Hypothyroidism: who has it?

        Many people complain that their metabolism is slow, however, only people suffering from hypothyroidism actually understands the extent of a truly “slow metabolism”, as they’re forced to deal with challenges and complications in their diet every day.  Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, specifically thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).  T4 and T3 are tyrosine-based hormones and their primary function in the body is metabolism regulation.  So, when the thyroid gland is producing enormous amounts of T4 and T3, the metabolism rises and extra calories are burned as a result; and when only scarce amounts of T4 and T3 are being produced, the metabolism is greatly reduced and fewer calories are burned by the body.

Today, hypothyroidism is a growing problem; medical experts say that up to 10% of women in the US are affected by hypothyroidism to some degree and total estimates are as high as 10 million Americans!

There are several different diseases and conditions that cause hypothyroidism, the most common being inflammation of the thyroid gland and autoimmune thyroiditis (also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis).  The thyroid gland lies just below the larynx in the front of the neck; continued inflammation of the thyroid gland or surrounding neck region can result in serious damage to the gland’s secretory cells, which are chiefly in charge of thyroid hormone excretion.  Autoimmune thyroiditis is a chronic condition in which the body’s immune system attacks the thyroid gland.  Other causes of hypothyroidism include:

·      Medical treatments including radiation or surgery to the neck in cancer treatment.

·      Congenital Birth Defects

·      Radioactive iodine, which is often used to slow down the metabolism in the case of hyperthyroidism.

·      Lack of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), which is produced by the pituitary gland.  (Often individuals with this problem have completely normal/healthy thyroid glands.)

·      Certain pharmaceutical drugs

There are certain symptoms that can help a person recognize that they might be having thyroid problems.  Some of these include:  weakness/fatigue; coarse, dry and cracked skin, hair and nails; sensitivity to cold; irritability and depression; memory loss; lowered sex drive; increased susceptibility to other diseases like diabetes; and of coarse…Weight Gain and difficulty losing weight.

            There have been, and continue to be, new and promising diets for hypothyroidism patients.  Among the most successful is the “Zone Diet”, which emphasizes balancing a diet using the ratio 40:30:30 for carbohydrates, proteins and fats, respectively, as well as limiting intake of simple carbohydrates like bread and pasta.  Limiting carbohydrate intake is a key point.  When carbohydrates are consumed, blood sugar rises and, the pancreas secretes insulin to bring it back into a normal range.  If a person consumes a large excess of carbohydrates, the pancreas releases more insulin than normal to bring the body’s blood sugar back down.  Often the pancreas releases so much insulin that blood sugar level drop below normal.  The Zone diet teaches people that while the pancreas is busy secreting large amount of insulin, the body is unable use any stored fat reserves.  When this happens often, weight is gained and often diabetes is right around the corner.  Hmmm, could this be the reason that low fat diets don’t work?...

            So, if you are suffering from hypothyroidism, remember that every case is individualized and not every diet or medication that works for one person with have the same positive affects on another person.  Curb you carbs intake and try to relieve all types of stress in your life, as this too, can increase insulin production and send you back into a vicious cycle.

References

Nippoldt, Todd, M.D. (2010). Is there any truth to the hypothyroidism diet? Mayoclinic. Retrieved from http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/hypothyroidism-diet/AN01478.

Norman, James, M.D. (2010). Hypothyroidism:  too little thyroid hormone. Endocrineweb. Retrieved from http://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/thyroid/hypothyroidism-too-little-thyroid-hormone.

Shomon, Mary. (2003). The zone diet for thyroid patients and losing weight with hypothyroidism. Retrieved from http://thyroid.about.com/cs/dietweightloss/a/zonediet.htm.