5 things you can do to keep your thyroid healthy

5 things you can do to keep your thyroid healthy

Whether you know it or not, your thyroid is one of the most important parts of your body. Like everything in the body, it functions better when it is healthy. What happens if it doesn't work as it should? Believe it or not, this is more common than you think.

Approximately 20 million Americans suffer from thyroid disease, and up to 60% of these people are unaware of their condition. Thyroid disease can be associated with conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), eczema or autoimmune diseases, but can also be due to an unhealthy diet and poor lifestyle.

What is the Thyroid?

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that produces hormones, regulates metabolism, and influences the function of every organ in the body. The hormones the thyroid produces, thyroxine and triiodothyronine, determine the speed and functions of your organs and how the body's systems use energy.

Hypothyroidism:indicates that the thyroid is sluggish and underproductive. This condition slows down the body's metabolism, which can lead to weight gain, increased cholesterol, and bone problems.

Hyperthyroidism:means the thyroid is overactive and producing excessive amounts of thyroxine. An overactive thyroid causes the body to work faster than it should, ultimately disrupting normal body functions. It can lead to weight loss, eye problems and even osteoporosis.

Now that you know a little about the thyroid, here are 5 ways you can keep your thyroid healthy.

Maintain a nutrient-dense diet:

Eating the right fruits and vegetables can help maintain your thyroid and your overall health. It is ideal to consume fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants and iodine, which are necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. An iron or iodine deficiency can actually cause hypothyroidism. In patients with hyperthyroidism, iodine may help slow the release of too many thyroid hormones. No matter what thyroid problem you have, iodine can support 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 (seaweed, dulse, agar, kelp, nori, spirulina, Irish moss)

• Foods high in chlorophyll (spinach, snow peas, kiwi, cucumbers, parsley)

• Shitake or portabella mushrooms

• olive oil

• Almonds

• Pumpkin seeds

• linseed

• Walnuts

• Brazil nut

• 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 the thyroid. Communities with fluoride in the water actually have higher rates of hypothyroidism. For this reason, drinking distilled or alkaline water or eating alkaline foods is healthy for your thyroid and your overall health. Additionally, try to avoid 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 trigger thyroid disease or make it more obvious that you have thyroid disease. Overproduction of cortisol, a stress hormone, can impair thyroid hormone production. It can actually cause the thyroid to work harder to produce adequate amounts of hormones needed for the body's functions. Great ways to reduce stress include acupuncture, breathing techniques like meditation, massage therapy, or a warm bath.

Get rid of inflammatory foods:

Eating inflammatory foods can irritate your digestive system, which can rub your immune system the wrong way. When your immune system is irritated, it doesn't recognize your thyroid as part of the body. In fact, your immune system interprets the thyroid as intrusive and launches an autoimmune attack. Gluten, eggs, dairy and grains are anti-inflammatory. This is why eating anti-inflammatory foods has a positive effect on your thyroid.

Make sure you get your omega-3 fatty acids:

If your body is deficient in omega-3 fatty acids, you may have a hormonal imbalance. Omega-3 fatty acids provide a solid foundation for hormones that control immune function and cell growth and support thyroid hormones. You can get your omega-3 fatty acids from, among other things, flaxseeds and walnuts.

In addition to the tips above, getting proper sleep, exercising, using vitamin D, and exposure to radiation, toxins, and chemicals like bromide can be beneficial for restoring thyroid health.

Inspired by Vinnie Stevens