Having an underactive thyroid can impede weight loss efforts. When the thyroid is sluggish, it also slows down the metabolism and the burning of fat.
As a result, weight loss becomes difficult. What’s more, a sluggish thyroid can also cause tiredness and weakness, which only adds to the inability to shed pounds.
How to Overcome a Sluggish Thyroid & Start Burning Fat
The good news is that there are several things you can do in order to stimulate the thyroid gland. This helps activate the metabolic rate and boost the fat-burning efforts.
Here are some of the best ways to overcome a slow thyroid:
- Avoid inflammatory foods
Foods like processed foods, refined oil, and refined sugar should be avoided because they trigger systemic inflammation. Food intolerance may also increase inflammation in the body.
Dairy, soy, corn, and gluten are some of the major food intolerances. Try to remove these foods from your diet to help the thyroid gland heal and boost your fat-burning abilities.
- Consume iodine
Iodine is pivotal for a healthy thyroid. This mineral is necessary for the production of hormones T3 and T4.
Foods abundant in it are seaweed, seafood, saltwater fish, as well as cereals, bread, and dairy products. Goiter or an enlarged thyroid gland is associated with a low amount of iodine.
- Detox the body
If the body is full of toxins, the thyroid may be unable to function optimally. Toxins are everywhere. From fish full of mercury to oral fillings, they can’t always be avoided.
This is why following a regular detox program may help eliminate toxins and metals from the body and better the thyroid gland function.
- Eat smaller meals more often
When you wake up, it’s important to consume a healthy breakfast. Don’t skip breakfast and put additional stress on the body.
If the body doesn’t get the food it needs, hunger may prevent the conversion of the T3 and T4.
And, eat smaller meals, but several times during the day. This will ensure the body doesn’t think that there’s no food and it won’t store fat as a backup source of food.
- Get quality sleep
A good night’s sleep plays a pivotal role in a healthy thyroid. In fact, several hormones are secreted while we sleep.
Try to establish a sleeping routine (wake up at the same time, go to bed at the same time, etc.).
Make sure your bedroom is free of any electronic devices and set up a balanced temperature.
- Work out regularly
Exercise and physical activity are pivotal for weight loss. If your thyroid is sluggish, add strength training and cardio exercises.
This helps boost the heart rate, sheds fat, and burns more calories. Some great aerobic options are jogging, swimming, walking, biking, etc.
Moreover, strength training helps you build muscles. The more muscles you have, the better the fat burning becomes.
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