How to Maintain Thyroid Health
The thyroid is a gland that sits at the bottom of the throat under the adam's apple. It is butterfly shaped and plays a vital role in hormone production and regulation. The thyroid secretes several hormones, collectively called thyroid hormones. The main hormone that is secreted is called thyroxine, also known as T4, T3, and TSH. Thyroid hormones work throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development and body temperature. Research suggests that 1 in 2 Americans are living with undiagnosed thyroid disorder, whether it be Graves’ Disease (autoimmune hyperthyroidism), Hashimoto's Disease (autoimmune hypothyroidism), Goiter (enlarged thyroid gland), Thyroiditis (inflammation of the thyroid gland), or Thyroid Cancer. Before diving into a full blown thyroid diagnosis, It’s important to identify thyroid symptoms.
Common thyroid symptoms:
Fatigue/weakness
Depression/anxiety
Insomnia
Enlarged thyroid gland
Weight gain/weight loss
Memory loss
Hair loss
Brain fog/confusion/trouble making decisions
Loss of libido
Bulging eyes
Dizziness/nauseousness
Intolerance to cold/hot
Muscle aches/cramps
Constipation/diarrhea
Heart palpitations/enlarged Heart
Joint aches/pains
Tips for thyroid health:
Avoid fluoridated water and get a reverse osmosis system
Avoid plastic water bottles and containers
Eat organic free range meat
Eat organic vegetables and fruit
Limit seafood intake due to heavy metals and high contamination
Avoid chemicals such as GMO, food coloring, food additives, MSG
Avoid inflammatory foods; gluten, grains, dairy, soy, sugar, corn, nightshades, caffeine, alcohol, and processed foods
Try an Autoimmune Paleo Diet (AIP) to eliminate symptoms or to go into remission
Avoid high intensity and heavy workouts
Engage in relaxation techniques; these help to calm the nervous system and improve immune function
Read the following:
Autoimmune Thyroid and Thyroid Connection by Dr. Amy Myers
thyroidbook.com; “Why do I still have thyroid symptoms when my lab tests are normal?”
Work with a Functional Medicine Dr. or Naturopathic Dr. to get to the root of the issue
Balance blood sugar
Replenish your vitamins and minerals; magnesium, selenium, vitamin D, fish oil, multivitamin
Heal your gut
Rule out/heal Epstein Barr Virus
Take your thyroid medication as prescribed by your doctor
Monitor T3, T4, and TSH regularly
Test your thyroid antibodies; Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody; Thyroglobulin Antibody; Thyroid -Stimulating Hormone Receptor Antibody
Test neurotransmitters
Test hormones
Sign up for my 30 Day Thyroid Reset Program!
