Whether you know it or not, your thyroid is one of the most important components of your body. Like anything in the body, it works best when it’s healthy. What if it doesn’t work as it should? Believe it or not, this is more common than you think.
Approximately 20 million Americans have thyroid conditions, and up to 60% of those people are unaware of their condition. A thyroid condition can be related to conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema, or autoimmune disorders, but it can also be due to an unhealthy diet and lifestyle.
What is the thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck that produces hormones, regulates metabolism, and affects the function of every organ in the body. The hormones your thyroid produces, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, determine the speed and functions of your organs and how your body systems use energy.
Hypothyroidism: indicates that the thyroid is slow and underproductive. This condition slows down the body’s metabolism, which can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol levels, and bone problems.
hyperthyroidism: it means that the thyroid is overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroxine. An overactive thyroid causes the body to work faster than it should, ultimately disrupting normal bodily functions. It can lead to weight loss, eye problems, and even osteoporosis.
Now that you know a little about your thyroid, here are 5 ways you can keep your thyroid healthy.
Maintain a nutrient rich diet:
Eating the right fruits and vegetables can help support your thyroid and overall health. It is ideal to consume fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and iodine, necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. An iron or iodine deficiency can actually cause hypothyroidism. For people with hyperthyroidism, iodine can help slow the release of too much thyroid hormone. No matter what thyroid problem you have, iodine can help your thyroid function normally. Sea vegetables like seaweed or spirulina can help provide you with iodine. Below is a list of foods that are beneficial for thyroid health.
- Berries (strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, etc.)
- cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale, cabbage)
- Sea vegetables (kelp, dulse, agar, seaweed, nori, spirulina, Irish moss)
- Foods rich in chlorophyll (spinach, peas, kiwi, cucumbers, parsley)
- Shitake or Portabella mushrooms
- olive oil
- almonds
- Pumpkin seeds
- flax seeds
- walnuts
- brazil nuts
- chia seeds
- sunflower seeds
- Sesame seeds
Avoid fluoride:
Most commercial toothpastes contain toxic ingredients that can harm your health, but they also contain fluoride, which can damage your thyroid. Communities with fluoride in their water actually have higher rates of hypothyroidism. That’s why drinking distilled or alkaline water, or eating alkaline foods, is healthy for your thyroid and overall health. Also, try to refrain from nonstick pans and black tea, as both contain fluoride.
Reduce stress:
Minimizing your stress levels can not only improve your thyroid function, but also contribute to your overall well-being. Stress can actually induce a thyroid condition or make it more apparent that you have a thyroid condition. Overproduction of cortisol, a stress hormone, can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. In fact, it can make the thyroid work harder to produce sufficient amounts of hormones needed for bodily functions. Great ways to de-stress include acupuncture, breathing techniques like meditation, massage therapy, or taking warm baths.
Get rid of inflammatory foods:
If you eat inflammatory foods, it can irritate your digestive system, which can damage your immune system. When your immune system is irritated, it doesn’t recognize your thyroid as a part of the body. In fact, your immune system interprets the thyroid gland as an intrusion and launches an autoimmune attack. Gluten, eggs, dairy products, and grains are all inflammatory. This is why eating anti-inflammatory foods is beneficial for the thyroid.
Make Sure You Get Your Omega-3s:
If your body lacks omega-3 fatty acids, you may have a hormonal imbalance. Omega-3s provide a strong foundation for hormones that control immune function, cell growth, and support thyroid hormones. You can get your omega-3s from flaxseeds and walnuts, among other foods.
In addition to the tips above, getting enough sleep, exercise, vitamin D, and avoiding exposure to radiation, toxins, and chemicals like bromide can all be beneficial in restoring thyroid health.