One of our sister practice Cardiologists and co-founder of LabFinder, Rober Segal, MD, was interviewed on Insider Magazine to discuss the worst foods for your heart.
If you’re one of the millions of people with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), you may be experiencing unintentional weight loss.
“When the thyroid gland is overactive, it creates too much thyroid hormone that increases metabolism,” Dr. Robert Segal, co-founder of LabFinder.com, told INSIDER. This causes an increase in your metabolic rate, which Segal said, increases calorie burn. Other symptoms to watch for include rapid or irregular heartbeat, nervousness, tremors, and sweating.
If you’re experiencing unexplained weight loss along with other symptoms of heart failure (shortness of breath, fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeats, etc.), it might be time to talk with your doctor. Segal said congestive heart failure causes the digestive system not to get enough blood, which results in nausea and feeling full even if you just started eating. This can result in a decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss.
Dr. Segal also had some additional comments about the other red flags as follows:
Diabetes is another cause for unintentional weight loss. Diabetes causes a lack of insulin which is the hormone that the body uses to absorb glucose. The glucose is then lost through the kidneys and calories are lost as well.
Depression can lead to weight loss as it causes people to lose interest in daily activities and things that cause enjoyment.
Gut diseases such as Celiac disease(gluten allergy) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis) cause issues within the intestines and the body’s ability to absorb nutrients which leads to weight loss.
Tuberculosis (TB) can cause unexplained weight loss.The mechanism for this is unknown however it is one of the hallmark signs of the disease.
All types of cancer may cause weight loss. Cancer cells and growing tumors have a high metabolic activity therefore using excess of the body’s energy and calories.
Addison’s disease affects the body’s capability to create cortisol resulting in low levels of cortisol. Cortisol is an important hormone that regulates appetite and metabolism.
Congestive heart failure or CHF causes the digestive system to not get enough blood which results to nausea and feeling full even you just started eating.
Rheumatoid arthritis causes inflammation that can speed up metabolism and reduce weight.
Read the original article placement on Insider Magazine.
