The thyroid gland directly plays a role in regulating cell metabolism by releasing vital hormones T3 and T4 and determines the speed of energy consumption by the body. Diet pills artificially increase your metabolism by manipulating your body's natural cycle. This can cause problems for a healthy thyroid or exacerbate existing thyroid disorders. The compounds found in most diet pills force this gland to overwork by mimicking the function of thyroid hormones. By exerting pressure on different body systems such as nerves and heart, this artificial hyperthyroidism disturbs the hormonal balance of the body and exposes the person to serious thyroid problems and permanent slowing down of metabolism. In the following article, we will talk more about the side effects of diet pills for thyroid people, how to use them, and warning signs.

Combinations Harmful diet pills for thyroid people

Many weight loss drugs on the market contain harmful ingredients that stimulate or inhibit thyroid hormones. The following are the most important harmful compounds in diet pills that contribute to disrupting the body's hormonal balance.

Animal thyroid extract:

These extracts are prepared by drying and pulverizing the physical tissue of the thyroid gland of animals such as cows or pigs and contain very high amounts of active hormones T3 and T4. For this reason, they are considered the most dangerous combination in illegal diet pills. Receiving these hormones from external sources signals the pituitary gland in the brain that the body has enough hormones; Therefore, the body orders to stop their natural production. This process leads to the gradual degeneration of the thyroid gland and makes the person permanently dependent on hormone replacement drugs.

Selenium in high dose:

Selenium is an extremely useful mineral for the health of the thyroid gland. This combination in balanced doses is necessary for the conversion of T4 to T3; But receiving very high amounts of it causes unpleasant negative effects. Diet pills often contain a high dose of selenium (over 400 micrograms) for a faster effect. Regular intake of these high amounts of selenium damages the function and health of the thyroid by disrupting the main thyroid enzymes called "diydinase".

Iodine excess:

The thyroid needs iodine for proper functioning and hormone production; But taking very high doses of iodine makes the function of the thyroid gland unbalanced. Some types of diet pills for thyroid people containing algae such as Kelp and Bladderwrack are very high in iodine. This excessive amount of iodine causes the thyroid gland to stop producing the two main hormones, T3 and T4, for a long time to protect itself by creating a phenomenon called "Wolf-Tchaikov effect". Unfortunately, in sensitive people, the thyroid gland can no longer return to its normal function. This condition leads to inflammation of the thyroid (thyroiditis), the occurrence of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto and in the long term, the formation of toxic thyroid nodules.

synephrine and concentrated caffeine:

These stimulants directly target the sympathetic nervous system and by interfering with thyroid function, they greatly aggravate the physical symptoms of hyperthyroidism. Taking these substances at the same time as thyroid hormone fluctuations (caused by taking these pills or underlying diseases) significantly increases the risk of cardiac arrhythmia, thyroid storm and acute anxiety.

Forskolin extract:

This plant extract is known in the slimming industry as a strong "fat burner" because it directly affects intracellular messengers. By directly mimicking the action of TSH hormone, forskolin directs thyroid cell receptors to produce hormones. Normally, hormone secretion should be controlled by the brain. But forskolin forces the thyroid to produce extra hormones without the permission of the brain. This leads to hyperthyroidism caused by drug use.

Garcinia Cambogia:

The active substance of this plant (HCA) changes the level of serotonin and other neurotransmitters. Due to the direct relationship between endocrine function and the nervous system, this leads to disturbances in body temperature regulation and hormonal balance. Studies show that the consumption of this substance may disrupt the absorption process and the functioning of thyroid drugs. In addition to reducing the effectiveness of treatment, this condition poisons the endocrine system and disrupts the body's regulatory mechanisms (such as central temperature control).

Pharmaceutical diet pills with thyroid drugs

One of the most serious risks of taking diet pills in people with thyroid disorders is their possible interactions with thyroid medications. This interference, according to the ingredients in the supplements, the patient's thyroid condition, and the medications he is taking, can lead to a decrease or increase in the therapeutic effects of thyroid pills and make the patient's health face serious challenges.

