We often hear about the connection between thyroid and weight gain, but many women
I talk to don’t know that the thyroid plays a role in almost every system
in the body. This is why hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) can make us feel
so unlike ourselves. I’ve heard women talk about fatigue, mental fog, depressed
moods, constipation, dry skin, and even brittle nails when it comes to thyroid symptoms.
Some women have already been diagnosed with hypothyroidism, others are experiencing
symptoms, but still show thyroid levels in a normal range (called subclinical hypothyroidism),
and some are simply wondering how to support their thyroid and prevent future issues.
It’s common knowledge that you can take a prescription for an underactive thyroid,
but did you know that you can find natural thyroid symptom relief?
Here’s how to minimize thyroid symptoms, while supporting your overall health.
1. Eat thyroid supporting foods
Research shows us that the thyroid needs specific vitamins and minerals to function.
Minerals like iodine, selenium, and zinc and vitamins like A, C, and B can all be
found in every day foods you see at your grocery store. For a list of whole foods
to support your thyroid, see our article on
Eating for thyroid health.
Tip: Next time to go to the grocery store
reach for foods like shrimp, haddock, salmon, sea vegetables, eggs, and mushrooms.
These are all rich in iodine, one of the most important minerals for healthy thyroid
function.
2. Use vitamins, minerals, and plants to support healthy thyroid function
“My thyroid medication has to be decreased! My doctor keeps calling in lower dosages.
It’s great!”
–Leslie, Personal Program Member
Read Leslie’s story
In addition to the nutritional benefits offered by whole foods, there are also high
quality multivitamin-mineral complexes available to help you fill in any nutritional
gaps. Certain herbs are also thyroid supporting. We’ve formulated a thyroid support
product with iodine and selenium along with hops to enhance the uptake of iodine
in the thyroid, Coleus to mimic the effect of TSH, Ashwagandha to gently ease thyroid
symptoms, and others to help naturally boost energy and support your thyroid function.
This product is available through our Personal Program for Thyroid Support.
Tip: Take a quality multivitamin that is
rich in iodine and selenium.
3. Get regular exercise
Bridge pose
Bridge pose, also known as Setu Bandha Sarvangasana, helps improve blood
flow to the neck area, stimulating the thyroid.
Step by
step directions.
Research shows us that thyroid hormones can increase when we increase our heart
rates. And so you might consider exercise a friendly reminder for your thyroid to
stay active. Walking, dancing, sports, and especially yoga can all help to support
your thyroid.
Tip: Find a friend, family member, or co-worker
who wants to take regular walks and set a time each day to take a walk together.
4. Prioritize restoration
Our stress response can directly influence thyroid function. For example, the stress
hormone cortisol can inhibit both thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and the thyroid
hormone known as T4. Make it a priority to cultivate calmness throughout your day.
Deep nostril breathing, meditation, and naps can all bring our stress hormones down.
You may also consider simply getting more sleep at night to counter stress during
the day.
Tip: Take a warm bath three nights a week
before bed and make it special by lighting candles, using special bath salts, or
playing relaxing music.
5. Explore your emotional health
Many ancient traditions believe that the thyroid is particularly sensitive to “bottling
emotions” or “holding our tongues”. Recognizing your emotional health may be an
important part of supporting your thyroid. As women, we are often drawn to nurturing
others before exploring our own emotional needs. Spend time with your feelings.
Whether you write them down or talk about them, expressing our emotions is the first
step to emotional health.
Tip: Write one sentence a day in a journal
or notebook about how you feel.
When something is off with my body, I always try to begin with a natural approach.
And even for my patients who need prescription medication, these natural thyroid
symptom-relief tips can offer another layer of support. If you’re suspicious about
your thyroid, take our Thyroid Health
Profile to see where you fall and you can always contact your health care
practitioner for your specific questions. In the meantime, you’ll be surprised by
the difference these steps make in how you feel.