A Thyroid member EXPERIMENT for the NEW YEAR - Can we do this as a group?

[stella5349]

I'd like to attempt a forum experiment with diet changes to see if changing certain things we consume can in fact - help us as individual thyroid patients.

Would you consider coming on board with me on this?

In the little time I have had lately to really dig deep on the diet changes (particularly gluten-free and zero sugar) I was thinking WE could try this as a forum community and track our personal results. Maybe both weight and thyroid results.

This would be a long haul of diligent work - about a 6 mth commitment but offering ourselves in diet changing to see if weight loss and thyroid wellness could be achieved with this may be something we could try. It certainly would be a tracking tool to see if this "could" be something of study if many community members made a committment to try it?

I played around with gluten-free with it myself last year and actually had significate weight loss - I felt thyroid well regardless but now that I have returned to "bad" diet choices due to working and not paying attention to what I am shoving in my mouth to eat :(   - I recently went to the doctor and gained a dredded 5 pounds in 4 short weeks!

Sadly, I am NOT happy I gained this weight. AND - looking back I may had felt better thyroid-wise when I was really trying to stick to the basic eating I had done a while back.

I know this gluten idea is not backed at all for thyroid, and I certainly don't want to roar the board in this, I do find it interesting to entertain a personal wellness record just trying a basic diet to see what each of our outcomes may be.

What are the highlights of this gluten-free / supplement basics to make this diet choice to see?

There's 2 things that I see need to be blended if we would give it our best shot to know how each of us respond.  

1. an entirely strick diet of no gluten
2. a low glycemic-index diet similiar to what diabetic patients do in their nutrition intake

To make it clear on potential participators, this would NOT be an alternative to what your doctors are treating you with. This is not an elimination of medications but just a simple choice to eat simply and avoid some things in addition to what your treatment plan is.

*** And, of course, please be sure this is okay with your personal physician for you ****

I am hoping we can come together on this and try it. Maybe even a standard exercise plan of kegals or mild walking commitment with it to see if we boost something to track our wellness, good or bad.

What do you think? I personally am going to go back to it January 1st and this time really track my progress. Can you do this with me?

[GroupTrack_MHmod]

Hi Everyone,

For new/continuing posts, please join us on the new GroupTrack Challenge:  We're Going Gluten Free!

Here's the link to our new group for this challenge:
http://www.medhelp.org/forums/GroupTrack-Challenge-Were-Going-Gluten-Free/show/1148

See you soon!

Best,

GroupTrack_MH Moderator
& your CL's

[Maure]

Phew!!!! After reading jjls1313's post at beginning of this article, it confirmed my notions of having under active thyroid is harder to loose weight and to keep it off, Ive heard this said before but didnt really choose to believe it fully, as at times with hard work, I have managed to get some weight off, but that dreaded half stone always creeps back on again, so unless I maintain the level of 'work' needed as like yourself I have health issues with a back problem that hinders me from most exercise paths, I have recently purchased 'Zumba' dont know if any have heard of this type of exercise plan, its sort of dance but includes a high level so you sweat much doing it, well as for purchasing it, yes it came in the post and cost a heavty

[LazyMoose]

It will be very interesting to see peoples results after their 6 month gluten free , low sugar diet. I just read this whole post, and from what I read, the main two reasons for this seem to be to lose weight and to improve thyroid health by reducing possible foods that might increase thyroid antibodies. I hope some of those that succeed in this for the full duration, try to get their antibodies tested again to compare levels - assuming they new what their antibodies were before. Personality I have only had my thyroid antibodies (TPO, TGab) both tested twice, they were very close both times even being ten years apart.

