Expert Advice
Disclaimer: The information provided is for educational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional or healthcare provider before beginning any exercise, fitness, diet, or nutrition routine.
Those struggling with an underactive thyroid often experience lower metabolism. Certain foods are harder for the body to process or can have negative impacts on metabolism. By avoiding trigger foods and taking a prescription naturally* derived therapy (NDT), you may support healthier thyroid function.
Role of Thyroid in Metabolism
Some people may think of metabolism as the function that determines how fast they burn calories or how easily they gain or lose weight. But this is an oversimplification of the term.
Metabolism is a life-sustaining process. It involves maintaining the living state of cells and organisms by converting food to energy. Metabolism is the sum of all cellular chemical reactions within an organism that allows food to be converted to energy.
Thyroid hormones play a significant role in metabolism and energy regulation in the human body. The thyroid gland produces thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones are then released into the blood stream. As they circulate throughout the body, they act on all types of cells to increase cellular activity and metabolism.
Foods to Avoid
Healthy nutrition habits may positively impact metabolism. Those with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease may have reduced metabolic rates because they have lower levels of T4 and T3. Therefore healthy nutrition habits may be even more critical for people with thyroid disorders than for those whose thyroid function is normal.
Foods that are highly processed or contain certain fats and added sugars can be a drag on metabolism. The following foods in particular should be avoided:
Foods High in Added Sugars
Added sugars are very unhealthy and can have serious adverse effects on metabolism when consumed in excess.1 Doughnuts, candies, cakes, cookies and breads often have added sugars. But the largest culprit of hidden added sugars is in beverages, such as sodas, sports drinks and fruit juices.
Processed Foods
A processed food is anything that has been altered in some way during preparation. This includes freezing, canning, baking or drying. Lunch meats, bacon, pre-prepared meals, margarine, gummy fruit snacks and instant noodles are all examples of processed foods. Not all processed foods are bad, but they often contain added sugars, salts or fats to extend their shelf life or enhance their flavors. These additives can have a slowing effect on one’s metabolism.
Naturally* Derived Therapy (NDT) to Support Metabolic Function
If you want to support your metabolism and overall thyroid function, there are several strategies that can help. Include more high-protein foods in your diet. When possible choose whole, single-ingredient foods. A prescription naturally* derived therapy (NDT) may also support metabolic function.
NP Thyroid® is a prescription naturally* derived therapy (NDT) that is readily available and often costs less than many competing brands. Talk to your doctor to see if a prescription naturally* derived therapy (NDT) thyroid tablet, like NP Thyroid®, is a good fit for you.
THESE STATEMENTS HAVE NOT BEEN EVALUATED BY THE FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION. THIS PRODUCT IS NOT INTENDED TO DIAGNOSE, TREAT, CURE OR PREVENT ANY DISEASE.
*Natural refers to the biological nature of the porcine derived desiccated thyroid ingredient found in the product.
*Naturally derived refers to the biological nature of the porcine-derived desiccated thyroid ingredient found in the product.
REFERENCES: 1. Palsdottir H. Does Junk Food Slow Down Your Metabolism? Healthline Website. Retrieved from https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/junk-food-and-metabolism on March 12, 2018.
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INDICATIONS & IMPORTANT RISK INFORMATION INCLUDING BLACK BOX WARNING
Important Risk Information
Drugs with thyroid hormone activity, alone or together with other therapeutic agents, have been used for the treatment of obesity. In euthyroid patients, doses within the range of daily hormonal requirements are ineffective for weight reduction. Larger doses may produce serious or even life-threatening manifestations of toxicity, particularly when given in association with sympathomimetic amines such as those used for their anorectic effects.
- NP Thyroid® is contraindicated in patients with uncorrected adrenal insufficiency, untreated thyrotoxicosis, and hypersensitivity to any component of the product.
- In the elderly and in patients with cardiovascular disease, NP Thyroid® should be used with greater caution than younger patients or those without cardiovascular disease.
- Use of NP Thyroid® in patients with diabetes mellitus or adrenal cortical insufficiency may worsen the intensity of their symptoms.
- The therapy of myxedema coma requires simultaneous administration of glucocorticoids.
- Concomitant use of NP Thyroid® with oral anticoagulants alters the sensitivity of oral anticoagulants. Prothrombin time should be closely monitored in thyroid-treated patients on oral anticoagulants.
- In infants, excessive doses of NP Thyroid® may produce craniosynostosis.
- Partial loss of hair may be experienced by children in the first few months of therapy but is usually transient.
- Adverse reactions associated with NP Thyroid® therapy are primarily those of hyperthyroidism due to therapeutic overdosage.
- Many drugs and some laboratory tests may alter the therapeutic response to NP Thyroid®. In addition, thyroid hormones and thyroid status have varied effects on the pharmacokinetics and actions of other drugs. Administer at least 4 hours before or after drugs that are known to interfere with absorption. Evaluate the need for dose adjustments when regularly administering within one hour of certain foods that may affect absorption.
- NP Thyroid® should not be discontinued during pregnancy, and hypothyroidism diagnosed during pregnancy should be promptly treated.
Indication
NP Thyroid® (thyroid tablets, USP) is a prescription medicine that is used to treat a condition called hypothyroidism from any cause, except for cases of temporary hypothyroidism, which is usually associated with an inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis). It is meant to replace or supplement a hormone that is usually made by your thyroid gland.
NP Thyroid® is also used in the treatment and prevention of normal functioning thyroid goiters, such as thyroid nodules, Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, multinodular goiter, and in the management of thyroid cancer.