So let’s have some suggestions folks…
With my underactive thyroid I am required to have several small portions during the day to keep my metabolism functioning as it should. If I don’t do this I end up gaining huge amounts of weight, retaining water and having numerous other knock-on effects including but not limited to blood pressure problems.
Can someone please help me to figure out what I can do to avoid these problems and still fulfill my fasting obligation?
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
I know someone else with this problem and she cannot fast as she almost faints if she doesn't eat. I believe she checked with a mufti who encouraged her to work on it but definitely if it is a serious medical issue, one can consider giving fidya in lieu of fasting or try to make up later when health issues get better.
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
Are you on any medication? thyroxine?
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
yes...I am taking synthroid....but the endocrinologist tells me that this only compensates to some degree...one's metabolism is affected in so many ways that we must keep all of them in check to maintain and shed the extra weight that I have gained over the years.
yes, I do give in lieu of fasting...this is a habit that I have gotten into even when I didn't have such a problem as ammit used to say that women should give for those days that they are not able to fast.....even if they will make them up later. I have just started to give for the whole month.
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
I suffer from the same thing that's why I am hardly able to fast in Ramadan.
My Aunt has thyroid issues.. and her doctor asked her to take her medicine after Iftaar.. and then eat 2 small meals after that. She's doing alright Alhamdulilah..
She was encouraged to eat banana's, oatmeal, raisins and a glass of milk or buttermilk for Suhoor.
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
^^Hmmm, that's worth a try Muzna...what do you say?
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
absolutely!
I feel so left out during this wonderful month....I will try anything.
^ Be sure and have zinc and copper-rich products and iodine rich food!
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
also talk to your doctor first because everyone is different.
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
Gina -- any suggestions on the foods that contain these minerals?
alvena -- I have spoken to a couple of doctors on this subject and they always advise against fasting for me......
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
Obviously your body so your choice, BUT i would think about what doctors have told you because they know your medical condition and how it effects you.
Maybe get another opinion?
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
my mom has the same prob, but she has never done anything besides her medication. I think i need to bring this up with her:hmmm: but mashAllah she does fast the whole month, she hasn’t been able to lose the weight she gained because of it 
Gina -- any suggestions on the foods that contain these minerals?
alvena -- I have spoken to a couple of doctors on this subject and they always advise against fasting for me......
Zinc and copper = beef, oatmeal, chicken. seafood, nuts, eggs..
Iodine - fish!
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
Thanks Gina.
I am probably good for he zinc and copper but I definitely will have to do something about eating more fish. I don't particularly like fish unless it is prepared in a very unhealthy manner (deep fried) and that will help one problem but create yet another.
Lifeless,
There are a number of methods that are suggested to shed weight that has been gained due to an underactive thyroid other than the synthroid. Eating smaller but more frequent meals is one of the keys.
How about tuna salad..or fish casserole? Bury it under lots of bechemel and cheese ;)
Fish cakes maybe? U can even spray pam onto breaded fish and bake it..!
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
Muzna, I don’t like fish either. But I know that some people make fish kababs (cooked the same way as shami kababs) and they say that the “fishiness” can’t be tasted. So they’re basically like fish shami kababs…and you’d only be shallow frying them…which is better than deep frying. So, you can try that.
If it’s the nutrients from fish that you require…then how about taking a cod liver oil supplement? That might help you compensate for something you don’t much like the taste of. If over-eating is an issue, then you can try eating smaller meals that are healthy and contain protein/fiber…which will keep you full for longer. For example, many fruits/veggies contain fiber (such as apples and sweet potatoes) that will keep you full for about 2-4 hours. So maybe a fruit salad, or yogurt salad, chicken, etc.
Here’s a link and I’ve copied/pasted relavant contents below:
Salaam
I have an underactive thyroid, endometriosis and general gynae problems. I enjoy fasting but sometimes i find fasting extremely difficult especially during the longer days. I can feel weak, tired and constipated. I still wish to fast, to gain the spiritual rewards. Would you be able to recommend any nutritional/medcial advice? Jazak Allah Khair
Firstly, before Ramadan you have to do:
According to the thyroid state, you may have to modify the dose of treatment. If the Free T4 is low and TSH is high, you need to increase your dose of eltroxin and vice versa (after consulting your treating physician). It is better to be taken as one dose before sohoor (on an empty stomach).
Regarding dietary advice, you need a lot of fluids between iftar and sohoor and fibre-containing diets like beans, fruits, green vegetables, legumes, and bran these foods are to avoid constipation.
If you have anemia, you may need diets rich in iron, like red meats, liver, and vegetables.
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
Ok first of all if somebodys TSH levels have come back to normal after starting synthroid then their metabolism has essentially come back to normal and there should be no problem with fasting - same goes for people who have been on it for years and they can continue to fast and live normally as long as their TSH levels are normal
Secondly... if your TSH level is not in the normal range yet then there could be difficulty keeping a fast as you won't be feeling fine at all... try adjusting to dose with your doctor until it becomes normal... it takes at least 6 weeks for it to get normal once you start the medicine or change a dose
Thirdly... even people who don't have an underactive thyroid need to work hard to lose weight... you will never lose the weight if you dont diet and/or exercise
starting the medicine will only bring your metabolism back to normal... once it's normal you won't gain any additional weight but to lose weight you will have to diet and exercise just like everyone else and the month of ramzan is a great time to eat healthy and avoid all the fried foods
Hope this helps you!
Re: Thyroid Problems and Fasting
btw diet has nothing to do with thryoid problems unless it's goiter... which is due to iodine deficiency
everything else is not related to diet and we get WAY more than we need in terms of dietary iodine as all salt is iodized
so dont worry about that just eat a balanced healthy diet and you will feel A LOT better when your TSH is in the normal range