New from Dr. Oz! 60-second thyroid fix!
If you struggle to slim down no matter what you eat or how much you exercise, “your thyroid might be to blame,” according to Dr. Oz. His new solution? We’ve got it right here!
Is your thyroid an underachiever? For millions of us, the answer is a resounding yes— and it’s a big reason we find weight so easy to gain and so hard to lose. Because when our thyroids are sluggish, they don’t make enough of the hormones that keep our metabolism speedy and our energy up. It’s the “single most underappreciated hormone problem that women have,” Dr. Oz recently revealed. Luckily, he’s coming to the rescue! With help from Torontobased thyroid guru Natasha Turner, N.D., he discovered easy tricks that help jumpstart the gland—so we “burn more fat, feel more energized and wake up our metabolism like never before!” Women using the strategies lose up to eight pounds a week— with no hunger and little to no exercise!
Is this plan for you?
Eating for a healthy thyroid is just plain smart for everyone. After all, the gland regulates dozens of crucial body functions—from breathing to fat burning. “Making healthy choices can never boost your thyroid too much,” says Dr. Turner. “And if your thyroid is underperforming, improving its function can be life-changing.” ✔ Important: Many of us need prescription thyroid meds to protect our health. See the tip bubble, right, for signs you should have your thyroid tested.
Your quick-start guide
● The number-one morning thyroid boost: If you skip breakfast or eat mostly carbs in the a.m., you put your thyroid at risk. “One thing you need every morning is 30 grams of protein to fire up your thyroid,” Dr. Oz said. Adds Dr. Turner: “Protein is a building block of thyroid hormones. A high-protein breakfast has been shown to increase levels of thyroid hormone and improve levels of other hormones that keep you craving-free all day.” As protein-rich choices go, her smoothies have an edge. “You can literally cram your blender with the best ingredients for your thyroid—like protein, almonds, cacao nibs, cinnamon—and have your meal ready 60 seconds later,” she says. ● What else you eat: Three additional meals loaded with nutrients that enhance thyroid function while eliminating those that inhibit it. Healthy portions of protein, antioxidantrich produce and good fat are on the menu throughout the day; in the evening, you add gluten-free starch. “We’re going to feed your
thyroid!” promises Dr. Oz.
● Why it slims: In addition to plenty of thyroid-revving protein, Dr. Turner’s approach is rich in what Dr. Oz dubbed “the thyroid trio”—including tyrosine from beef and turkey; iodine from shellfish and salmon; and selenium from brazil nuts and tuna. “Our thyroids need these nutrients to do their job—and many of us don’t get enough,” notes Dr. Turner. She adds that her plan limits foods like sugar, excess carbs and gluten —all of which may inhibit thyroid function by irritating and inflaming the gland. To counteract existing inflammation, you’ll find ingredients rich in anti-inflammatory antioxidants and good fat, such as veggies, nuts, cocoa, spices, salmon and coconut oil.
● Optional herbal aid: Long used by traditional healers, a plant extract called ashwagandha “helps to improve production of thyroid hormones,” says Dr. Turner. One preliminary study found the supplement boosted levels in a mere 20 days. “I recommend 750 to 1,000 milligrams daily.” Always get your doctor’s okay to take any new supplement.
● Real-world wow: Former breakfast skipper Carol Nielsen, 46, found morning smoothies and gluten-free meals an adjustment. “But I noticed dramatic improvements almost immediately, and that really motivated me,” says the Ontario mom, who whisked off 35 pounds. “People say I look happier and younger!” Then there’s Veronica Torres Deally, 34, also from Ontario. Once on Dr. Turner’s regimen of smoothies, thyroid-revving meals and ashwagandha supplements, “I was eating more than I used to, and I still went from a size 16 to a 12 in just 10 weeks,” she says. “I also had problems with hair loss and now my hair grows super fast. And I have so much energy. When you stick with this diet, it really pays off!”