Hypothyroidism & weight gain

[WordKeeper]

I was not able to get medication for my hypothyroidism for several months this year and gained 15 pounds. I finally got medication 2 weeks ago and am feeling better but my weight is still up.

Any knowledgeable suggestions about how to drop the weight with hypothyroid. (Hint - it is not the same as normal weight loss for those not familiar with hypothyroidism.)

[liamona]

Originally Posted by WordKeeper

I was not able to get medication for my hypothyroidism for several months this year and gained 15 pounds. I finally got medication 2 weeks ago and am feeling better but my weight is still up.

Any knowledgeable suggestions about how to drop the weight with hypothyroid. (Hint - it is not the same as normal weight loss for those not familiar with hypothyroidism.)

My friends with this condition usually take more medication than they're prescribed to lose extra weight (and I think some other things like supplements that helps lower cortisol levels—but this is technical info. that you need to research to do the right way).

They also stockpile the meds in their freezer in case they're not available. I think anyone who relies on any kind of meds ought to keep extra bottles around, if they can.

[WordKeeper]

Well I went on the internet to see if I could find some suggestions.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

I had learned about some of the amazing properties of coconut oil and already use it for skin and hair care. I also knew it was helpful internally as an antifungal, anti-candidiasis. But I did not know that it helped with thyroid.

I'm on day two.

I also read that Organic Apple Cidar Vinegar helps
I bought it but haven't tried it. On the fence.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by WordKeeper

Well I went on the internet to see if I could find some suggestions.
Extra Virgin Coconut Oil

I had learned about some of the amazing properties of coconut oil and already use it for skin and hair care. I also knew it was helpful internally as an antifungal, anti-candidiasis. But I did not know that it helped with thyroid.

I'm on day two.

How's that going? Are you starting out with small amounts? It's some powerful stuff.

I forgot to mention the site StopTheThyroidMadness.com. It's a good place to find out if you're taking the the right amount of the right medication.

[WordKeeper]

I'll check it out.

BTW what kind of vitamen D do you take? I asked somewhere else but can't find that thread.

[liamona]

Yeah, it gets hard to keep track of all the threads, even if you subscribe to them! I gave you an answer on the "Flu - alternative treatments and healings" thread. Here's the permalink—hope it works.

Flu - alternative treatments and healings

[WordKeeper]

Thank you for the link.

Clearly I need to take the CLO. It would help me out in many areas. I appreciate your knowledge on the subject.

[liamona]

You're welcome! Keep us posted on your progress.

[WordKeeper]

Thanks for asking liamona.

I believe that I am beginning to make a modicum of progress.
It is not clear but the indication that I have is that suddenly I had an insight into the depths of the fatigue that I have been experiencing for many years now. Usually I gain such insights as I begin to emerge from the oppression. The fatigue is still there but I believe there is some movement.

One of the things that I found interesting about the web site you linked is that connection they make between the thyroid and the adrenal gland. I began to address my adrenal fatigue a couple of years ago using a product designed by a dr. who wrote a book entitled Adrenal Fatigue. I got great results from his products but they are a little expensive and I am short of funds presently. However, I have been working to reduce the stress and to heal some issues that have generated stress.

The adrenal/thyroid connection makes great sense to me. I was glad to read their take on it. Can't wait to get some of the fatigue lifted. It will be life changing. I thought the weight was the issue. I have been fatigued for so long that I was unaware that it even existed. That will be a much more significant relief than the unwanted 15lbs.

[pianoperformer]

Whatever you do, do not take extra medication. Here's an example of what happened to me when I was prescribed just 0.012 mg (or whatever units they use) of an increase, from 0.1 to 0.112. It was really frightening.

Also, to liamona, how did they stock pile the medication? My insurance only releases it to me every 30 days, in the amount I will need in that 30 days. That is my fear, though, which is why I ask. I'm dependent on a lot of medication for the rest of my life.

[Kasha]

Hi there,

I believe I had a thyroid problem when I was overweight, but I didn't do anything about it...I was just gaining weight no matter what I ate...sound familiar? I'll take a guess and assume you're a woman because there is a link to hypothyroidism and hormone levels (in particular estrogen).

Dropping the weight will require a LOT of patience in your case but its completely possible..you need to regulate your insulin which is triggered by fast carbohydrates (those high on the Glycemic Index). Google the term 'GI foods' and eat those that are absorbed slowly by the body.

