How to Diet With Synthroid

Synthroid may only be obtained through a physician's prescription, and is used to help patients manage symptoms from a hypothyroid. Doctors prescribe the medicine when a person's thyroid does not produce what is considered a normal amount of hormones, which directly affects a person's metabolism. According to the medication's website, Synthroid balances the thyroid's hormones. However, some people incorrectly use Synthroid as a method to diet, or as a supplement to other dieting techniques. Synthroid recommends following these safety procedures, including not using the medication as a means to lose weight.

Instructions

1

If planning a diet, avoid using Synthroid or any other type of thyroid hormone medication while on medicines typically used to treat obesity or cause weight loss. Mixing medications that should not be combined can cause allergic or negative reactions in the body, according to the Synthroid website.

2

Do not use Synthroid only as a method to lose weight. If a patient has a normal thyroid level and uses Synthroid, the patient likely will not see a noticeable amount of weight loss, according to the Synthroid website. Worse, if the patient attempts to use a larger dose of Synthroid in an attempt to lose weight, it can cause life-threatening reactions.

3

Avoid some foods that can be associated with weight loss. While certain foods are beneficial and recommended when dieting, such as high-fiber foods, these foods may actually cause the body to absorb less amounts of Synthroid. According to the Synthroid website, people who use Synthroid should also avoid walnuts, soy formula made for infants and cotton seed meal.

4

Time your dosage of Synthroid around consumption of certain vitamins. While vitamins are often used in dieting and maintaining overall good health, the Synthroid website recommends taking the medication either four hours before or four hours after taking certain medications and supplements. Consult with your doctor first if you regularly take a medication or supplement, but examples of vitamins and supplements to avoid within four hours of taking Synthroid are iron products and supplements with calcium.

5

Consult with your physician. If you are embarking on a diet, even after you have been on Synthroid, check with your doctor to make sure you will not hamper the effectiveness of the medication or negatively affect your health. The physician may recommend certain foods to avoid or consume when on the medication. The doctor also may be prescribe a certain fitness routine that will not affect the medication's effectiveness.