What is the Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is responsible for a number of hormones, the main two being T4 and T3, which also regulate other hormones such as adrenaline and dopamine. These hormones help stimulate metabolism, growth, and development, and body temperature.T4 and T3 regulate the metabolism of every cell in the body. The thyroid is important because it interacts with other hormones in the body. In addition, without a well-functioning thyroid, the body may have difficulty breaking down proteins, processing carbohydrates, and absorbing vitamins. This is why a stressed thyroid can cause such a wide range of issues.
Signs of a Stressed Thyroid
These could be signs of a stressed thyroid:
- emotional lows
- weight gain
- lethargy & low energy
- hair & nail issues
- dry skin
- fatigue
- constipation
- cold hands & feet
- low libido
- infertility
- gum issues
- fluid retention
- irregular periods
- forgetfulness
Natural Ways to Keep the Thyroid Healthy
Some factors that can cause the thyroid to function insufficiently include nutritional imbalances, toxins, food sensitivities, and stress.
Balanced Nutrition:
Eliminate artificial sweeteners, processed foods, artificial coloring, and other chemicals that may be found in foods. Instead, opt for an organic diet that includes a variety of foods so that you are meeting all your nutritional needs.
Eliminate Food Sensitivities:
Food sensitivities can cause dysfunction of the thyroid.
Avoiding Gluten & Soy, Add In Coconut Oil & Iodine:
Gluten and soy may cause damage to the thyroid for those with thyroid issues. Coconut oil is a fantastic essential fatty acid that has been known to increase metabolism and promote weight loss. Iodine helps the thyroid make hormones, but having an adequate amount of iodine is crucial in order for the thyroid to make the proper amount of hormones for the body to function efficiently in a variety of ways.
Managing Stress To Keep the Thyroid Healthy:
Thyroid hormones can drop significantly when a person is stressed. Exercise is a great way to destress as it stimulates the thyroid and helps it to produce the necessary hormones. Lack of sleep can often cause stress on the body. Getting a restful night’s sleep is critical.
