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I think I'm having thyroid problems. About a half year ago I weighed 145. I'm 5'1, and muscular. That was about right. In the past few months it shot up to 170, with no change in diet or excercise. Now, in about two weeks, it moved up another 10, again, with no change in diet or excercise.

I'm going to go to the doctor to get my thyroid checked when I get insurance through my job, but I was wondering if anyone had any ideas that I can try before that, that don't involve fad diets. (I actually GAINED trying Atkins.)

well, my handy-dandy nutritional healing book says that kelp is super-duper good for hypothyroidism, which is what you'd have if you were gaining weight. They also say that L-Tyrosine is good. It says to take (for an adult) 500 mg twice daily on an empty stomach w/ juice or water and NOT with milk. It says you can take it with 50 mg vitamin B6 and 100 mg vitamin C for better absorbtion. I know the kelp would be good even if you have something that's not related to hypothyroidism and from what I'm reading about the L-Tyrosine it would be good for you too. Low plasma levels of tyrosine have been associated with hypothyroidism as well as low blood pressure and low body temperature (like cold hands and feet). It's also been helpful for people who suffer anxiety, depression, low sex drive, allergies, and headaches. Natural sources for it include almonds, avacados, bananas, dairy products, lima beans, pumpkin seeds, and sesame seeds. People taking MOA's for depression should limit their intake of those things though.

Dietary considerations (from my book):

Include in your diet: apricots, dates, egg yolks, molasses, parsley, potatoes, prunes, raw seeds, and whole grains. Eat fish or chicken and raw milk and cheeses. (Raw milk, hehe)

Eat in moderation: broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale, mustard greens, peaches, pears, radishes, spinach, and turnips. (It says that if your syptoms are severe to omit these foods completely because they might further suppress thyroid function. Maybe you want to avoid them for a little while.)

Avoid: processed and refined foods, including white flour and sugar

Avoid: fluoride (including what's in toothpaste and tap water) and chlorine (often in tap water). Chlorine and fluoride are chemically similar to iodine so they block iodine receptors in the thyroid gland.

Well, that's about all I can give you. They also recommend bayberry, black cohosh, and goldenseal (for no more than a week.) And they recommend Gentian and Mugwort extracts for hypothyroidism. I'd try the dietary additions first though, they sounded more promising.
xd

It's possible to buy Apple Cider Vinegar tablets which help with weight loss/control.
They're also simple to take. I believe you just take one with a glass of water either before or after a meal. (I can't remember which right now. sweatdrop )

Of course you should check with a doctor before taking them, especially if your weight gain is not normal.

(But you do have to be careful when taking them. If you decide to ignore the directions and warnings, you can run into problems such as blood clots.)

biggrin

Thank you for the advice. smile

And a LOT moves that shouldn't. hehe.

Too much water is a bad thing. If you drink more water than you loose then you'll lower your body's salt levels and it will make you not well.

Thanks everyone!

*stocks up on water*

I also just found out I have a bladder infection.... redface

I know that there are antibiotics you can take, but until I get a chance to go to the doctor, is there anything other than Cranberry juice (which I already know of) that I can use to help?

Yup, though not all the time...it's especially bad right after I use the bathroom, or if I'm beginning to need to, and moreso when I'm standing.

AWESOME!

I'll definatly have to try that out. Is that a cure, or a hold me over until I can see the doctor.