Simple Natural Ways to Optimize Your Thyroid
- Camille McClellan
- Jul 1, 2019
- 3 min read
When it comes to your thyroid health everyone knows it’s an endocrine gland that secretes a hormone that regulates appetite, metabolism and heart rate.
There are two very important hormones that are secreted from the thyroid gland into the blood. Thyroxine which is T4 is then converted into T3 triiodothyronine. The hormone T3 is what biologically activates and influences all the cells and tissues located in your body.
When T3 is secreted from the thyroid gland it influences the metabolism of your body cells. It helps regulate the speed at which your body works.
When someone is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism this is when there's too much hormone thyroxine secreted from thyroid gland. This increases the activity of your organs and cells. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism include: Weight loss, heat intolerance, sweating, anxiety, elevated heart rate/palpitations and racing thoughts.
Hypothyroidism is basically an underactive thyroid where there's too little thyroxine being produced by the thyroid gland. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include: weight gain, fatigue, chilliness, poor concentration, depression, dry skin, hair loss, brittle nails and constipation.
An excellent way to avoid problems with your thyroid is to avoid many toxins. Some toxins include:
1. Phthalates found in plastics can affect the thyroid gland. It’s important to stick with stainless steel utensils and drinking glasses made from glass.
2. Avoid gluten all together since it attacks the antibodies of the thyroid.Dairy is also a food product to stay away from if you have a thyroid condition.
3. Any hand sanitizers or antibacterial soaps free from triclosan may be a safer way to limit toxin overload.
4. Try getting your estrogen and progesterone checked occasionally if you have thyroid disease to make sure they are balanced well.
5. Avoid thing with halogen which include chlorine water for cooking and bathing, fluoride in toothpaste, bromine in pesticides, sodas, pool and spas.
6. BPA (Bisphenol A) are located in plastics, paper receipts, plastic bags and canned foods. According to Mayo Clinic, some research has shown that it can affect the brain, behavior, infants and fetuses. BPA may also contain estrogen properties that affect the function of the thyroid.
7. Iodized salt is actually not a very good source of iodine which are contained in Himalayan salt or sea salt. Some of the best ways to get iodine sources is seaweed and other foods or supplementation.
Nutrients that are a Great Source for the Thyroid:
1. Table salt or seaweed
2. Dark leafy greens of all types
3. Seafood
4. Organ meats
5. Nuts and seeds
6. Eggs
7. Pork, chicken, beef’
8. Oysters
Food to Avoid for your Thyroid Health:
1. Processed foods
2. Any soy products
3. Gluten
4. Goitrogenic foods which are most cruciferous vegetables can be eaten but should be cooked (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, kale and collard greens).
Natural Medicine for your Thyroid Conditions:
1. Ashwagandha has the ability to improve symptoms of the thyroid and adrenal glands. It’s an adaptogen herb that helps your adrenal glands adapt to stress levels.
2. Homeopathy is also a fantastic way to assist in gently balancing the thyroid hormone without harsh side effects.
3. Probiotics can feed the gut with healthy bacteria, heal leaky gut syndrome and reduce inflammation of the gut lining.
4. Yoga, meditation and better sleep can also help the adrenal glands adjust to stress in the body.
The best way to feed your body and your thyroid gland is through healthy food. Supplementation is great along with herbs, homeopathy and other natural ways. When stress is high adding gentle exercise rather than vigorous exercise can help balance your thyroid.
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Camille McClellan, MD, DNM
Naturopathic practitioner
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