Weight and Thyroid
If you are knowledgeable about thyroid/weight issues, I'd love some input.
Cut for those that don't want to read about weight issues.
I didn't put on any weight from the pregnancy; in fact, I was a bit thinner after the baby. I lost a bunch of muscle mass, though, which sucked. Anyway, after breastfeeding (pumping, but same difference), I really intensified my exercise routine and have watched what I eat pretty closely. For four solid months, I've been walking at least an hour every single day (with VERY few exceptions), am considerably more active overall, been riding my bike, walking to stores and getting on the eliptical machine occasionally. My calorie count has averaged about 1500 net calories per day and my breakdown is generally pretty close to 50% carbs, 30% fat and 20% protein. Sometimes my fat content is higher, but usually I hit the mark pretty well. I clearly have built back muscle. I'm far stronger and more toned, which is good. However, I have not shifted a single pound, which seems seriously puzzling to me, given my greatly increased exercise and improved diet.
I went to the doctor recently and it turns out I tested somewhat hypothyroid. My understanding is that normal function is .5 to to 2.5. I tested at 7. The doctor didn't discuss doing anything about it yet, other than retesting at my next visit. He did make some suggestions to jumpstart my fitness, such as adding jogging intervals into my walks. I've been incorporating his suggestions, and still, nothing. Could the thyroid be the issue? Any natural ways to promote proper thyroid function? I've been seeing a few articles on iodine and vitamin A, but there's so much junk science out there that I figured I'd toss this question out to my friends list, some of whom may have dealt with this issue.
Advice? Comments? Criticisms?
Remember, this is the NO SUNSHINE UP THE ASS zone. So lay it on me.
- donna
p.s. Is it just me, or is the madcow icon a very (inappropriately) funny icon for this post? :-p
Cut for those that don't want to read about weight issues.
I didn't put on any weight from the pregnancy; in fact, I was a bit thinner after the baby. I lost a bunch of muscle mass, though, which sucked. Anyway, after breastfeeding (pumping, but same difference), I really intensified my exercise routine and have watched what I eat pretty closely. For four solid months, I've been walking at least an hour every single day (with VERY few exceptions), am considerably more active overall, been riding my bike, walking to stores and getting on the eliptical machine occasionally. My calorie count has averaged about 1500 net calories per day and my breakdown is generally pretty close to 50% carbs, 30% fat and 20% protein. Sometimes my fat content is higher, but usually I hit the mark pretty well. I clearly have built back muscle. I'm far stronger and more toned, which is good. However, I have not shifted a single pound, which seems seriously puzzling to me, given my greatly increased exercise and improved diet.
I went to the doctor recently and it turns out I tested somewhat hypothyroid. My understanding is that normal function is .5 to to 2.5. I tested at 7. The doctor didn't discuss doing anything about it yet, other than retesting at my next visit. He did make some suggestions to jumpstart my fitness, such as adding jogging intervals into my walks. I've been incorporating his suggestions, and still, nothing. Could the thyroid be the issue? Any natural ways to promote proper thyroid function? I've been seeing a few articles on iodine and vitamin A, but there's so much junk science out there that I figured I'd toss this question out to my friends list, some of whom may have dealt with this issue.
Advice? Comments? Criticisms?
Remember, this is the NO SUNSHINE UP THE ASS zone. So lay it on me.
- donna
p.s. Is it just me, or is the madcow icon a very (inappropriately) funny icon for this post? :-p