Seven Thyroid Diet Secrets

By Mary Shomon, About.com Guide

Updated May 22, 2009

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board

The longer it takes you to get diagnosed with hypothyroidism, the more weight you may end up gaining. While you're becoming hypothyroid, even before your TSH is elevated enough to warrant treatment, your metabolism can slow down. This means fewer calories burned each day, and even those few calories start to add up over time. Since hypothyroidism can also make you tired and achy, you're also less likely to exercise as much or as effectively, which can further reduce metabolism. And, when we're tired, we sometimes eat -- especially carbohydrates -- to try to fight fatigue. Three reasons why you need to become your own best advocate, and work with a practitioner who understands the importance of early diagnosis.

WHAT TO DO? Read Could You Be Hypothyroid?

Previous

• Hypothyroidism Diagnosis
• I Need How Much Exercise?
• Hyperthyroidism Confusion
• A Hidden Cause of Weight Gain
• The RAI Connection
• If There's Only One Exercise You Do, This Should Be It
• Water and Fiber

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