I did go gluten free for 3-4 months several years ago to control an out of control digestive system with acid reflux. At that time, I had two Celiac tests and tested negative, but I could have a low form of gluten intolerance, like many do. I did eliminate the acid reflux by eliminating gluten, milk, fatty low PH (acidic) red meats, and sugars. Raised my body PH at this time (alkalized) which also contributed to less muscle pain. I ate a lot of veggies, chicken w/out skin, fresh water fish, and brown or wild rice. Low body PH (acidic) contributes to heart problems and body inflammation since low PH blood is actually thicker and has unnatural binding properties related to poor circulation. This can be tested from saliva using paper roll PH test strips. My meals were very bland and boring, but my experiment was successful by eliminating the need for surgery to control nighttime reflux. My 'burnt up'  LES valve at the bottom of the esophagus healed and worked again (it closes!) - with out costly PPI acid reducing meds that are hard on the pancreas. Back then it did not occur to me to get thyroid antibodies tested after that strict diet. Taking onlyT4 med was, in my case, also part of my digestive problems. Have had some form of T3 for two years now, feel better all over.

I have since wondered off a little from that diet, but not completely. I will never consume dairy milk again, almond milk is the best tasting and most healthy alternative. Its hard to eliminate gluten, and expensive. Eating whole foods similar to the Paleo diet ( the 'cave man' diet), is time consuming and very limited., but the most healthy. Cave men did not eat grains, bake bread (with the exception of Wilma Flintstone), consume pizza or drink soda. There is one good gluten free pasta (all types) by the name of Tinkyada (who thought of that name?), its really tasty, the other GF pastas make me gag...... I feel better with less bread. Funny thing, I feel worse from whole grain bread, someone else mentioned this to. But toasted bread seems to have limited negative side effects. As far as sugar, I've never bought sugar in my life (none in the kitchen), but I need to limit processed sugars/ carbs to keep blood glucose  levels under control. Candy bars are a thing of the past, but its very hard to pass up the convenience of 'granola' type bars for fast snacks and in the morning - any they are sugar/carb no no's. Eating what is healthy for me in the morning is the most challenging, and I'm not onto spending time cooking before 6:30 AM, my sleep time is worth more.

I  feel for the hypos battling weight. So far, that's the only hypo symptom I've not had, and at 44, with Hashimoto for at least 20 years, Ive had every other symptom there is, believe me!  Ive always had good exercise, my whole life, so I think that might be the difference in my case, being male might help too. The biggest thing with a successful exercise program is you must find what you like to do. If you hate it, your wont look forward to it. Some can spend hours on a treadmill or limit their fitness to indoors, I find that impossible to do, I hate treadmills / exercise bikes, totally boring. I do weights, but limit it to what my body likes, positively responds to. If its above Zero Fahrenheit in the winter and less than 95 in the summer, I need to go outside. Biking, hiking, canoeing, skiing, snowshoeing five miles in the woods, whatever, my pace differs each time, as an outdoor fanatic that's what works for me. That's all very time consuming too, so its obviously only several times per week, with a long distance outing during the weekend. But I also live in an area that provides easy access to the outdoors, all the difference in the world. Could never live in the city with concrete everywhere, for that reason, but that's me.

It will be very interesting to see the results of those that truly make a diet experiment of 6 months, and please, someone talk their doctor into comparing antibody levels.

good luck to all

[yvih]

I seriously suggest you read the Stop the Thryoid Madness by Janie Blowthorpe if you're having troubles getting your levels straight.  DO NOT only depend on your TSH levels.  That is the worst you can do for yourself.  If you are, you may be still showing signs of hypo and not getting the best treatment.  Also, one doc said - Of course you'll feel better on gluten free - anyone would - but if you feel better it doesn't mean you're allergic to it.  The diet equals very healthy eating so it will make everyone feel better whether allergic, intolerant or not.
Good luck!!!

[hashi53]

I will never go back to ingesting gluten. i gave it up several years ago, well before i knew I was hypothyroid, and just recently discovered i have hashimoto's disease...so...gluten is out for me, my quality of life improved...I am working on the no sugar but am not there yet, i still put nondairy creamers in my decaf coffee and use Agave syrup in baking...I am on board.

[sandsoftime]

I have made many attempts to go gluten free but it is just about impossible to follow.

But I have always felt much better without bread.  I recently reintroduced the healthy grains (wheat) back into my diet and thyroid problems have escalated - for me I believe wheat and other grains flare my symptoms.  Whole grains are worse.

I do manage a modified wheat and grain diet - virtually no bread unless in a situation where there isn't anything else.

I do have sugar but cutting back is always good.  I have definitely gone off artificial sweeteners.

