hypothyroid, vegetarian

[starbells]

anyone have any knowledge/experience with this? I am actually a nutritionist, and am aware of what I can eat as a vegetarian (for protein), and what nutrients are necessary when you're hypothyroid. However, I am stubbornly hanging on to my convictions as a vegetarian (of 11 1/2 years), but frustrated by the questionability of soy.

I have been hypo for about 15 years, but only in the last few years-do I feel like I'm becoming unhealthy---in a systemic way that is hard to describe. And during this time, when I have fallen off track with my workouts, it has been VERY hard to get back on (I know that starting up again isn't easy---and metabolism slows with age---AGAIN---it's something "more than normal" that I can't put my finger on).

Unfortunately, I am concerned that my 11 year veg. diet really hasn't been compatible with being hypo---but that maybe it took this long to manifest its incompatibility.

ANYTHING?!?!?!?!?

THANKS!!!! Shelley

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[starbells]

It is glandular...I have been on replacement since the age of 11, which I had my doctor switch in Feb. '04 (from synthroid to Armour). My TSH and T3 usually respond appropriately to dosage fluctuations.

I am ovo-lacto, but not a big egg-eater (I do not go out of my way to avoid them-in other dishes, but have an off-and-on aversion to them).

I am curious, what specifically do you think would hinder my metabolism as a hypo-veg.? I would think, theoretically, that as long as I am getting enough quality protein (and everything else), that my metabolism wouldn't "know" the difference.

It's very frustrating to understand all the variables involved, and yet--- can't find my own "missing link."

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[starbells]

I have actually reduced my soy consumption drastically in the last few years (due to all of the uncertainty), but now that I think about it...I may not have replaced it, adequately.

I am a big fan of whey protein, but not all the artificial sweeteners in most of them...so I find it hard to find and afford one that I can use consistently (without getting sick of it). Nevertheless, I have a few...and am guilty of having them and not using them---as I should.

Maybe that should be my next specific goal...to implement whey protein as a large portion of my daily protein (at the very least...I may feel better sooner than I think).

Currently, my protein consists of other veggie patties (Quorn brand--which uses a fermented mushroom protein), lentils (usually in a lentil-brown rice loaf), and SOME soy-based patties.

All that being said, your opinion makes me wonder if my instincts are correct---that I may have to consider eating some clean sources of fish twice a week or so......but maybe it's more that I've neglected to provide myself with enough protein over the last few years (which, of course, would compromise my immune system as well---making me feel...well---not well!). Otherwise, I would think this would have affected me long before now...?

I greatly appreciate your perspective, and advice...and keep it coming if you think of anything else.

Thanks again, Shelley

P.S. I made a mistake in my first post when I said I'd been hypo for 15 years...it's been almost 25 (I guess I thought I was 10 years younger for a second).

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[starbells]

Well, you've "re-convinced" me to put back into action a practice I've used, and know the benefits of (but have neglected as of late)---BEFORE I give up my vegetarian ways---WHEY!!!

And just when I thought I was done "picking your brain..."

for someone in this situation, how would you suggest balancing whey with the other food proteins I use? (i.e. 50/50, 60/40---heavier on the whey, etc...) It would seem that I should end up consuming more than someone else of my size, who is using it as supplementation---right?

[**DONOTDELETE**]

[starbells]

DUH!!! (to me) ...such a simple (and well put) answer---that should have been obvious to me!!!

Thanks again!