Eating For A Healthier Thyroid
Do you ever struggle with energy? Maybe you’re not sleeping or your appetite feels out of control. If these are true, your thyroid might be struggling.
Whether you’ve been told you have hypothyroidism or you simply hear symptoms of a weakened thyroid and it sounds familiar, then examining your diet and adding in a few thyroid boosters is going to be a step in the right direction.
Brazil nuts.
These are the richest dietary source of selenium, which is essential in converting thyroxine to its active form, T3. Sometimes people with Hashimoto’s are advised to avoid selenium. You need selenium for glutathione production to help decrease thyroid antibodies. Snack on three Brazil nuts per day.
Sea vegetables.
Sea vegetables are rich in iodine. Iodine attaches to tyrosine (an amino acid) to form thyroxine. If you have insufficient levels of iodine, it becomes a rate-limiting step in the production of thyroid hormones and you’ll inhibit your thyroid function. Snack on nori dusted with sea salt, make nori wraps filled with avocado, wild salmon, sweet potato, sprouts and mache, add hijiki to a kale and pumpkin seed salad, eat wakame in a miso soup or add dulse to a butternut squash soup.
Chlorophyll.
Drink a shot of chlorophyll upon waking to help boost energy levels and remove heavy metals that may be inhibiting thyroid function.
Maca.
Helps to balance the hypothalamus and pituitary, which release TRH (thyroid-releasing hormone) and TSH respectively. These hormones regulate thyroxine levels. Maca also contains zinc, B vitamins and iron, which are all required for optimal thyroid production.
No gluten.
If you have Hashimoto’s, you must avoid gluten, because it can initiate thyroid antibody production. I’ve seen TPO levels drop from the 1000s to less than 30 just from removing gluten.
No soy protein isolate.
While the research on fermented soy and thyroid function is mixed, soy protein isolate should be avoided. This means no junky soy foods like soy cheese, soy yogurt, energy bars with soy protein isolate, soy burgers and soy-based “meats.”
Eat clean and smart, take the right supplements, manage your stress levels and avoid environmental toxins, and you’ll have the ability to potentially reverse your thyroid condition.
– via mindbodygreen
Lifestyle Changes To Consider
Along with making sure you eat the right things, there a few other DOs and DON’Ts that might be helpful along the way.
For example, did you know that some people believe that avoiding the PFOA in non-stick cookware could be helpful? There’s tons of advice out there, so it’s wise to read as much as you can, talk to your doctor, and figure out the right plan of attack to get you feeling like your very best self!
Reduce Exposure to the Chemical PFOA (Found in Non-Stick Cookware)
Finally, reduce your exposure to PFOA, found in common household products including nonstick cookware and waterproof fabrics. Researchers have found that people with higher levels of PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) have a higher incidence of thyroid disease.
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil has been used as just one hypothyroidism natural treatment passed on from person to person, and is one of the best foods you can eat for your thyroid. In addition to being made up of medium chain fatty acids known as medium chain triglicerides (MCTs), which help with metabolism and weight loss, coconut oil can also raise basal body temperatures – all good news for people suffering from low thyroid function.
Here is just one experience someone had on EarthClinic:
If you are feeling exhausted…. Coconut Oil & Iodine is AMAZING! I am 39 and mom of two. I have been feeling mildly flu-like for months not to mention beyond lethargic… I went to a naturalpath who did some kinseology tests and said it was my thyroid. He gave me some liquid iodine derived from dulse(seaweed). I then started taking coconut oil topically and internally. … In ONE WEEK, and I am not exagerating, I feel 85 to 90% better. My brain fog is gone. Even when i am not able to get a lot of sleep I don’t feel that heavy tired anymore!!!!
Natural Hormone Balancing
One approach to fixing thyroid issues and hypothyroidism is the use of hormone therapy. Most often, synthetic hormones like Synthroid, Levoxyl, or Levothroid are used, which contain only the T4 hormone and no T3 – two hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Instead of turning to these synthetic hormones, it is recommended to try a ‘natural’ hormone balancing treatment. Armour Thyroid is one treatment that some recommend if you’re going to go the hormone therapy route. But be sure to do further research before making any decisions, and consider trying other solutions or supplements beforehand.
Thyroid conditions can be serious. You may need to see a doctor for some additional insight, but be very wary of the medications they suggest. Let them know you prefer natural solutions, or see a naturopath first whenever possible. Be sure to pass on which hypothyroidism natural treatment works for you.
– via Natural Society
Have you been diagnosed with thyroid issues, or struggle with energy and think a tired thyroid might be to blame?