The little-known health condition affecting one million Australians and causing you to gain weight – and the signs to look out for
- Susie Burrell and Leanne Ward highlighted thyroid dysfunction as a major problem
- The thyroid has a huge impact on your metabolism and can cause your weight to change
Leading nutritionists have shared the signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction as it has been found to affect a million Australians and women more than men.
Susie Burrell from Sydney and Leanne Ward from Brisbane are the co-hosts of the popular nutrition podcast The Nutrition Couch, which aims to dispel myths surrounding dieting and healthy eating and how to get the best results.
Thyroid dysfunction is either an overactive or underactive thyroid gland. Your thyroid creates and produces hormones that play important roles in many different systems in your body.
When your thyroid isn’t working properly, you can gain or lose weight quickly and unexpectedly.
Nutritionists shared the signs and symptoms of thyroid dysfunction as it was found to affect a million Australians and women more than men (Susie Burrell and Leanne Ward pictured).
According to Susie and Leanne, it is “vital” to keep the thyroid functioning and perfectly balanced.
“The thyroid regulates metabolism, among many other things, and thyroid problems can have a profound impact on how we feel in everyday life,” Susie said on the show.
She added: “Over a million Aussies live with thyroid dysfunction, which is particularly common here as our soil is very low in iodine, which is important for regulating thyroid function.”
The nutritionists explained that the thyroid is a gland located “in the front of the neck near the larynx.”
“It plays a key role in regulating a number of body systems, including the body and brain, temperature, energy levels and metabolic function,” Susie said.
When you have thyroid dysfunction, your thyroid is either underactive (hypothyroidism) or overactive (hyperthyroidism).
Hypothyroidism is more common than hyperthyroidism.
“The thyroid regulates metabolism, among many other things, and thyroid issues can have a profound impact on how we feel in everyday life,” said Susie (pictured the ideal plate of thyroid support foods).
Although it’s a medical condition that needs to be treated appropriately, dietitians said a diet high in fruits, vegetables, dairy, complex carbohydrates, and protein will help (pictured).
Leanne said the signs and symptoms of both disorders are different but distinctive.
If you have an underactive thyroid, the signs may include excessive tiredness, increased sensitivity to cold, sudden constipation, weight gain and swelling, and dry skin.
If you have an overactive thyroid, symptoms include nervousness, anxiety and irritability, trouble sleeping, mood swings, muscle weakness, sudden unexplained weight loss and diarrhea.
“There are some diet strategies for both, but thyroid dysfunction is a medical condition. Dieting can’t fix that,” Leanne said.
“If you have any of these, it will require specific treatment from a GP to find the right balance.”
Some might confuse it with iron deficiency since many of the signs and symptoms are similar.
If you suspect your thyroid is not working properly, it is best to have your levels checked.
The dietitians advised that you also change your diet and eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables a day, lots of high-fiber, starchy foods like potatoes, bread, rice or pasta, and some dairy products, as well as beans, legumes, fish, eggs, meat and other protein.
Discussion about this post