This is a good book for you to read: Amazon.com: Eat to Live: The Revolutionary Formula for Fast and Sustained Weight Loss: Joel Fuhrman, Mehmet Oz: Books

I pretty much guarantee that if you follow the advice given, you'll drop the weight. You need to be patient, as your case is not like most. Just do as Dr. Fuhrman says, sit back and relax a few months and try to avoid stress. You'll be fine!

Best of luck :-)

K

[WordKeeper]

I finally achieved a shift in my weight. Just 1 lb but that makes a difference psychologically.

Kasha - I knew that certain carbs were particularly bad but I have not read about their connection to the insulin. That makes perfect sense as the issue is an endocrine problem.

I will look for that book. Stress has been an enormous factor in my life for many years. I have worked asciduously to reduce stressors. Now it is time to change my eating.

I am poised to start a vegetable garden. It is time to get that project on-line. It is a true health issue.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by pianoperformer

Whatever you do, do not take extra medication. Here's an example of what happened to me when I was prescribed just 0.012 mg (or whatever units they use) of an increase, from 0.1 to 0.112. It was really frightening.

Oh wow, that sounds horrible!

Most of my friends with thyroid issues take Armour, which AFAIK is the only natural thyroid supplement and I believe doesn't produce these kinds of symptoms.

Also, to liamona, how did they stock pile the medication? My insurance only releases it to me every 30 days, in the amount I will need in that 30 days.

Unfortunately, if you want Armour you will have to see an alternative medicine-minded doctor, especially one who is cutting-edge and keeps up on new information, like anti-aging specialists.

This will probably mean paying out-of-pocket. Some of these doctors charge $150, $350 or more an hour, and tend not to accept insurance because they don't need to and/or don't want to deal with insurance hassles.

You can sometimes see their nurse practitioners for less, but if you can, try to see the actual doctor.

One of my friends complains bitterly that these are the only doctors who know what the ♥♥♥♥♥ they're doing when it comes to treating hormonal issues. The waiting rooms are invariably filled with wealthy middle-aged to elderly people who look fantastically young and healthy.

Of course once you see them, they will be happy to write a larger prescription for you, so that you can store extra in the freezer.

That is my fear, though, which is why I ask. I'm dependent on a lot of medication for the rest of my life.

I know—I'm sorry to hear it; you're not alone.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by WordKeeper

I finally achieved a shift in my weight. Just 1 lb but that makes a difference psychologically.

That's great! Good luck with the garden.

[WordKeeper]

Thanks.

I was able to get a prescription for Armour from my psychiatrist. But the issue of stockpiling has nothing to do with him. He will prescribe it for several refills but the pharmacists are not allowed to fill more than one prescription per month.

Just curious Liamona - do you live in the US?

[pianoperformer]

Originally Posted by liamona

Oh wow, that sounds horrible!

Most of my friends with thyroid issues take Armour, which AFAIK is the only natural thyroid supplement and I believe doesn't produce these kinds of symptoms.

That's nice. I never knew synthroid could do something like this.

Originally Posted by liamona

Unfortunately, if you want Armour you will have to see an alternative medicine-minded doctor, especially one who is cutting-edge and keeps up on new information, like anti-aging specialists.

This will probably mean paying out-of-pocket. Some of these doctors charge $150, $350 or more an hour, and tend not to accept insurance because they don't need to and/or don't want to deal with insurance hassles.

You can sometimes see their nurse practitioners for less, but if you can, try to see the actual doctor.

One of my friends complains bitterly that these are the only doctors who know what the ♥♥♥♥♥ they're doing when it comes to treating hormonal issues. The waiting rooms are invariably filled with wealthy middle-aged to elderly people who look fantastically young and healthy.

Of course once you see them, they will be happy to write a larger prescription for you, so that you can store extra in the freezer.

I've been on at least 3 medications (now 5) since the age of four. I trusted my endocrinologist, but that's when I was seen by Children's Hospital. I'm 20 now, so they thought it best to transition to an adult endocrinologist. This mistake on her part makes me a bit nervous, though. It was really frightening.

Thankfully I'm on the old dosage now and I've felt fine. I still felt a little strange all of that day when I went to the hospital, but now it's settled down.

