Day 14 & 15: 149

Still at 149 pounds today. Morning waking temp = 97.2 F, which according to the Dr. Broda Barnes self-testing method is an indication of hypothyroidism (less than 97.8 to 98.2 F is thought to indicate hypothyroidism).

I am losing weight without hypothyroid medication, but then again, I am consuming a LOT fewer calories daily than Mary Shomon's low calorie diet option suggests I could consume and still lose weight. According to her formula (see previous post about "Which diet plan?"), I should be able to consume 1800 calories and still lose weight, and I am actually only consuming an average of slightly less than 1,000 calories per day (see My Calorie Diary). Even at the level of only 1,000 calories per day, I don't feel like I'm starving, and the increased fiber from the Fiber Choice supplements and water and daily Activia yogurts do seem to (finally) be helping lately with constipation. Many people would probably be burning off a lot more than 2 pounds per week at only 1,000 calories per day, but for me it seems to be about the level where I lose weight.

However, I'm getting less than half of the iron and potassium I should be getting. According to the Calorie King summary of my iron intake, I'm averaging only 5 mg of iron per day on my diet; I should be getting about 18 mg per day. Since iron deficiency is also associated with tiredness, I'm a little concerned about that. I've always been anemic; I know this is a problem, but I hate taking iron, because in the past when I've taken iron it had to be taken about 20 minutes after a full meal or I can't keep it down. Also, iron supplements cause constipation -- lol, just what I need, MORE constipation. Plus you're not supposed to take it with calcium, which decreases the absorption of iron. Alright.

So here's what I've researched on iron supplementation without the constipation side effect and easily tolerated with a sensitive stomach:  it's called Solgar, Gentle Iron (25 mg capsules). "Each Vegicap® contains 25mg of Iron, as Iron Bisglycinate, which is a unique form of chelated iron formulated for maximum absorption without the gastrointestinal irritation or the constipating effects that often accompany iron supplements." OK, so I've ordered it and will start taking it when it arrives. I'll let you know if it does what it claims (no constipation side effect and can be taken with sensitive stomach).

Meanwhile, here is a relatively new book (pub 2010) that looks promising:  "Why Do I Still Have Thyroid Symptoms? When My Lab Tests Are Normal: A Revolutionary Breakthrough In Understanding Hashimoto's Disease and Hypothyroidism" by Datis Kharrazian. I've just ordered the book and will give it a review soon.