Feeling constantly tired? Having a hard time losing weight? Stuck in a brain fog? While everyone deals with these symptoms at least some of the time, exhibiting them all the time may be a sign of an underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones, and can be caused by goiters, Hashimoto’s disease or aging. Symptoms include weight gain, sensitivity to cold, thinning hair, dry skin and depression.
While it’s important to see your doctor to get a blood test done in order to determine if you have hypothyroidism, you may still be feeling the symptoms of a sluggish thyroid while showing normal hormone levels. If your doctor says your blood tests are normal, you can still naturally boost your thyroid to keep it working at an optimal rate. Here are 4 tips to keep your thyroid up and running:
1. Up Your Iodine Intake: Iodine is the key mineral in thyroid function, and up to 40% of the population is at risk of iodine deficiency. In order to keep your thyroid working, it’s important to incorporate foods rich in iodine into your diet, such as shellfish, saltwater fish, sea vegetables (kombu/kelp, dulse or nori) and iodized salt. Low-fat dairy is also another great source of iodine. There are also iodine supplements, such as Iodoral, which provide iodine when diet can’t cover it alone.
2. Avoid Thyroid-Blocking Foods: Goitrogens are foods that contain chemicals which lower your thyroid’s ability to produce hormones. These include cruciferous vegetables—such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and kale—peaches, almonds, pears and spinach. While cooking these foods deactivates the goitrogens contained in them, it’s recommended that those with hypothyroidism limit their intake to once or twice a week.
3. Exercise: Exercise provides many huge benefits, as we all know, but it also helps maintain your thyroid function. A daily walk or run can help boost thyroid production, but at least 3 workouts a week is needed to see real improvement.
4. Natural Thyroid Supplements: While only your doctor can put you on a prescription thyroid medication if you have hypothyroidism, there are many natural thyroid supplements which can help your thyroid perform at its optimal rate, even if your hormone levels are normal on a blood test. Thyroid Care by Innate Response is a synergistic combination of nutrients, herbs, and trace mineral-rich foods that strengthen thyroid function naturally. Thyroid Complex from Transformation Enzymes is a formulation of thyroid gland concentrate and essential herbs to promote a balanced metabolic activity level and the regenerative capabilities of the thyroid. Medix4Life’s Thyroid formulation is an advanced stem cell product that supports intercellular communication and tissue regeneration of the thyroid.
Speak Your Mind