Wanted to chime in an add that you can be hypo and be on a low carb diet that uses soy products......as long as they aren't consumed with your synthetic hormone. I am on Ideal Protein, a low carb diet that places you in ketosis to burn fat and minimize insulin production. There is a lot of soy in their products, but I take my Synthroid in the evenings now so that it is spaced enough and have had NO issues. Good luck!

Glad to find a site with other women who have Hypo. I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's Disease after my 2nd child was born when I was 22 years old I am now 32. It has been a constant struggle with weight ever since I had my first child. I have found high protein diets to be most helpful. Sugar Busters was a good one for me, it was simple to understand much more so then Zone or Atkins for me. I like to keep it simple LOL

Mine specifically says to take in the morning. Because you're supposed to take it on an empty stomach. Does that mean you take it right at bed.. and don't eat 4 hrs before?

I can't do that

LR

Sorry if I wasn't clear, I meant to say the Atkins shakes (or any of their products) aren't necessary to do the diet. I just don't eat soy because I don't like it.

I will have to make sure to read all labels. I always forget to look for soy because I am so busy watching out for gluten/wheat as I am Celiac/gluten allergic.

Yes, exactly! I eat dinner early so I know my stomach is empty when I take it and I can be sure it will absorb because I will be fasting all night. The other bonus is now being able to eat right away in the am!

I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism in late November. I started out at 88 mcg and am now up to 175. Since late november, I have lost a total of 26 pounds (and counting!). My average is about 2 pounds lost a week, currently.

I am doing a general low carb diet. I also downloaded a free ww calculator/point keeper for my phone. It seems to be a fairly good way to keep track of my food intake. I still give myself a small indulgence every once in a while. I don't believe in punishing yourself with diet. If you're miserable, what's the point? So, if I feel so inclined, I treat myself to one small soda a week. Otherwise, I drink a diet green tea peach snapple (only 5 calories a can) or water. I cannot stand the taste of most other diet drinks. And so far, lean cuisine makes the best frozen foods that I have tasted so far for low cal options.

I have also read that there are some foods we should try not to eat, like raw brocoli, peaches, pears, cauliflower and such as they can cause goiters. But eating them cooked is fine.

How early do you eat?

We eat late-ish in my house. Just because I don't get home from work and picking up my daughter from school until 5:30- and then if my mom hasn't made dinner, which is often these days as she visits her mom everyday (she is in rehab right now, having mobility problems with her COPD)- so then I come home, and the first thing I have to do is make my daughter something to eat. She is usually starving by the time we get home. So she eats at about 6, and I eat sometime after that. I go to bed around 10 because I get up at 5:30am... doesn't look like it would be 4 hours between dinner and bed for me.

Fortunately, I don't have a problem with not eating breakfast right away. I usually don't get a chance until I'm well on my way to work, and then it's been atleast an hour or two. They said to give it a half hour to absorb before I eat. So I'm covered there.

I've only been on my meds for exactly a month. I'm not feeling much different! But I still have to make an appointment to see an Endo. I've heard optimal symptom relief from Hypo happens when you take both T3 and T4. Hopefully he'll be open to that. I've also heard Endos think that that is bullhocky.

LR

I knew about the brocolli and cauliflower (which makes me wonder if cabbage is included since they are all related).. but never saw anything on peaches and pears!

Good thing I'm not a fruit eater Most I'll eat it a banana or pineapple. Or yellow apples, but that's pushing it.

LR

I was told that cabbage was also included,if it's uncooked..guess that includes cold slaw..darn it

Choices- I'm part of an HMO too. It is my understanding that GP doctors aren't the end all and be all when it comes to diseases that are specialized- IE- hypothyroidism. A person who is hypo or hyper or has hashimoto's, etc should be seeing an endocrinologist as well. It's what my doctor wants me to do. He started me out on the levothyroxine, and made a referral to an Endo- It's actually really messed up though because the Endo he referred doesn't accept HMO, I basically have to call the lady at his office back with the name and number of a doctor who does take HMO in order for her to complete the referral.

I think that is what your next step should be (nothing against holistic doctors, etc) You should be able to go on to your HMO's website to find a doctor who is an Endo that takes HMO (I have Horizon Blue Shield- there were quite a few in my area that took my plan. I even found one a mile or two from my job!) Unfortunately, it'll cost more for the co pay because it's considered a specialty. But just because you are on an HMO doesn't mean you don't get to go see the types of doctors that you NEED to go to.

And IMO, any GP doctor who thinks that they can handle your thyroid condition needs a swift kick in the rear. They are general practitioners for a reason. You aren't going to go see a GP to be your healthcare provider when you have COPD or a major heart condition. You go to a specialist. GP's just find it, get you started and point you in the right direction.

So hopefully, you can see if you can find an Endo in your area who takes HMO and ask your doctor for a referral. And if they say no.. get a new doctor!

LR

I did check and my hmo does have a endocrinologist..so I'm going to contact my dr. for a referral. I'd like to keep all of you involved with this since I'm thinking there are some out there that also might benifit from the info. Next question,Have you,or anyone here in the Thyroid group read "The Thyroid Solution" by Ridha Arem?..and your opinion if you have.
Enjoy the day...choices~

I'm so glad you checked! Looks like we are starting this Hypo road together anyways... I've heard it's a long one.

I believe my mom read that book (She has Hashimoto's- which my doctor suspects I have as well.. but wants an Endo to confirm) I don't really think it made a big difference for her. I'll ask her tomorrow afternoon when I see her.

LR

It sounds like taking your in the am will work best. Don't give up on your t4 just yet, the vast majority of people can be managed on t4 alone. I am one of them, but will tell you (having experienced many different levels of TSH during my thyroid cancer) I don't feel good until my TSH is 1 or less! Many endo's are happy when their patients reach 3. I would ask to take more T4 before going the t4+t3 route.