working out and the thyroid

[alfonsina]

I was wondering the effects of being hypo and working out.
I am not an athlete, but I like working out. Despite all the exercise I do I can not get my muscles toned (defined). They look weak and saggy.
My trainer said I had to eat more protein, but I am confused.

I am not leveled yet. Despite taking my medicine and having good numbers I am still very syntomatic.

I am just wondering if being hypo causes muscles weakness.

I read something from Dr. Broda and he says too much protein is not good for hypo people. Then I read www.thyroidbook.com (I am actually reading the book) where the author says gluten is not very good for hypo/hashis people.

Is there any hope for those who like working out? better performance? seeing results? more protein?dairy?

Plus, lately I eat an apple and gain two pounds...no kidding.

[LazyMoose]

"How do athletes deal with thyroid disease? just medication?"

We all have our worst thyroid symptoms, were all different. To my amazement, some hypothyroid people never even experienced muscle pain when hypo before they went on thyroid med.

When hypo, it just magnifies health and problem area that all ready exist due to past injury or body chemistry. And the longer you were under treated the worse it gets and some is irreversible. Part of my body pain is from extreme exercise / competing for years while I unknowingly had Hashimoto. After 11 years I added T3, it helped a lot but not completely.

Foot pain (planter facitis), tight calf muscles are common. Some type of orthodics  (not the squishy ones) can help- or an arch wrap over the sock. Protein drinks help, magnesium too.

Your knee pain could be referred pain from tight thigh muscles pulling on their attachment point at the knee, not in the knee at all. Real true joint pain is not as common as we think.

I think you have to deal with it on an individual bases. What works for you, so experiment. I really had to back off hard exercise, now i'm just happy with moderation and less pain. Dont want to discourage you, my body has taking a beating over the years, so I am a worst case. I also learned Trigger Point muscle release for the day after exercise - it was worth it!

[alfonsina]

I am trying a balance diet too. But, would more protein help me to achieve my goals?

For what I have read hypo patients have protein absorption problems, but I am not sure if eating more would really help.

What I experimented on myself was a gluten free diet for a week. It does affect your body. I had my levels checked after that week and my FT3 went very high and felt a little hyper for a while. When I started to eat gluten again, they dropped. I believe I would have to cut on my medicines if I go gluten free.

I do not know if I have experienced tendinitis yet, but I can say that I had to stop running due to knee pain. Then, I can not do some excercises because I have a weird pain after them. My feet hurt when spinning, not sure if this is normal.

How do athletes deal with thyroid disease? just medication?

[Barb135]

There are different schools of thought on the gluten free issue; there have been no scientific studies that show a direct link between Hashimoto's and gluten.  

There are several posts regarding the issue; here's a link to the most recent and complete one.

http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Thyroid-Disorders/More-research-connecting-gluten-to-thryoid-disease/show/1284972

[LazyMoose]

"being hypo causes muscles weakness?

- Yes, if you levels are not right you need to be carefull, even months after your labs are 'right'.   Tendinitis can set in as well. I think it also depends how bad you beat up your body before this disease has set in.

[jtlmom1577]

I have been working out with a personal trainer since January. I love my new muscle tone:)   I was diagnosed in March with Hashimoto's.  Weight gain is not a symptom that I have right now but suspect that I actually have have thyroid problems resulting in the weight I carry right now.  I too am still in the medicine tweaking and was just raised to 75 mcg.  My numbers are in the normal range but are low low normal.    I am struggling to lose weight but am sticking with the trainer and the working out.  I know it will all come together.  

There is a school of thought where gluten is not tolerated with hashi patients. I have not gone completely gluten free but many people have gone gluten free and feel much better.  I am working toward that being gluten free.  

Stick with the working out and the trainer and be patient with this disease.  Good luck to you.
My diet is balance with protein, carbs etc. I use the Weight Watcher's system and am actually wondering if I need to eat more.  

I find it frustrating that I have to pay attention to everything.  I am 50 (for a few more weeks).  I feel like all I do is workout and read food labels.