When your thyroid is out of depleted, this can lead to all sorts of health issues, including autoimmune and hormone. In this episode, Jen shares her tips on how you can support your thyroid naturally.
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SHOWNOTES
Why our thyroid can become depleted.
Hormonal Imbalances: Hormonal imbalances in the body can disrupt thyroid function. For example, conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or changes in estrogen and progesterone levels during menopause can affect thyroid hormone production and regulation.
Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune disorders, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease, can cause the immune system to mistakenly attack the thyroid gland. These conditions lead to inflammation and can either result in an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) or an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), respectively.
Iodine Deficiency or Excess: The thyroid requires an adequate amount of iodine to produce thyroid hormones. A deficiency or excess of iodine in the diet can disrupt thyroid function. In areas with iodine deficiency, hypothyroidism can occur, while excessive iodine intake can trigger hyperthyroidism.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to certain environmental pollutants, chemicals, or toxins, including heavy metals like lead or mercury, can interfere with thyroid function. These substances may disrupt the production, conversion, or utilization of thyroid hormones.Stress and Chronic Illness: Chronic stress and certain chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or chronic fatigue syndrome, can impact the functioning of the hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid (HPT) axis, which is responsible for regulating thyroid hormone production. This can lead to imbalances in thyroid hormone levels.
What can you do to replenish our thyroid?
Increase dietary iodine intake: Many people with low thyroid function have an iodine deficiency, so making sure you include a source of iodine in your diet is key. Foods that naturally contain iodine include seaweed, dairy products, seafood, Strawberries, Cranberries and Pineapple are excellent and rich source of iodine. Green beans and navy beans both are called for their high iodine content.
Increase dietary selenium intake: Selenium is an essential trace element that helps to regulate thyroid hormone production. Increasing your dietary intake of selenium can help to increase thyroid hormone levels and support a healthy functioning thyroid. Good sources of selenium include Brazil nuts, eggs, fish, and lean meats.
Get plenty of vitamin D: Vitamin D is essential for maintaining healthy levels of thyroid hormones. Aim to get at least 15 minutes of direct sunlight per day during the summer months and consider taking a vitamin D supplement in the winter.
TOP 3 VITAMIN D FOODS 1. Salmon 2. Egg Yolks 3. Mushrooms
Reduce stress: Stress can have a significant impact on thyroid hormone levels, so it’s important to reduce stress wherever possible. Consider taking up mindfulness techniques or yoga to help reduce stress levels and improve your overall wellbeing. Check out Alice MacKinnon’s website from some free online classes.
Adaptogens: Take adaptogens to help and support your body. You can check out my recommended ones here.
Move your body: Regular exercise helps to enhance the production of thyroid hormones and can also help to reduce stress levels. Aim for at least 30 minutes of Restorative exercises like Qi Gong, Tai Chi, Pilates or Yoga.
RESOURCES
Jen’s recommended Adaptogens
Alice MacKinnon’s free online classes
HEALTHY LIFE HACKS
The Healthy Life Hacks I want to share with you today are:
- These are natural ways you can improve your thyroid, however please see your doctor if your symptoms deteriorate.
Did you enjoy the podcast today? Please let me know by leaving a review on Apple Podcasts. Every month I draw one lucky reviewer to have a free one-hour consultation with me. Also, remember to subscribe wherever you’re tuning in from so that you always catch the next episode.
Are you looking for more great resources? Get a free copy of my Feed Your Body ebook here and be sure to explore my blog while you are there.
