Articles
Hormone & Thyroid Health
Healthy thyroid gland
Natural ways to keep your thyroid gland healthy
The thyroid gland is a butterfly shaped gland located in the front of the neck. It manufactures two main hormones: T4 (thyroxine) and T3 (triiodothyronine). The secretion of these hormones is regulated by a hormone produced by the brain called TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). The thyroid gland manufactures much more T4 than T3; however T3 is the active hormone. T4 must be converted into T3 in order to have its desired effects. This conversion mainly occurs in the liver, kidneys and muscles. Therefore the health of these organs, particularly the liver is essential for healthy thyroid hormone levels. Role of thyroid hormones in the body Thyroid hormones are responsible for controlling the body’s metabolic rate, therefore the rate at which calories are burned. They are also required for energy production and regulation of body temperature. If hormone levels drop below normal, metabolism inside cells slows down and energy levels drop. If thyroid hormone levels become too high, all body processes speed up into overdrive. Who develops thyroid problems? Thyroid disorders are becoming increasingly common, particularly in women. By age 50, one in ten women has a thyroid condition. Thyroid conditions typically begin after childbirth, during menopause, or following a stressful life event. Many foods and environmental factors can affect the health of your thyroid gland. What are the symptoms of a thyroid disorder? The thyroid gland can malfunction in a variety of ways, however the most common conditions are an over active gland or an under active gland. Symptoms of an over active thyroid Racing heart and/or palpitations Anxiety Insomnia Diarrhoea or loose and frequent stools Intolerance to hot weather Increased appetite Hand tremor Symptoms of an under active thyroid Fatigue Weight gain Depression Fluid retention Constipation Scalp hair loss Dry skin Increased sensitivity to cold weather Here are my recommendations for keeping your thyroid gland healthy:- Ensure that you have a healthy diet, rich in nutrients required for healthy thyroid gland function. These include iodine, selenium and vitamin D. Deficiency of these nutrients is incredibly common in Western society. These nutrients are combined together in Thyroid Health capsules.
- Consume adequate high quality protein. The thyroid gland requires the amino acid tyrosine in order to manufacture thyroid hormones. Tyrosine is found in protein rich foods such as red meat, fish, poultry, but also almonds, avocados, bananas and pumpkin seeds. Vegetarians and people with poor protein digestion may need a tyrosine supplement.
- If you have an under active thyroid gland, avoid consuming large quantities of goitrogens. These are substances that can suppress the thyroid gland if you consume enough of them. Foods rich in goitrogens include raw cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts; soy, millet, peanuts and corn. Cooking these foods inactivates the majority of goitrogens.
- In Australia and the USA the majority of thyroid conditions are caused by an autoimmune disease; meaning the immune system is responsible for causing the thyroid to become either under active or over active. Research has shown that gluten intolerance can be a triggering factor in autoimmune thyroid disease. Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye, oats, spelt and barley. The majority of thyroid patients benefit from following a gluten free diet.
- Ensure you have a healthy liver. The liver is the main site of conversion of T4 into its active form T3. A sluggish or fatty liver may impair the efficiency of this process.
- Ensure your diet contains adequate levels of beneficial fatty acids, as found in oily fish (salmon, sardines, anchovies, mackerel), raw nuts and seeds, avocados, extra virgin olive oil and organic coconut oil. These fats can reduce inflammation in autoimmune thyroid disease, and improve the health of cell membranes, allowing thyroid hormones to function more efficiently.
- Minimise your exposure to the heavy metals mercury, cadmium and lead, as they can interfere with the manufacture of thyroid hormones.
- Minimise your exposure to pesticides and insecticides, as some have been linked with the formation of thyroid nodules and autoimmune thyroid disease.
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