6 Habits That May Naturally Improve Your Thyroid Function
Your thyroid gland is a relatively small, butterfly-shaped gland found in your throat area. It’s located right in the front of your neck.
First and foremost, this small gland is in charge of regulating hormonal, metabolic, and growth processes.
It contains a protein called thyroglobulin. This protein works with iodine to stimulate hormone secretion to achieve optimum functioning of your organs, tissues, and cells.
In addition, it participates in the synthesis of proteins, cellular oxygenation, and other important functions that keep you in good health.
However, like with other organs, it’s exposed to a lot of different factors that can unbalance it. Naturally, this can cause problems. This doesn’t just lead to a series of changes in your body. It can also lead to serious illnesses over time.
Because of this, you should always make an effort to protect your thyroid, especially by giving it the nutrients it needs to be healthy.
Today, we’ll take this opportunity to share 6 good habits that may improve your thyroid function naturally.
1. Incorporate iodine into your diet
Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism or a lack of thyroid hormones. When a person suffers from this condition, their body can’t create this nutrient by itself. This is why it’s very important to ensure you get enough iodine through your diet.
Here are some foods that contain this nutrient:
- Eggs
- Shellfish
- Oily fish
- Cheese
- Table salt
However, when it comes to table salt, consume only moderate amounts. After all, eating too much of it can cause problems.
Want to learn more? 7 Iodine-Packed Drinks to Improve Thyroid Function
2. Eat more selenium
Selenium is one of the essential minerals that can help positively affect the treatment of thyroid disorders.
It helps us manage stress and helps with detoxification. In addition, it helps regulate hormonal activity.
In addition, the proteins that make up selenium can help control metabolic functions and the mechanisms in charge of transforming food into energy.
Overall, some natural sources of selenium are:
- Nuts
- Flaxseed and sunflower seeds
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Mushrooms
3. Increase your zinc intake to improve thyroid function
Low zinc levels are associated with the development of the two main thyroid issues: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Thyroid imbalances, whether from producing too many or not enough hormones, set off a series of negative reactions in your whole body.
This essential mineral is naturally found in many foods. However, you can also get it in supplement form. Some major sources of zinc are:
- Lean beef
- Oysters
- Pork
- Chicken
- Spinach
- Seeds and nuts
- Chocolate
- Walnuts
4. Don’t forget about magnesium
In addition, another vital element for proper thyroid functioning is magnesium, a mineral that’s hard to absorb and that plays a role in many bodily systems.
Your body needs to convert iodine into thyroid hormones. Therefore, magnesium consumption is key to avoiding all kinds of complications.
You can absorb it by applying lotions. It’s also found in foods such as:
- Sweet corn
- Avocados
- Bananas
- Spinach
- Raisins
5. Consume coconut oil
In addition, having a tablespoon or two of coconut oil a day can help improve thyroid function. After all, its medium-chain fatty acids support your metabolism.
Rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, coconut is a complete food for counteracting the effects of an imbalanced thyroid.
While more studies are required to prove the effects coconut oil has on your body, some experts advise adding it to your diet as a complement to treatment.
Check this article out: This is What Coconut Oil Can Do for Your Hair
6. Avoid stress
Finally, continual exposure to stressful situations is a significant contributing factor to thyroid function imbalances.
Stress may just seem to impact your mood at first. However, over time, stress lets loose a sequence of chemical reactions that affect your health. That’s because it increases cortisol production. This is a substance that prevents thyroid hormones from entering your cells.
Are you concerned about your thyroid health? Make these habits a part of your life. In addition, don’t forget to get regular medical checkups for more precise tests.
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.
- Pardo Calderón, S. G. (2016). El uso de plantas medicinales en las enfermedades de la glándula tiroides (Bachelor’s thesis, Universidad de Guayaquil. Facultad de Ciencias Químicas). http://repositorio.ug.edu.ec/bitstream/redug/17969/1/BCIEQ-T-0162%20Pardo%20Calder%c3%b3n%20Steven%20Gregorio.pdf