A major symptom of under-active thyroid conditions and one that causes great concern to those who experience it is weight gain. Some patients continue to experience weight gain even after being adequately treated for hypothyroidism. This calls for some disciplined effort on the part of patients, to follow a healthy diet and one that will bring them gains toward weight control and losing extra pounds. Additionally, a healthy diet can simply result in better all-around health for thyroid patients who need the extra advantage that wise diet practices can bring. In this New York Times best-selling book by Mary J. Shomon, she offers advice, solutions and a plan to help make this happen for thyroid patients.
Undiagnosed Hypothyroidism
Attention is given in this informative book, to the fact that cases of hypothyroidism are often left undiagnosed due to blood testing that can detect it, often not being ordered. Additionally, facts in regard to borderline cases of under-active thyroid gland not being recognized and lack of testing ordered to detect elusive cases of developing thyroid hormone imbalance, are pointed out as being common problems.
The facts brought out powerfully in the book point to the importance in better public awareness of symptoms that help to detect developing thyroid hormone imbalance. Mary gives detail to this area, as well as leading the reader into an understanding about proper thyroid function testing and proper interpretation of them by qualified doctors, so that cases of thyroid disorders are not missed, which can contribute to ongoing weight-gain issues. She gives descriptions of all categories of thyroid disorders and diseases, in addition to those that cause hypothyroidism.
Treatments for Diagnosed Hypothyroid Patients
Mary also dedicates detail in the book in regard to treatments available for hypothyroidism and the importance in these being optimized for patients for best possible results. The point again being that continued weight gain can also be contributed to, by inadequately treated hypothyroidism, which keeps metabolism at a sub-normal level. The importance of treated patients practicing good nutrition is also discussed, with essential information included in regard to vitamins, minerals and natural supplements that can be safely incorporated into conventional treatment for hypothyroidism, to gain all possible benefits, that all combined can potentiate the treatment in-general.
Other Factors for Proper Metabolism
In addition to thyroid issues, Mary also addresses other endocrine imbalances including glucose dysregulation (blood sugar imbalance) and adrenal hormone imbalance that must be given attention, to help with weight control, including the importance of treating adrenal fatigue if it co-exists with thyroid problems. The book includes graphs that distinguish between healthy and unhealthy fats and foods that are low-glycemic and high in protein, as well as helping the reader to understand how the body converts foods into energy (gluconeogenesis). There is also a Body Mass Index graph to help the reader find his or her proper weight level determined by height and body type.
Other factors that can affect weight control are discussed as well, including candida fungus overgrowth in the digestive tract (Candidiasis), Celiac Disease (allergy/intolerance to gluten products) and subtle parasitic infestation and the balance between zinc and copper levels in the body. Aspects in regard to the effects of stress and emotional imbalance are also given attention as well as menopause in women and how inflammatory conditions in the body can also cause difficulty with weight control.
Developing a Plan
In the final chapters of Mary’s book, she inspires the reader to develop a plan for healthier diet practices and successful weight loss that includes a healthy diet, with special attention given in earlier chapters, to the fact that treated hypothyroid patients should avoid “goitrogen foods” (those affecting thyroid hormone levels). Lots of recipes are listed that give the reader many tasty-but-healthy meal options to help with weight loss and control, as well as suggestions in regard to food portions (serving sizes).
Emphasis is given in regard to avoidance of stimulants in the diet such as caffeine, alcohol and refined sugars and to the importance of remaining well-hydrated (drinking plenty of water). Some discussion is also given to prescription weight-loss drugs that may be needed in some cases of weight-loss difficulty. Also offered, are suggestions in regard to developing a proper exercise regimen and mind-body and self-therapy techniques that can help gain and maintain positive mood and ambition to continue a program for improved health.
This book can be a great benefit to thyroid patients seeking help with weight loss and healthier diet and lifestyle practices. (Thanks to Mary Shomon for supplying a free copy for review.)
Jim Lowrance - James M. (Jim) Lowrance has authored over 100 book and ebook publications since year 2004.