Anyway, unfortunately the convenience of insurance is too great to think about going without it.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by WordKeeper

Thanks.

I was able to get a prescription for Armour from my psychiatrist. But the issue of stockpiling has nothing to do with him. He will prescribe it for several refills but the pharmacists are not allowed to fill more than one prescription per month.

Just curious Liamona - do you live in the US?

Yeah I do. I wonder if there's regional differences in dispensing prescriptions? It doesn't seem like there should be. I will try to get a hold of my friend and see what she says—maybe I misunderstood her.

IIRC, what one of my friends does is get a prescription for a high amount of grain of Armour, then cuts them into pieces and takes several doses a day.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by pianoperformer

That's nice. I never knew synthroid could do something like this.

I don't know for sure—you may want to look on the Stop the Thyroid Madness - The truth about thyroid and thyroid treatment site.

I'm 20 now, so they thought it best to transition to an adult endocrinologist. This mistake on her part makes me a bit nervous, though. It was really frightening.

I'll bet! I can't even imagine.

Thankfully I'm on the old dosage now and I've felt fine. I still felt a little strange all of that day when I went to the hospital, but now it's settled down.

Do you take your body temperature? It's one way to help monitor your thyroid.

Anyway, unfortunately the convenience of insurance is too great to think about going without it.

I totally understand. Many of my friends felt the same way; and they're all stay-at-home mothers who often have to scrape the money together to see the anti-aging specialists.

However, now that they're in their thirties, and after a lifetime of issues like being misdiagnosed and/or given the wrong meds (like anti-depressants!), they're fed up with their subpar HMO doctors who don't know their @ss from a hole in the ground.

Many of them are practically doctors without the initials after their names, because of all the research they've had to do on their own after suffering at the hands of these medical "professionals" for years. It's really scandalous.

[Honeywith4bees]

Hey WordKeeper!

How exactly do you "take" the EVCO? I tried some this morning for the first time and gagged from the consistency. I assume that most people must not just swallow it straight because it was noxious!! Any tips?

And are you getting any positive results yet? I'd love to hear about it

Thanks!

[liamona]

Originally Posted by Honeywith4bees

How exactly do you "take" the EVCO? I tried some this morning for the first time and gagged from the consistency. I assume that most people must not just swallow it straight because it was noxious!! Any tips?

It's best to start out with extremely small quantities, like 1/2 teaspoon. You can melt it in tea or broth. I used to get quite dizzy when I first started taking it—now I can take one or two tablespoons at a time. You have to be careful, because it can cause dramatic yeast die-off symptoms.

[Honeywith4bees]

Thanks Liamona,

Thats good to know because the jar I bought recommended 1-3 Tablespoons a day. I took one tablespoon this morning and thought YUCK! how am I going to do this two more times!

What kind of symptoms could manifest as yeast die off?

[liamona]

Originally Posted by Honeywith4bees

Thanks Liamona,

Thats good to know because the jar I bought recommended 1-3 Tablespoons a day. I took one tablespoon this morning and thought YUCK! how am I going to do this two more times!

What kind of symptoms could manifest as yeast die off?

It can be similar to flu symptoms. Ironically, taking a tablespoon every hour at the onset of a flu can help knock it out within 12 to 24 hours.

I got a member alert from the Weston Price Foundation about coconut oil and the swine flu, which has some good recommendations on how to consume it:

"COCONUT OIL
We are grateful to Beth Beisel, registered dietitian and WAPF member for reminding us about the protective factors in coconut oil. Swine flu is a lipid coated virus (H1N1-influenza as Lazarus: Genomic resurrection from the tomb of an unknown — PNAS), and thus is inactivated by sufficient amounts of monolaurin. (Our bodies convert lauric acid, found in coconut oil, to monolaurin).

According to our own Dr. Mary Enig, two to three tablespoons of coconut oil per day appears to be an adequate dosage to fight infection, even from virulent antibiotic-resistant organisms such as MSRA.

There are lots of ways to get coconut oil into the diet: stir coconut oil in some tea; make macaroons; replace some of the butter in baking with coconut oil; and use it in cooking/sautéing. Mary's oil blend (see below) is a good way to incorporate coconut oil in cooking and salad dressings.

