidism includes:
• non-iodized salt
• coffee or tea (without milk or dairy- or soy-based creamers)
• egg whites
• fresh or canned fruit
• unsalted nuts and nut butters
• homemade bread or breads made without salt, dairy, and eggs
• popcorn with non-iodized salt
• oats
• potatoes
• honey
• maple syrup
• Cuciferous vegetables might reduce how your body uses iodine and they include: bamboo shoots, bok choy, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cassava, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard, rutabaga

It is important to do away with the following seafood and seafood additives:
• fish
• seaweed
• prawns
• crabs
• lobster
• sushi
• carrageen
• agar-agar
• algae
• alginate
• nori
• kelp

Other foods that contain iodine includes:
• milk and dairy
• cheese
• egg yolks
• iodized salt
• iodized water
• some food colorings

Furthermore, foods that contain gluten, soy and caffeine should be avoided as they cause inflammation and can interfere with hyperthyroidism treatments.

It’s also important to note that, following a strict exercise regimen with your eating pattern is important. People with hypothyroidism would gain from lifting weights and dumb bells, and strength training.

DO I NEED TO GO ON A SPECIAL TYPE OF DIET?
One of the major concern in managing hashimoto’s disease is to look for a suitable type of diet to help manage and relieve symptoms. Hashimoto disease (hypothyroidism) is an auto-immune disease (ATD), so is gluten sensitivity and gluten intolerance. Research has shown the possibilities of using a gluten free diet in managing hashimoto’s disease as it helps to reduce the amount of thyroid antibodies.
A gluten diet involves the elimination of some certain types of foods that contain the protein gluten. Foods include wheat and its derivatives, bran and rye. This foods most times are re-introduced after symptoms has been optimally managed.

FOOD SUPPLEMENST AND INTERACTIONS
People with hashimoto’s are likely to de deficient in certain nutrients like vitamin B12 and vitamin D and would gain from supplementing with these nutrients.
Also, some anti-inflammatory supplements like selenium, fish oil, magnesium and zinc would also be beneficial to people with hashimoto’s as they help improve thyroid functions, reduce inflammation and improve overall health.
Remember that supplements are not meant to replace a nutrient dense and healthy diet.
For those on thyroid medications, it is important to note their interactions with some nutrients. Calcium supplements and chromium picolinate (used in weight loss and glucose control) both interfere with proper absorption of thyroid medications.
They should be both taken 4 hours apart from the time of administering thyroid medications as both can’ be stopped but are important in individuals with poor thyroid functions.

SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATIONS
– Stay active
– Get rest when you’re tired. Don’t push it
– Stay hydrated always
– Stay away from caffeine and alcohol as much as you can
– Try yoga if you can
– Spend time outside
– Engage in stress reducing activities when you can.

SOURCES
1. Mahan LK & Escott-Stump S. Eds. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 11th ed. Saunders Publishing, Philadelphia, PA. 2004.
2. Beers MH, Berkow R eds. Merck Manual. 17th ed. Merck Research Laboratories. Whitehouse Station, NJ. 1999.
3. Teas J, et al. Seaweed and soy: companion foods in Asian cuisine and their effects on thyroid function in American women. J Med Food 2007;10:90-100.
4. Canaris GJ, Manowitz NR, Mayor G, Ridgway EC. The Colorado thyroid disease prevalence study. Arch Intern Med. 2000;160(4):526-534.
5. Graves’ Disease. Bethesda, MD: National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, US Dept of Health and Human Services; 2008. NIH Publication No. 08-6217.
6. Biondi B, Klein I. Hypothyroidism as a risk factor for cardiovascular disease. Endocrine. 2004;24(1):1-13.
7. Duntas LH, Brenta G. The effect of thyroid disorders on lipid levels and metabolism. Med Clin North Am. 2012;96(2):269-281.
8. Dean S. Medical nutrition therapy for thyroid and related disorders. In: Mahan KL, Escott-Stump S, eds. Krause’s Food, Nutrition, & Diet Therapy. 13th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders; 2008: 711-724.
9.https://www.medicinenet.com/cancer_101_pictures_slideshow/article.htm
10.https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism-diet#takeaway

Salt is unarguably essential to health, even though some extremist might not agree with this. It is one of the five basic tastes we have receptors for in our mouth (along with sweetness, bitterness, sourness and umami), and it is an important element in the body’s “interior ocean”.

The human body tightly regulates salt concentration because it’s crucial role in supporting chemical reactions  that involve enzyme function, energy and hormone production, protein transport and several other biological processes.

In the context of pregnancy, salt is critical for the development of the glial (immune) cells in the brain which maintain homeostatis, form myelin, and provide support and protection for neurones. It also plays an important role in ensuring adequate birth weight, metabolic function and development of the nervous, respiratory and cardiovascular system.

“Salt is especially important to the brain development of premature babies. In premature babies, language, memory, intelligence and coordination were all better in children whose diets had been supplemented with salt shortly after birth”.

A VERY LOW SALT DIET COULD BE DANGEROUS FOR PREGNANT WOMEN

A 2007 study found that babies with low sodium in their blood (due to low salt intakes by their mothers during pregnancy) were more likely to be underweight at birth. Low birth weight is associated with a higher risk of developing several health problems later in life.

Another study found that infants with low sodium intake may experience poor neurological function in early adolescence.

IS SALT REALLY THAT DANGEROUS?

The same way carbs has been demonized, is also same way Salt has been unjustifiably demonized by the mainstream media and medical establishment. So many atimes, health care providers who mean well, but not professional, advice patients to completely take off salt from their diet. The only time this is adviceable is during a very crucial kidney problem where sodium and potassium has to be balanced.

Salt has the highest amount of iodine contained in it when compared to other food sources of iodine. Iodine prevents against hypothyroidism leading to goitre.

So many studies tell us that it has never been proven that salt significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease, hypertension or obesity. In fact, in many cases restricting salt intake can actually increase the risk of these conditions. For example, a review of the largest U.S. database of nutrition and health (NHANES) found a higher rate of cardiac events and death with patients on low-salt diets.

“During pregnancy, the demand for daily iodine increases by 50–70% which occurs to reach around 250 μg/day. Limited information is available on the association of high-risk pregnancy (HRP) with urinary iodine concentration (UIC) and variables such as socioeconomic factors”.

According to a study, among the 73% of hypertensive women adhering to a salt-restricted diet, there was a 112% increased risk of iodine deficiency observed (OR = 2.127; 95% confidence interval [1.178–3.829]; p = 0.011). Adhering to a salt-restricted diet was associated with iodine deficiency (OR = 1.82; 95% confidence interval [1.073–3.088], p = 0,026). Hypertension and salt restriction diet significantly increased susceptibility for iodine deficiency in high risk pregnancy. Therefore, low-salt diet when prescribed to pregnant women (PW) might be carefully followed by iodine nutritional status assessment or universal preconception iodine supplementation.

TAKE HOME

This is not a call for you to sprinkle salt till your ancestors say stop!

Its still very important to note that if you’re hypertensive or have a history, or even are vulnerable to pre-eclampsia during pregnancy, then you should adhere to 2300mg of sodium per day which equals 1 teaspoon.

During pregnancy, make sure there are alternative iodine supplements if you would go on a salt restricted diet.

Seek dietary counsel from a Registered Dietitian