1. Drug interactions with levothyroxine in patients with hypothyroidism

Concurrent use of diet pills with levothyroxine interferes with the treatment process in two ways. First, some of the ingredients in these supplements, such as dense fibers, calcium and iron, prevent the proper absorption of levothyroxine and cause the symptoms of the disease (such as fatigue and obesity) to remain despite taking the medicine. Second, levothyroxine by itself increases heart rate and body metabolism. Therefore, combining it with strong stimulants found in fat burning tablets (such as caffeine and synephrine) by putting extra pressure on the heart, leads to symptoms such as strong heartbeat, hand tremors and insomnia.

2. Drug interactions with methimazole in patients with hyperthyroidism

The interaction of diet pills with hyperthyroid drugs, such as methimazole is more important than the first one and can put the patient in a dangerous situation. Weight loss supplements containing iodine or seaweed actually counteract the effects of thyroid-suppressing drugs. As a result, a person's hyperthyroidism is not controlled despite taking medication. Also, the stimulants in the fat-burning slimming pills in these patients expose the person to thyroid storm by intensifying the effects of thyroid hormones on the heart. This emergency situation is associated with very high fever, explosive heart rate and impaired consciousness and seriously threatens the life of a person.

Side effects of diet pills for thyroid people

The following are the most important side effects caused by taking diet pills in patients with thyroid disorders:

• Severe changes in weight
• Disturbance in basic metabolism
• Damage to the liver and heart
• excitability and anxiety
• Increased heart rate
• Decreasing the effectiveness of prescription thyroid drugs
• Disturbance in body temperature regulation
• Chronic fatigue and adrenal fatigue
• Excretion of excess water and nutrients
• increasing the risk of thyroid storm
• Disturbance in the absorption of thyroid drugs
• Exacerbation of autoimmune diseases such as Hashimoto's

Notes Taking diet pills in thyroid patients

To get the maximum benefits of diet pills and to minimize the risk of side effects of taking diet pills for thyroid people, pay attention to the following important points:

• Thyroid patients should not go for slimming drugs at the same time as starting thyroid treatment. Note that you should try to lose weight after stabilizing the level of thyroid hormones.
• Before starting any weight loss program, be sure to check the level of thyroid hormones and the function of your heart and liver.
• Be sure to consult an endocrinologist before taking any nutritional supplements, especially diet pills.
• Perform periodical hormonal tests regularly during the period of taking slimming drugs.
• Take thyroid medication and diet pills at least 4 hours apart.
• Avoid taking diet pills containing iodine or algae extract without consulting a doctor.
• If you experience palpitations, tremors or severe anxiety, immediately stop taking the supplement and inform your doctor.
• Prescription slimming drugs such as Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are recommended for safe weight loss under the supervision of a doctor. But if you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, you should take thyroid hormones under strict and constant control.
• The term "natural" on weight loss supplements does not mean that they are safe. Because the dose of hormones in completely natural and herbal slimming pills is not precisely known and can completely upset the patient's balance.

People suffering from thyroid disorders should immediately stop taking the slimming supplement and see a doctor if any of the following symptoms occur:

• Irregular heartbeat, a feeling of fluttering in the chest, or a very fast heartbeat, even at rest.
• Severe anxiety and insomnia, panic attacks, trembling hands and inability to sleep due to overstimulation of the nervous system
• Severe mood swings, sudden anger, aggression or crying for no reason
• Confusion, lack of concentration, severe distraction or impaired decision-making
• Feeling of shortness of breath during light and normal activities
• Severe digestive disorders such as abdominal cramps or persistent diarrhea
• Sudden fever, excessive sweating and a feeling of unbearable heat (a sign of the beginning of a thyroid storm)
• Sudden blood pressure and throbbing headaches in the back of the head and blurred vision
• Excessive fatigue and muscle weakness, due to impaired absorption of thyroid drugs
• Jaundice of the skin or eyes, caused by severe pressure on the liver and drug poisoning

End

Finding a safe and effective weight loss method for people who are struggling with thyroid disorders in addition to being overweight is not an easy task. At first glance, taking diet pills seems like a quick option to get fit; But these drugs can cause unpleasant side effects for your thyroid gland. Thyroid is highly sensitive to chemicals and stimulants; Therefore, the consumption of any slimming pill in these patients should be done with full knowledge of drug compounds and drug interactions. It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist before starting any weight loss program or taking diet pills. Also, during the period of taking these pills, be sure to evaluate your thyroid hormone levels and your heart and liver function regularly.