Struggling with cravings

[Frsussed]

Hey,

Like I’ve stated in recent posts, I’ve been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. And I’ve learned a lot over the past couple days about what diet I should follow. And I mean as most of you know it’s a lot of restricting! And I just can’t seem to want to follow it. Hypothyroidism is weird in the concept that you can’t see it with your bare eyes, it’s small things inside that don’t feel quite right. And because of that I feel no real need to follow the diet even though I know it can help me a lot! It’s also the fact that most of the foods I can’t have, I actually love a lot. And idk if I want to spend the rest of my life without them.

But I want to be better with my health so I’m planning on following the “lifestyle” but does anyone have advice on how to start?

[Norfolkmummy]

Hello, me again! When were you diagnosed? Have you been referred to a specialist or given any treatment? If you haven’t had any of this then I would suggest going back to your GP and asking them to give you more support because there are treatment options available for you! X

[Frsussed in reply to Norfolkmummy]

Hey, I got diagnosed like five days ago. And my mom and doctor want to see if I can work with just changing my diet and not putting myself on any medicines for the moment considering my age. And I am trying to schedule a new appointment but it’s been a little difficult

[Norfolkmummy in reply to Frsussed]

What do you want? You can try with diet and exercise but it’s something that doesn’t go away and you will have to adjust for a long time. You are old enough to make an appointment for yourself and have a second opinion from another doctor. I am not an expert on hypothyroidism at all but you could at least have a referral to a dietician to help you manage dietary changes? Just a thought. But it’s best to work with your mum and tell her how you are feeling ❤️

[Frsussed in reply to Norfolkmummy]

I have but it’s difficult because she’s in the USA right now. And I’m living in France with a substitute family (very confusing) but personally I want to avoid medicine and just stick with diet and exercise but it’s hard starting and avoiding my favorite foods

[Frsussed in reply to Norfolkmummy]

❤️

[greygoose]

There is no diet for hypothyroidism. And, anyone that tells you there is, is having you on. What things do you think your should cutting out? Brassicas? That's a load of nonsense. You don't need to.

The only thing you should avoid at all costs is soya - and, personally, I think that should be the same for non-hypos, too! I don't even count it as a food. The problem is that some form of soya crops up in most processed foods. Same goes for artificial sweeteners and processed seed oils. They aren't good for anyone, but are used abundantly in processed foods. So, best to always cook from scratch. But, that goes for non-hypos, too.

If you have Hashi's, you could be gluten-sensitive, and therefore benefit from going gluten-free. But, plenty of non-Hashi's people are also gluten-sensitive. Same goes for dairy. So, if something doesn't agree with you, you cut it out. That's only common sense. But, there is no special diet for hypos. Just eat what you like and what likes you. Plenty of good protein and good fats; fresh fruit and veg; some carbs; not too much fibre, go easy on the sugar but make sure you get enough salt - adrenals like salt. And, that goes for just about everybody, hypo or no.

[Frsussed in reply to greygoose]

Thank you for the info, I’ve been kind of lost because I’ve been told by my doctor that I need to avoid dairy, gluten and sugary processed foods as best as I can.

[greygoose in reply to Frsussed]

I agree with the sugary processed foods. But, you need to know if gluten and dairy are actually your problem. They aren't a problem for everyone. Try cutting them out for a while - one at a time, not both together - and see if it makes you feel any better. If it doesn't, try eating them again, and see if it makes you feel worse. If it makes your feel worse, then obviously you want to cut them out permanently. If it doesn't make you feel any worse, then carry on eating them.

Never, ever take nutritional advice from a doctor. They know nothing about it because they don't do it in med school - they are far from being experts, whatever they may think. And, they sometimes give terrible dietary advice. Do your own research. Ask on here. Don't just take their word for it. The more food groups you cut out, the more likely you are to end up malnourished. You are already at a disadvantage from being hypo, and therefore having low stomach acid, and therefore problems digesting and absorbing nutrients. And, all your nutrients need to be optimal for your body to be able to use thyroid hormone. You need to eat a varied diet.

If I were you, I would ask your doctor to test your vit D, vit B12, folate and ferritin. You may need to supplement some or all of those, plus their cofactors.

[Norfolkmummy in reply to Frsussed]

I would suggest that you look up Hypothyroidism on NHS Choices website and be guided by that. Or read up on thyroiduk.org.uk/tuk/about_.... Then you may get a balanced view on what options you have. X