I believe milk is a culprit too but it is hard for me to get off - I replace it with worse things like chocolate.

The answer for me is to keep grains to a minimum bt not to be unrealistic - if a wrap is the only thing on offer then that's what I'll have.

I am not sure how I can fit into this experiment because I can't cut back completely but  I am limiting these foods.

[sick and tired 47]

I have reading and watching and want to share part of my story with you all!
I have been hypothyroid for 4 1/2 years... feeling terrible for some time- swelling in neck, anxiety, heart palps, night sweats, internal shaking,ect...
I have tried many things both holistic and mainstream medicine to help feel better.
Since last July I am seeing a acupuncturist who showed me Dr. K's book . I was skeptical but agreed to try the protocol. I was gluten free, dairy free ( am lactose intolerant), and mostly soy free all thru the holidays and then in Jan. I "fell" off the wagon, or as I remember- I was  very hungry and that bread and oreo cookies looked VERY good!!
I had no immediate reaction, but 3 days later my neck swelled up ,heart racing woke me up at night, had  anxiety / internal shaking for several days.
It has been 3 weeks since my gluten intake and I am verrrrrrrrry slowly starting to feel better. I have pondered and still wonder if it was from the gluten- as I can not think of any other lifestyle or dietary changes.
My acupuncturist says I am  NOT allergic to gluten ( neg- test) but it could cause my immune system to  react- thus the delay of 3 days later.
  All I know is it will be some time before I knowingly eat gluten again.  Gluten free  has my diet healthier- I eat more fruits , vegetables, ect.. and stay away from processed foods., as they are $$$.
I am not implying this is the answer for everyone. We all are on a mission to "feel good "  and I truly wish you all the very best of health !! God bless!

[tkd4u2]

I am Hypothyroid, and Diabetic II. I eat a combo of low Carbs 45g and low GF foods. I'd go all GF but just doesn't work that way with a large family. I've read through this entire string and it's funny how some studies and people think that people can fit into a cookie cutter lifestyle or diet.

I've been told anywhere from keeping entirely away from carbs and do GF to limit carbs. I've been told to eat a diet high in veggies and fruits. So I've done all of this and all the diets out there. As a diabetic who manages it right now via medicine and diet, I cannot eat the ''normal'' way everyone says I should.

I can't lose weight when I go on a 1600 calorie diet. And I can't lose weight on a 2300 calorie diet. But I can lose weigh at between 2050 and 2100 a day. That with exercises 3 times a week does it for me.

I also cannot eat very many fruits at all or else my blood sugars rise really high. So I've learned not to listen to those who have done it before and to those who think they have it all figured out. Because as soon as I do I'll prove them wrong. What works is individual based on a lot of things. For me it's finding the things that work and keeping them and finding those things that do not and getting them out of my life. So far so good.

[stella5349]

share your recipes!!! :)

[spiralz06]

The low glycemic is a challenge for her --  there is no corn, soy, cowsmilk/casein, wheat and gluten allowed for her at all.  Egg yolks appeared as well.  She can have cheddar cheese tho?  ;d

I am learning to cook with a variety of new flours:  farinetta, rice and quinoa.  It's different.  But we seldom do many breads, cakes, etc.  We are looking into psyllium husks to add to cereal.  I am her gf buddy.  Her dad?  Not so much.  In fact, I just finished making some farinetta muffins that will help with the pcos issue, would have been nice if I had the psyllium husks powder to throw in there.  

But actually we do alot of fresh organic leafy salads with lean meat.  Many of the veggies listed as good LG are not thyroid friendly :(

We try to buy the food with LG in mind, but we are also mindful of NO GMO's, no added hormones, preservatives, etc.  Organic is a plus.  

My next cooking adventure:  LEGUMES!!  We will be making the most of beans, chickpeas, lentils, and whole and split dried peas as much as possible.  

We are making "sandwiches" with NO bread.  Just meat.  It's strange.  Or we cut up into a huge leaf salad.  learning  :)

[stella5349]

spiralz.. you definately can shed alot of information for us on this. I see you have GF down. How are you on the low glycemic stuff too?  

