There are numerous unfavorable things that stem from having hypothyroidism, a condition wherein the thyroid gland is underactive. One of them is weight gain due to the fact that so many bodily processes are slowed sown by the thyroid problem because it makes your metabolism sluggish. That is why a lot of people with hypothyroidism complain of having a difficult time eliminating excess pounds as well as keeping unwanted ones at bay.
Worry not if you have a thyroid problem and you are not happy with your figure. There are certain things that may be done so that you may zap unnecessary weight. The first step that you should do is work with your doctor to have the thyroid condition treated. While on the way to dealing with it, follow these very simple tips:
Tip #1: Exercise on a Regular Basis
Do not make the mistake of opting for intense exercises because it will only leave you fatigued. You can benefit more from sticking to mild to moderate forms of exercises and doing them on a regular basis — at least 5 times a week and not less than 20 minutes each time. Some of the best exercises to help burn excess calories and accelerate the metabolism are walking, brisk walking, swimming, dancing and bicycling.
Tip #2: Get Rid of Stress
You don’t want to be stressed out constantly if you want to slim down. That’s because stress causes your body to gather fat most especially in the midsection in an attempt to have your vital organs shielded from threats. Since it’s practically impossible to dodge all stressors, what you need to do is manage stress effectively. Doing yoga, having a massage, listening to music, watching a funny movie, talking to a friend or loved one — these are all good stress-busters.
Tip #3: Have a Good Night’s Sleep
Ever notice that you tend to devour anything that you come across when you’re sleep deprived? It’s a normal happening because lack of sleep, which is actually a form of stress, makes you feel famished. Some all-natural ways to combat insomnia include having a banana or a light snack before bedtime. Many swear by the effectiveness of drinking warm milk, chamomile tea, valerian root tea or cherry juice at night.
Tip #4: Reduce Your Sodium Consumption
Sodium causes your body to retain water, and that’s why the consumption of anything that’s laden with salt can make you gain a lot of weight. Experts say that you should try to keep your sodium intake to less than 500 mg per day. There’s plenty of sodium in canned goods and processed meat products. Lots of beverages are high in sodium, too, so make sure that you read labels. Eat oranges and bananas as they are rich in potassium, a mineral that counters sodium.
Tip #5: Opt for Foods Low in GI
GI stands for glycemic index, and it’s not a good idea for you to eat foods with high GI as they can worsen insulin resistance, something that individuals with hypothyroidism tend to suffer from. What you need to do is have a diet that’s rich in foods with low GI to manage insulin resistance and control weight gain. Some good examples are rolled oats, whole wheat, corn, carrots, sweet potatoes, yams, brown rice, couscous, apples, plums, strawberries and yogurt.
Tip #6: Increase Your Metabolism Naturally
It makes perfect sense for you to attempt to accelerate your metabolism which tends to slow down considerably when you have thyroid problems. It’s not a good idea to go for metabolism-boosting supplements containing questionable ingredients as they tend to produce more harm than good. Some natural ways to increase your metabolism are drinking green tea, having a hearty breakfast, eating protein-rich foods and taking plenty of fish with omega-3 fatty acids.
