Kelly Clarkson, the powerhouse singer and American Idol winner, has faced public scrutiny over her weight for years. Recently, she opened up about her weight loss journey, attributing it to getting a handle on her thyroid problem that she has been living with since 2006 (1).
The Thyroid, Hormones, and Weight
The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, produces hormones that regulate metabolism (2). When the body’s production of thyroid hormones decreases, it can lead to weight gain (3).
This decrease in hormones slows down metabolic processes, leading to water and salt retention (3). People with thyroid conditions often experience fatigue, making it difficult to exercise and eat well, resulting in more than just water weight gain (3).
How Kelly Managed Her Thyroid Problems
Kelly found a way to manage her thyroid condition after reading “The Plant Paradox” by Steven R. Gundry and changing her lifestyle (1). The book focuses on cooking methods, organic eating, and addressing inflammation in the body (4).
The Plant Paradox eating program aims to reduce inflammation by avoiding certain foods, particularly lectins (4). Lectins, toxic compounds found in certain foods, can cause serious inflammatory responses in the body (5).
Kelly adopted the Plant Paradox diet, not for weight loss but to manage her thyroid condition, leading to a 37-pound weight loss and getting off her medications (1, 4).
Despite the challenges of living with a thyroid condition, Kelly’s story demonstrates that it can be managed through a healthy diet. If she can do it, so can you!
Read this next to learn about the 8 worst foods to eat if you have Hashimoto’s disease.