[spiralz06]

Hello. :)

My daughter lost half her thyroid (was told nodule MIGHT be cancer in 2005.  It was not). She was placed on Synthroid only by endo.  Levo later by her PCP.  Within months her weight went from 160 to 210-she 5' 9".   She moved back home and was put on Synthroid and Cytomel.  Then she began seeing a diet doctor.  Down to 170 at last.  Major lifestyle and diet changes.  
  She is Hashimoto's, hypothyroid, gluten intolerant (blood work - no biopsy) and PCOS.  
  We have her on ToTAL GF diet and NO cross contamination as much as possible at home.  She reacts within four hours of any gluten.  NO corn as well.  Limit dairy.  NO SOY.

She is also on 1/4 of Iodoral iodine.  I ordered Chiral balance supplement for the pcos and some farinetta to make items gf cheaper that will also help her PCOS and the facial hair/weight gain.  

We both take Vit D3 with our fattiest meal, use coconut oil only for cooking and take as a supplement, we do NOT drink fluorinated water at all or shower in the crap.  We supplement with zinc, selenium, iodine, all the B vitamins,&  Vit C. We eat  ORGANIC UNPROCESSED FOOD - veggies, fruit, juices and increase our protein.  We exercise quite often.  Do NOT smoke.  We eat coconut ice cream as a treat.  I don't miss the other junk at all.  No fast food.  Haven't seen one in years.  I went organic in 05 due to sinus infections, IBS, GERD, migraines.  Went off ALL those expensive meds!

My daughter has not been absorbing nutrients for years.  No HUMAN really digests the proteins in gluten. Just because they are not symptomatic, or feel their tummy probs are due to spicy foods - how will anyone know unless they commit to not eating wheat/gluten/barley/oats, etc?  I am learning to cook the old fashion way.  Our own breads made w/gf flours.  Muffins, etc.  Clean fresh veggies and fruits.  Lean meats from grass fed animals.  NO MORE JUNK.  CLEAN filtered water.  
   Her weight is leveling.  There are no more sores in her mouth.  She is sleeping better.  She is off the diet doctor meds for now.  We are dieting together.  I want to do calorie restriction diet.  1000 to 1200 cals for me a day--or less.  Her, a little more.  

She is finishing college and working alot.  After work, everyone goes to the restaurants.  She cannot.  They all bring foods or go to snack bar for cookies, fried foods, etc.  She does not.  They are gaining weight!!  She is not.  :)
  

[jill73cats]

I too have thought about eliminating gluten and of course limiting sugars even prior to my thyroid issues.  I have two sisters and an aunt who have had celiac disease for years.  But I never have had obvious symptoms as they do but on meds for severe acid reflux and ibs for years.  Now I have been reading a lot of books about autoimmune thyroid disease and most bring up this subject of gluten provoking the antibodies.  They say it's an immune system disease, not just limited to thyroid.  It really makes sense because I have had allergies and chronic sinus issues all of my life.  I also have always had issues with milk/dairy.  I never drink milk but I can tolerate some cheese and ice cream.  I have been reading the book, "Why Do I STill Have Thyroid Symptoms?  When my lab tests are normal?"  It is very interesting.  I am planning to try to at least limit, gluten although I know none is optimal.  But in the past I have not made it past two days.  It is definiately something you have to plan for.  I know I shouldn't eat dairy, but I love cheese and ice cream.  And I need calcium.

[EveN]

I am Vegan, and I've gained 20lbs in 6 months.

I'd be willing to try this diet to see if it would be me with my weight loss struggles. I've been trying to take off 30-40lbs for about 3 years now.

[stella5349]

Well - we are in week 2 for the members giving this a try. Not sure how you all did but I am doing OK - stumbling some but committed.

I do feel better and ironically my tongue is better too. Not so much white coating on it.

[kate20541]

Hi Stella

I'll in!!  I was diagnosed with an under active thyroid about 17 years ago, and it's caused havoc with just about every area of my life!!.  I was advised my a Naturopath at Sandra Cabot's clinic in Sydney to start a gluten free diet (This was Feb last year).   This also involved eliminating all diary for about 6 weeks, and only gradually introducing this after that period.  I was so determined to feel better I started straight away.  I had a tonic and chromium (to reduce sugar cravings).  I lost excess weight and felt great.

