How can we play a role in improving our thyroid function? What are the effective methods to strengthen thyroid function? Learn about natural solutions in this field.
Dysfunction of the butterfly-shaped thyroid gland, which is located under the throat, brings common health problems such as unexplained weight gain, dysregulation of body metabolism, depression, fatigue, disturbed sleep cycle, etc.
However, making some changes in lifestyle and diet can make the function of this body organ more effective. Here are 7 natural, non-drug measures to increase thyroid function:
Adding iodine to the diet: According to the American Thyroid Association, iodine deficiency is one of the main causes of low thyroid hormone production. Therefore, you should make sure that your diet contains enough iodine. Foods rich in iodine include eggs, saltwater fish, cheese, and iodized salt. However, be advised that you can get at least one teaspoon of salt per day, and to get more iodine, you should resort to other sources.
Get Selenium: Regular intake of selenium can lead to treatment of thyroid problems. Selenium is found in mixed nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, yogurt and mushrooms. Selenium is an important element whose amount in each person’s body is only about ten to 15 milligrams. But this very small amount plays an effective role in controlling the most important activities of the body. Selenium deficiency reduces the body’s defense power and causes weakness of heart muscles, which increases the risk of stroke. Severe and sudden hair loss is also one of the consequences of the lack of this element. Selenium deficiency is a problem that is often ignored in connection with thyroid disorders, while the role of this element in controlling thyroid activities is as important as iodine.
Adequate intake of zinc: Zinc deficiency can lead to both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Zinc is an essential mineral that is naturally rich in zinc in foods such as lean beef, chicken, spinach, certain seeds, nuts and seeds, whole grains, milk and dairy products, and dark chocolate.
Adding magnesium to the diet: Magnesium is another essential element that helps the body perform key functions. According to experts, most Americans are deficient in magnesium because excessive consumption of caffeine and sugary substances leads to a decrease in magnesium in the body. Magnesium is important for converting iodine into thyroid hormones such as T3 and T4. This means that not getting enough magnesium can lead to hypothyroidism, weight gain, general fatigue, dry skin, and even depression. While magnesium supplements are available, it can be obtained by consuming spinach, sweet corn, avocado, shrimp, raisins, bananas, and broccoli.
Reducing stress: Exercising and walking briskly, especially after meals, reduces stress. According to researchers, stress is the main cause of thyroid imbalance and increases cortisol hormone. This process prevents the entry of thyroid hormones into body cells.
Avoiding soy consumption: More than 3,000 types of flavonoids have been discovered in the composition of food, among which the flavonoids in soybeans can be mentioned as the most important. These flavonoids include: genistein and daidzein. Soybean flavonoids reduce thyroid peroxidase activity. The remarkable thing is that even cooking does not reduce the goitrogenic activity of soy. Several studies have proven the anti-thyroid effects of soy.
Use of coconut oil: Although there are conflicting reports about the effect of coconut oil on improving thyroid function, this oil is rich in nutrients and a rich source of lauric acid, and it increases metabolism by increasing the function of the thyroid gland.
Source: activebeat
