The slowdown in metabolism may be communicating to your brain that you are facing a period of starvation, therefore increasing appetite, encouraging fat storage, and discouraging fat burning as a way to ensure your survival. This sends out a variety of signals that increase appetite, encourage fat storage, and discourage fat-burning - all as a means of ensuring survival. The reduction in body temperature associated with an underactive or inactive thyroid can communicate to your brain that you are facing a period of starvation. Some thyroid patients also overuse caffeine and herbal stimulants for weight loss and energy, which further stimulates and aggravates the adrenal glands and contributes to worsening adrenal exhaustion. All of the above factors can interfere with weight loss. Another aspect of metabolism that is affected by hypothyroidism is the ability of cells to use oxygen, which is impaired in some people with thyroid dysfunction. Overall, a lower basal resting metabolism means that you either need to eat less or have higher physical activity, in order to prevent excess calorie intake and weight gain. Among these, the underlying endocrine dysfunction of a thyroid problem means that you face a higher risk of other endocrine imbalances and condition. The endocrine system is very much geared toward balance, and an lmba anCfi II 1)1 imbalances in many people. The endocrine system releases hormones. The thyroid is part of the endocrine system.

And, as noted in the previous chapter, inflammation can be a factor that impedes weight loss. Autoimmune diseases are conditions where there is internal inflammation. Most thyroid disease is due to autoimmune conditions, like Hashimoto's disease and Graves' disease. Allergens spend more time in contact with your intestinal lining, where they can cause irritation and inflammation. Slower and less efficient digestion and elimination means that toxins spend more time in the intestines, where they can do damage and pass into your body.