Symptoms of Hypothyroidism or Just Poor Nutrition?
Can’t Lose Weight?: Symptoms of Hypothyroidism and Thyroid Problems
On today’s episode of Live Lean TV, lets talk about hypothyroidism, the symptoms of hypothyroidism, and the easiest way to fix it, if you actually have it.
More on that, in a bit.
Back in the mid-2000’s, one of the most influential people in the world, Oprah Winfrey, told the world that her issues with losing weight was due to a thyroid condition.
Since the spotlight was placed squarely on thyroid issues, so many people have been “self diagnosing” themselves with hypothyroidism.
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For example, a few months ago I did a video on 6 Common Causes of Thyroid Problems.
Based on this, many of you have DM’d me on Instagram with a similar message to this:
“Brad, I’ve been struggling to lose weight, my metabolism is slow, and I’m experiencing symptoms of hypothyroidism. Do you think this thyroid issue is why I can’t seem to lose weight?”
First off, although I do understand thyroid health, I don’t claim to be an expert on thyroid health.
But the question I want to highlight today is this.
If you’re struggling with losing weight, is it because you have hypothyroidism, or are you just misled with the wrong workouts and poor nutrition advice?
Don’t get me wrong, thyroid health is definitely real
However, the problem is many people are self diagnosing themselves with hypothyroidism, rather than getting a proper diagnosis from their health care provider.
The goal of this video is to raise awareness to seek help.
Regardless if hypothyroidism is the problem of your weight gain, or maybe your thyroid is healthy, but you’re just not following a good workout and nutrition program.
First off, let’s talk quickly about your thyroid.
Where is the Thyroid located?
The thyroid is a gland located at the front of your neck.
It produces the T3 and T4 hormones that are responsible for regulating many responsibilities of your metabolism, including weight gain and weight loss, cell growth, and reproductive function.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid hormones don’t function properly, thus causing a slow thyroid.
Symptoms of Hypothyroidism:
Weight gain is often the most talked about symptom of hypothyroidism.
People suffering from hypothyroidism may also have the following symptoms:
- Low body temperature including cold hands and feet
- Slow heart rate
- Constipation
- Achy joints
- Flaky, dry, and rough skin
- Thick swollen tongue
- Puffy swelling under the eyes
- Thinning, dry, brittle hair and hair loss
- Consistent fatigue
Many of these symptoms of hypothyroidism may be linked to other medical conditions or could just be the cause of poor nutrition.
Therefore, it’s always important to speak to your health care provider for a proper diagnosis.
And that’s one of the points I want to make.
Talk to a specialist.
Even Jessica and I work with a Naturopathic Medical Doctor on an ongoing basis to keep track of our blood test results.
It’s affordable, as most of it is covered by your health insurance.
It doesn’t take up a lot of your time, as our Naturopath actually sends a nurse to our condo to collect our blood, then we review our blood test results with the Naturopath via an online video call.
If you’re interested in working with my Naturopath, DM me on Instagram @BradGouthro, and I can make the introduction for you.
TSH Levels
Your health care specialist can take a blood test to check your TSH levels, which stands for thyroid stimulating hormone.
TSH is secreted from the pituitary gland in the brain and communicates to your thyroid to produce T3 and T4 hormones.
If you’re not producing enough T3 & T4, your TSH levels will come back elevated.
Although the range for “Normal” TSH range of 0.5-5.0 can be misleading, typically levels over 2.5 could potentially be early signs of hypothyroidism.
Again, your health care specialist can help you with this.
Mild thyroid failure could include deficiencies in the following nutrients:
The nutrients, selenium and iodine are important for thyroid function.
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It may also be recommended to avoid goitrogenic foods as they may interfere with thyroid function.
- Selenium: good sources of selenium include: brazil nuts, grass fed beef, wild salmon, chicken, turkey, and whole eggs.
- Iodine: good sources of iodine include: salmon, iodized salt, sea vegetables and, whole eggs.
- Avoid Goitrogenic Foods: these include: soy foods, cruciferous veggies like broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and legumes.
Bottom line.
How common is Hypothyroidism?
Latest research shows more than 12% of the US population will develop a thyroid issue in their lifetime.
However, as mentioned earlier, before you give up on your workouts and nutrition and just blame your weight gain on hypothyroidism, get a proper diagnosis first.
The true cause of your weight gain could be your workouts are not effective and your nutrition is poor.
If you’re struggling with weight loss, ask yourself this first:
- Are you consistently eating enough calories for your goals?
- Are your calories consistently comprised of mainly whole foods or are you eating too much sugar, processed foods, and drinking too much alcohol?
- Are you consistently eating enough protein, healthy fat, and fiber?
- Have you consistently been following a properly structured workout program, for at least 6 weeks, that is designed for your goals and fitness level?
Note: see how I used the word “consistently” in every one of those points.
Consistency doesn’t just mean for 3-4 days.
Results don’t happen that quick.
But with that said, if you answered yes to all these questions, and are still having a hard time losing weight.
Then it may be a good idea to talk to your health care provider to get properly diagnosed with a blood test.
If you’ve said no to any of these questions, it’s time to invest in your health, by getting on a properly structured workout and nutrition program.
We can help you with this by taking our free Live Lean Body Quiz.
In just a few minutes, you’ll discover the best workout and nutrition program based on your goals, fitness level, and access to equipment.
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Brad Gouthro is the founder of Live Lean TV, a media company focused on helping men and women “Live Lean” 365 days a year. Brad’s programs and content have helped millions of people all over the world learn how to get in shape, and more importantly, sustain it for life.
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