An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half are undiagnosed.
Frequently misunderstood, and too often overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease affects almost every aspect of health.
What is the Thyroid Gland?
The thyroid is a small endocrine gland located just below your adam’s apple and is often described visually as a butterfly having two halves or lobes.
The thyroid release hormones that
influence many bodily functions
, such as physical growth and development, metabolism, puberty, organ function, fertility and body temperature.
These functions depend on two hormones released from the thyroid gland: tri-iodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).
The thyroid gland can produce too much of these hormones (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).
These
thyroid hormones play a vital role in the body
, thereby influencing all organs. They also determine how fast or how slow the organs should work and when the body systems use energy.
Symptoms of Thyroid Disorders
The most common
symptoms of thyroid disorders
are:
-
An Underactive Thyroid – Hypothyroidism
The thyroid does not produce enough hormones and many
symptoms of thyroid disorder
in this case are related to a slow metabolism.
Symptoms of the above disorders can include:
Taking Care of Your Thyroid with Good Nutrition
Overview of the thyroid system. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
Taking care of your thyroid with good nutrition is a smart step in the right direction. Here are some superfoods that research has shown can nurture a healthy thyroid, as well as some ones to avoid.
Coconut and coconut butter
, or more commonly known as coconut oil, has been used as a food and medicine since the dawn of history. Unlike saturated animal fats found in meats and dairy products, coconut butter is a raw saturated fat containing fatty acids which the body can metabolize efficiently and convert to energy quickly. Research also shows it helps to regulate thyroid function.
Kelp
is a stellar, nutrient-dense sea vegetable. It is also known as Laminaria and contains a natural substance that enhances flavor and tenderizes. Kelp works as a blood purifier, and promotes adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. Its natural iodine may help normalize thyroid-related disorders, like overweight, and lymph system congestion.
Turkey
is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhibit cancer development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone.
Thyroid patients should avoid the consumption of goitrogens
, substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland, and which can also cause an enlargement of the thyroid. Goitrogens are in foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, kale, turnips, and canola oil. Soy and peanuts also include goitrogens and should be avoided.
Both copper and iron
are so important for thyroid function, so thyroid patients should take time to make sure they’re getting enough in their diets. Foods such as organ meats, oysters, clams, crabs, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, whole-grain products, and cocoa products are all rich in copper. Foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, and poultry are high in iron.
Complement your iron intake with adequate amounts of vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers to help maximize your body’s iron absorption efficiency.
Aromatherapy for Thyroid Problems
You can use essential oils to help regulate your thyroid. Some general ones are Geranium, Rose (Blend of Rose works just fine for this), Bergamot, Jasmine (Blend of Jasmine works as well), Neroli (Blend of Neroli works as well), Lavender, Peppermint, and Myrrh.
And more specifically:
•
Hyperactive (hyperthryoid):
Wintergreen, Myrrh, Spruce, Lemongrass, Myrtle
•
Hypoactive (hypothyroid):
Peppermint, Spearmint, Clove Bud, Myrrh, Myrtle
You can take one or more of the oils, mix with a carrier oil like Jojoba or Sweet Almond and use it as a massage oil. Some people will massage it into the neck area, right over their thyroid.
Also you can apply it to the bottom of your feet. That will quickly get the oils into your system.
You can diffuse it. The scent will get into your system very quickly through your olfactory senses.
Use it in a bath. Use about 5-10 drops in a bath and just soak for a while. Just be careful if you are using hot oils like spices, Myrrh and the mints. Make sure you can handle them being on your skin before you immerse yourself in the bath.
Natural Help for Underactive Thyroid
Thyroid Assist
is a natural, safe, effective and powerful herbal formula that contains herbs that have been carefully selected for their beneficial effect on thyroid functioning, as well as on overall systemic health.
Thyroid Assist
will help to restore healthy thyroid functioning; treat iodine deficiency causing hypothyroidism; ensure adequate production of thyroid hormones; assist with depression, fatigue, constipation, weight gain and other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism.
Formulated by our team of experts in natural medicine,
Thyroid Assist
is pharmaceutically manufactured to the highest standards.
Learn more about
Thyroid Assist
now.
