If you have a thyroid condition, working with your doctor to successfully keep your thyroid levels within a healthy range is your first priority. With a doctor’s guidance and monitoring, you can also incorporate the nutritional support of Isagenix products into a healthy lifestyle.
Let’s be clear — Isagenix products are not intended to treat any kind of thyroid condition, but they can provide convenient, quality nutrition.
Whether you have hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, the most common treatment is medication. It’s important that you take your medications according to your healthcare provider’s instructions. Generally, this means taking thyroid medications on an empty stomach first thing in the morning and waiting a set period of time to consume foods or nutritional supplements.
If you take thyroid medications, you should individualize your program — including Cleanse Day scheduling — to accommodate any instructions given by your healthcare provider.
Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism Basics
The thyroid gland affects almost every metabolic process in the body through the hormones it produces. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 20 million people in the United States have some form of thyroid condition. In addition, up to 60 percent of those with a thyroid condition are unaware that they have it.
Your thyroid can be found at the front of your neck, near to the collar bone. It’s a butterfly-shaped gland that plays a key role in the endocrine system, working to create, distribute, and regulate hormones in your body. Thyroid hormones regulate your body’s metabolism to provide cells with the energy they need to function. The most common thyroid problems involve the abnormal production of thyroid hormones.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones control the rate of many bodily functions from the rate you burn calories to how fast your heart beats. Major symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, dry skin, and unexplained weight gain. The most common cause is Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune disease that inhibits the thyroid’s ability to function properly.
Hyperthyroidism
On the other end of the spectrum, hyperthyroidism is characterized by an overactive thyroid that produces more thyroid hormones than your body needs. This overproduction can increase metabolism in an unhealthy way. Symptoms include unexpected weight loss, a rapid or irregular heartbeat, irritability, and sweating. An autoimmune disorder known as Graves’ disease is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
How do you know if you have a thyroid condition?
The best way to determine if you have a thyroid disorder is to consult with your doctor. Through blood work and a physical exam, your doctor will be able to diagnose a thyroid disorder and help you start an effective treatment plan.
What other lifestyle changes can I make besides using Isagenix products?
Adopt a diet rich in protein.
Protein is an important part of any diet, but it is an even more important tool for those who seek weight management. Protein-rich diets have been shown to help preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss. Building and preserving lean muscle mass is an effective strategy to increase metabolism and energy expenditure (1, 2).
Make sleep a priority.
Getting quality sleep should be a priority for everyone, especially those looking to manage weight. Not getting the recommended seven to nine hours per night can disrupt your metabolism and make you more susceptible to increases in body fat (3).
Commit to getting active each day.
Thyroid conditions can impact your energy levels, making the idea of committing to an exercise routine even more daunting. But the benefits of exercises like resistance training or High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) are undeniable. Especially for those with hypothyroidism, increased exercise can help support your metabolism and contribute to weight management.
References
- Soenen S, et al. Normal Protein Intake Is Required for Body Weight Loss and Weight Maintenance, and Elevated Protein Intake for Additional Preservation of Resting Energy Expenditure and Fat Free Mass. J Nutr. 2013 Feb 27. doi: 10.3945/jn.112.167593
- Westerterp-Plantenga MS, et al. Dietary protein – its role in satiety, energetics, weight loss and health. Br J Nutr. 2012 Aug;108 Suppl 2:S105-12. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512002589.
- Chaput JP, Tremblay A. Sleeping Habits Predict the Magnitude of Fat Loss in Adults Exposed to Moderate Caloric Restriction. Obes Facts. 2012;5:561-6.
