Tell Us About Your Thyroid Condition and Your Fatigue
I have been hypothyroid for years combined with Hashimoto's. I also have an adrenal problem, and in addition to the natural thyroid, I take prednisone for my adrenal problem. I won't go into my years of battles, frustrations, and problems with various doctors. I have gained weight no matter which diet or eating plan I have been on (yes, even low glycemic). I came home from work and took a nap and stayed tired all the time until 3 1/2 weeks ago.
What Are You Doing to Deal With Your Fatigue
I take Protonix for ongoing stomach problems that have never been completely resolved (it is in my head). I decided to try the gluten-free diet to see what happened. I am only about 3 1/2 weeks into gluten-free, and I am amazed at the difference. No more afternoon naps. My stomach problems have disappeared except about 2 1/2 days after I accidentally ingested some gluten. I have lost about 5 pounds (a first after many diets, and I wasn't going for weight loss - nice bonus). People at work are noticing my increased energy. I do not feel as bloated, and yesterday my sister asked if I was losing weight. I feel I am ready to start going for walks again for the first time in over 2 years. I never knew giving up gluten would make such a difference in my life. This is definitely a permanent lifestyle change for me.
Advice
- Experiment with a totally gluten-free diet for a few weeks. It is overwhelming at first, but really not bad. I have found I like some different foods I had not tried before. There are a couple of inexpensive applications for the iTouch that are great at identifying foods to make shopping easier. Nothing ventured, nothing gained. But you really can't cheat at this and get the desired results. Less than 1/8 of a teaspoon of gluten can send you into a tailspin. Although I am new at this, I see such an improvement I would not go back to gluten eating.