MARY'S OIL BLEND
1/3 melted coconut oil
1/3 sesame oil - expeller pressed
1/3 100% olive oil

Combine oils, store in a tight container, in an area free from sunlight, and use in cooking or on salads.

COCONUT SMOOTHIE
Beth has shared this great smoothie recipe with us.

1 banana
1 cup frozen mango
1 cup frozen pineapple
1 cup orange juice
1/2 cup pomegranate/blueberry juice
1/2 cup natural yogurt or kefir, preferably homemade from raw milk
1/2 can coconut milk

Whirl in blender and drink to your health!"

[Honeywith4bees]

Originally Posted by liamona

It can be similar to flu symptoms.

That's funny, all day I've felt like I was coming down with the flu!!

You've convinced me to keep trying the stuff, but in smaller doses.

I have a MASSIVE sugar addiction and assume that I should try to stay far away from the stuff while consuming the EVCO.

Thanks for the tip!

[liamona]

Originally Posted by Honeywith4bees

I have a MASSIVE sugar addiction and assume that I should try to stay far away from the stuff while consuming the EVCO.

Good idea! On the bright side, you can use it to make great desserts with stevia and cocoa powder.

Thanks for the tip!

You're welcome, and good luck!

[Addict]

What are some of the symptoms you guys encounter?

I'm worried about my fiancee. We've been dieting and exercising together for 11 weeks. In that time I've lost about 7lb (and am relatively close to my goal weight) and she, after going up and down, is about the same (and 70lb from her goal weight). It makes no sense at all. It seems like we're doing everything perfectly, but no results.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by pianoperformer

Also, to liamona, how did they stock pile the medication?

I found out that they just get a really large prescription filled, and freeze the extra every month.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by Addict

What are some of the symptoms you guys encounter?

Are you talking about coconut oil, or signs of hypothyroidism?

I'm worried about my fiancee. We've been dieting and exercising together for 11 weeks. In that time I've lost about 7lb (and am relatively close to my goal weight) and she, after going up and down, is about the same (and 70lb from her goal weight). It makes no sense at all. It seems like we're doing everything perfectly, but no results.

Maybe she needs a different diet; in addition, men tend to have an easier time losing weight than women. What kind of diet and exercise program (I first typed out "problem" LOL) are you following?

[Kasha]

Originally Posted by WordKeeper

I finally achieved a shift in my weight. Just 1 lb but that makes a difference psychologically.

Kasha - I knew that certain carbs were particularly bad but I have not read about their connection to the insulin. That makes perfect sense as the issue is an endocrine problem.

I will look for that book. Stress has been an enormous factor in my life for many years. I have worked asciduously to reduce stressors. Now it is time to change my eating.

I am poised to start a vegetable garden. It is time to get that project on-line. It is a true health issue.

I am so happy you're making the connection between diet and hormones!

And best of luck with that garden, I cannot think of a better gift one can give to themselves than fresh produce grown with care. As for the stress, have you tried simple breathing exercises?

Take deep breaths in counts of 4...4 counts in 4 counts out. Draw the oxygen to the bottom of your lungs.

Then switch it up, do 2 counts in, 2 counts out. Then try 3 counts in, 1 count out. Then 1 count in, 3 counts out. I do these at the end of my aerobics classes, and people really like them.

Best of luck!

K :-)

[Addict]

Are you talking about coconut oil, or signs of hypothyroidism?

symptoms of hypothyroidism. If I was asking about side effects of coconut oil, I would have used the word side effect.

Maybe she needs a different diet; in addition, men tend to have an easier time losing weight than women. What kind of diet and exercise program (I first typed out "problem" LOL) are you following?

Of course men have an easier time, but this is beyond ridiculous. The further someone is away from their goal weight, the faster the weight should come off.

We've been exercising daily and eating a low carb diet (no bread, pasta, etc except for one meal a week). We're both about to lose hope here. We've been doing this for three months straight and she now weighs 3 lb more than when we started.

[liamona]

Originally Posted by Addict

We've been exercising daily and eating a low carb diet (no bread, pasta, etc except for one meal a week). We're both about to lose hope here. We've been doing this for three months straight and she now weighs 3 lb more than when we started.

What kind of low carb diet is she following? If she's strictly following a plan that's based mostly on fresh meat and vegetables, she should be losing inches off her measurements. Has she seen her doctor about this?