5 Tips for Thyroid Health

Your thyroid is only about two inches long, but don’t let its size fool you: As your body’s master energy controller, this little gland in your neck plays a big role in how energetic you feel. 

Here are five ways to help keep your thyroid running smoothly. (If you’ve been diagnosed with a thyroid condition you should be under a practitioner’s care, generally that of an endocrinologist.)

Eat Iodine-Rich Foods

The thyroid produces hormones that regulate the rate at which calories are burned, among other crucial functions. (This explains why an underpowered thyroid can lead to weight gain.) The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormone; this element can be found in dairy products, seafood, meat and eggs.*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Avoid Eating Gluten

Many people have trouble with gluten, a protein found in wheat and other grains. Ingesting gluten can cause leaky gut, in which food leaks into the bloodstream and causes an abnormal immune system reaction. This can result in thyroid problems such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a disorder that slows thyroid function.

At least one study has found going on a gluten-free diet helpful for people with Hashimoto’s.^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.} Gluten is found not only in baked goods, pasta and other obvious sources but also in foods you wouldn’t associate with grains, such as soy sauce and salad dressing; you can find more information here.

Cook Your Crucifers

Should you eat your broccoli? Of course you should! But there’s a catch: Broccoli, kale and other cruciferous vegetables may impede the body’s uptake of iodine if eaten in large quantities.

You don’t want to avoid crucifers—a family that also includes Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and collards—given all their health benefits. If you’re prone to thyroid issues, however, play it safe by cooking them first.

Reduce Toxin Exposure

We live in a world filled with toxins, some of which interfere with your body's endocrine (glandular) system. So it isn’t surprising that substances such as phthalates and bisphenol-A (to name only two) have been linked to thyroid disruptions.^{†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.}

It’s impossible to avoid these chemicals completely. But try to minimize your contact by washing with regular soap instead of the antibacterial type, using essential oils instead of synthetic air fresheners, eating fresh or frozen foods instead of canned, storing food in glass rather than plastic containers and keeping your home well ventilated.

Find Stress Relief

Stress can play havoc with a number of bodily processes, including thyroid function. That’s because finding yourself under stressful conditions causes your body to release a hormone called cortisol, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production. Yoga and mediation are both effective forms of stress relief, as are exercise and getting enough sleep.

†The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described. The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.The information provided is not an endorsement of any product, and is intended for educational purposes only. NaturesPlus does not provide medical advice and does not offer diagnosis of any conditions. Current research on this topic is not conclusive and further research may be needed in order to prove the benefits described.

The conditions and symptoms described may be indicative of serious health problems, and therefore should be brought to the attention of a qualified healthcare practitioner.