I then slowly went back to my old eating habits, convincing myself that gluten didn't affect my thyroid and of course I was desperately missing my old friend chocolate!!

I am feeling more and more miserable, so have been building up my willpower to get my diet back on track.

Having contact with people going through the same thing will be great!!  And just the nudge I need to stop me from thinking about doing it, to actually doing it!!

Thank you for the inspiration.  My day 1 on the gluten free diet will be tomorrow, 11th January!!

[stella5349]

Nice job on the weight loss. I'd be curious to know where your meds and labs are at. Post that on a different thread.

I'd try to stay of corn MM. We can't digest it well ( hardly any humans do... :) and it does have a ton of sugar in it.

[dani2776]

Just my 2 cents worth but I started on a low-glycemic insulin resistant diet in the beginning of Novemeber (bad time with the holidays, but I stuck to it) and let me tell you that to date my thyroid is still not under control so I should be having a hard time losing if not gaining wieght, but I have lost a total of 23 pounds so far.  I still have a long way to go but I am pleased so far since I still have no energy to exercise.  This has all been diet changes alone and I really don't consider it a diet, more of a change in eating habits.

[medicmommy]

Hiya!
A quick question...Are corn and corn products considered low glycemic foods? They don't contain gluten, but they do contain a lot of natural sugar...I haven't been able to find out one way or the other...~MM

[stella5349]

Excellent MM. You sound driven. I am excited to be on this too. I'm more "raw" eating and sticky to that.

cabrown - read the link page and see if that is helpful for you to get onboard. If you have questions I'll help you get on track as quick as you can.

[medicmommy]

So far, so good...I started the 1st with a gluten-free, low glycemic, no dairy, no artificial sugar, no caffeine, no processed food, no citrus diet...So, what do I eat?!? Breakfast has been the biggest challenge, but for the most part -organic meat, veggies, salads, and non-citrus fruits. I have made my own gluten-free flour for pancakes and bread, and have found rice crackers to be a nice vehicle for nut butters.
Before starting this, my Naturopath had me do a trial "antagonistic" diet that contained gluten (lots of pasta and bread) at every meal for 5 days. By the 4th day, I was miserable. My gut hurt, my joints (esp knees) hurt and were swollen, and my lower legs had pitting edema. I had a persistent headache, felt fatigued (worse than I already had) and had sore skin "patches" (no idea) on my arms, back, and legs. Oddly, I was also very stuffed up like I was getting a cold. This is all gone now. I've also lost a pound...
For exercise, I bought a Zumba workout video as I detest going into a gym. I'm not the world's most coordinated person, but this makes exercise fun! :) ~MM

[cabrown56]

I am hypo and found out by using a food tracking program called FitDay that I was eating a mostly CARB diet. I was consuming very little protien. I have since changed my diet to include more protien and less carbs. I no longer have diarea after two years. No more bloating etc. I would like to be included as well.

[stella5349]

Doing a check in wondering how everyone started off this weekend trying out the new eating plan?

[stella5349]

Ok fly. of she is interested I suggested her get on board with this again and utilize the low glycemic w/ gluten free and since we are pulling this together - she may feel happier knowing others are geared to do the same thing.

As I said - weight loss is a big concern for hypos but in reality the disease controls the symptoms and its important to know you are recieving optimal care with meds to really make an impact on ending the symptoms. Its important to monitor all things while changing healthier food choices.

I'm sure my husband could relate to you back in the days when I was so sick and frustrated and not feeling well either. :)

I haven't quite figured out how we will post on things as we move with this experiment.  I think Barb135 will be able to help me with weekly posts since she is familiar with the WL&D board's challenges. :)

Just follow the basics as we start tomorrow on the links and if you find any to share - post them here.

Tomorrow is a new day and we as a group who choose to follow this will support eachother. I'm excited.

so basically the guidelines are:

Eat gluten free
Make low glycemic food choices in addition to GF
take 30 minutes out of your day to give to yourself. 30 mins!!!
Mild toning or exercise  - just to send the right endorphines.

Good Luck.