6 Health Tips to Improve Thyroid Function
The correct function of our thyroid gland plays a very important role in our health. This is not only because it regulates relevant hormonal processes, but because it is key for our metabolism, our mood and our weight. So, it’s important to improve thyroid function for optimized wellbeing.
While we usually ignore it, this small organ, located right in the frontal part of the neck, secretes hormones that regulate the activity of the tissues and cells in our main systems.
Also, among other things, it plays a part in the synthesis of proteins, blood circulation and oxygenation, as well as other jobs that are key for having a good quality of life.
The problem is that, as a result of genetics and bad habits, a series of disorders can develop that cause alterations.
Consequently, many of our organs start to have difficulties and, with time, can cause chronic diseases.
Because of this, it is important that you have good life habits, putting into practice some recommendations that improve thyroid function naturally.
1. Learn to handle stress
Dealing with stress poorly is one of the factors that influences the appearance of imbalances in the functions of the thyroid gland.
While it may seem like it has nothing to do with it, continuous exposure to its effects can reduce the body’s ability to utilize the thyroid hormones.
This is due to the increased production of cortisol, a chemical substance that keep the thyroid’s hormones from entering the body’s cells.
2. Use coconut oil
The fatty acids that are found in coconut oil are a great complement t0 improve thyroid function and hormones function. This optimizes its utilization in the body’s metabolic activities.
Thanks to its significant amount of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, it is an ingredient that counteracts some of the effects that are caused by imbalances in this gland.
3. Add iodine to your diet
Low consumption of iodine sources is one of the main causes of hormone insufficiencies in the thyroid. It is a condition known as hypothyroidism.
Our body doesn’t have the ability to create this nutrient itself, so you have to get it from healthy foods.
Some of the recommended foods are:
- Seafood
- Cold water fish
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Table salt
- Blueberries
- Marine vegetables
- Organic strawberries
- Organic yogurt
- Potatoes
4. Eat foods with zinc
Zinc deficiency in the body can lead to the development of the two main thyroid gland conditions: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
The lack of this nutrient produces imbalances in the thyroid hormone activity, causing a series of unwanted reactions in various vital systems in the body.
While it can be absorbed through the consumption of supplements, it is recommended that you get it through foods like the following examples to improve thyroid function.
- Seafood and fish
- Lean meats
- Pork
- Chicken
- Spinach
- Nuts
- Seeds
- Bitter chocolate
5. Exercise regularly
One of the little known benefits of physical exercise is that it improves thyroid function.
It is recommended for treating hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, since it regulates the thyroid hormone’s activities and balances the body’s metabolic work.
Exercising, among other things, improves your mood and helps you maintain a good level of physical and mental energy.
- You can dedicate a minimum of 30 minutes a day to cardiovascular exercises or combined routines.
6. Be sure you are getting enough magnesium
Magnesium is another essential mineral that helps to protect your thyroid health. The problem is that it is one of those nutrients that are difficult to absorb. And, although it is present in many foods, it is one of the nutrients that people lack the most.
Magnesium is necessary for converting the iodine in the thyroid hormones. Also, its correct absorption helps to maintain good metabolic and hormonal health.
Currently, supplements and external lotions can be bought, but you can also get magnesium through foods like:
- Avocados
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Raisins
- Corn
- Bananas
- Dry herbs
- Bran
- Cacao powder
- Nuts
- Seeds (pumpkin, flax, sunflower)
Do you have risk factors of thyroid diseases? If yes, even if not, be sure to put all of these recommendations into practice and improve your lifestyle in order to keep this gland functioning properly.
Of course, be sure to check with your doctor regularly to detect if there are any abnormalities.
All cited sources were thoroughly reviewed by our team to ensure their quality, reliability, currency, and validity. The bibliography of this article was considered reliable and of academic or scientific accuracy.
- Cooper, D. S., Doherty, G. M., Haugen, B. R., Kloos, R. T., Lee, S. L., Mandel, S. J., … Tuttle, R. M. (2009). Revised American Thyroid Association Management Guidelines for Patients with Thyroid Nodules and Differentiated Thyroid Cancer. Thyroid. https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2009.0110
- Jonklaas, J., Bianco, A. C., Bauer, A. J., Burman, K. D., Cappola, A. R., Celi, F. S., … Sawka, A. M. (2014). Guidelines for the Treatment of Hypothyroidism: Prepared by the American Thyroid Association Task Force on Thyroid Hormone Replacement. Thyroid. https://doi.org/10.1089/thy.2014.0028
- Soldin, O. P. (2011). Guidelines of the American Thyroid Association for the diagnosis and management of thyroid disease during pregnancy and postpartum. Clinical Chemistry. https://doi.org/10.1373/clinchem.2011.173351
