Did you know that up to 12 percent of the entire population will experience some type of issue with their thyroid gland? While this figure may appear shocking at first glance, there are still plenty of ways in which you can stave off any thyroid problems. Let us take a look at seven tips as well as the benefits of each.
Increase Your Uptake of Iodine
Your body will require iodine to produce thyroid-related hormones such as T3 and T4. Thus, make it a point to consume ample amounts. Foods rich in iodine include seaweed, fish, iodized table salt, and eggs.
Consume Ample Amounts of Selenium
Certain types of nuts (Brazil nuts in particular) are laden with the mineral selenium. Selenium is important for the thyroid due to the fact that converting the T4 hormone into its T3 counterpart depends upon this nutrient. Other selenium-rich foods include butter, garlic, turnips, and onions.
Avoid Extreme Diets
Crash diets can wreak havoc upon the thyroid gland. As this article observes, these regimens will cause the thyroid gland to produce an excessive amount of the T3 hormone; a substance that can lead to weight gain (it slows down the metabolism). Therefore, starvation diets may actually produce the exact opposite effect that you desire.
Take Soy in Moderation
While soy is indeed healthy, one of its only drawbacks involves the ways in which it interacts with the thyroid gland. Soy has been shown to block the ability of your body to absorb iodine. This is not to say that you should completely eliminate soy from your diet, but rather that consuming excessive amounts can negatively impact the long-term health of your thyroid.
Take Organic Thyroid Medication if Needed
A growing body of evidence suggests that organic thyroid supplements are excellent ways to ensure that this gland functions properly. Not only does the natural thyroid medication here contain all of the essential hormones, but it does not cause the side effects often associated with prescription substances.
Do Away with Gluten
Gluten-free diets have become extremely popular in these modern times. This is partially due to the fact that gluten intolerance may be tentatively linked to autoimmune disorders of the thyroid gland. Of course, many individuals also feel that eliminating gluten is better for their overall health.
Embrace the Power of Antioxidants
Antioxidants serve a number of biological purposes. They help to reverse cellular damage and they can even prevent some forms of cancer. In terms of the thyroid, these substances are able to protect the cells of this gland against oxidative stress. Be sure to consume plenty of fruits and vegetables; particularly those with high levels of B-complex vitamins.
These seven suggestions are easy to implement and they will help to guarantee that your thyroid gland continues to function as it should. Still, always make it a point to speak with a doctor if you suspect that a problem may be present. A host of additional treatment options are available.
