If there’s one thing you decide to do for your health in 2024, make it about looking after your thyroid health. We often hear people talking about having an overactive (hyper-) thyroid or underactive (hypo-) thyroid, but not many of us really understand what our thyroid does and why looking after it is so important. As a nutritionist and health expert, I often think about the relationship between our bodies and the food we consume, and more often than not, I find that our thyroid's wellbeing is a vital but often overlooked aspect of our overall health.
The thyroid gland, a small yet powerful butterfly-shaped organ located in the neck, plays a significant role in our metabolism, energy levels, and mood regulation. Understanding the signs of a healthy thyroid and how to support its optimal function is crucial for our well-being.
Signs of a Healthy Thyroid:
- - Stable Energy Levels: A balanced thyroid keeps our energy levels consistent throughout the day. Feeling constantly fatigued or excessively energetic could be a signal that your thyroid might be out of balance.
- - Weight Management: While not the sole factor, a well-functioning thyroid contributes to weight regulation. Unexplained weight changes despite no major changes in diet or exercise could be an indicator of thyroid issues.
- - Mood Stability: Our thyroid significantly influences our mood. Feeling persistently low or excessively anxious might hint at an imbalance in thyroid function.
- - Regulated Body Temperature: A properly functioning thyroid helps regulate body temperature. Feeling too cold or too hot despite a relatively moderate environment could be a sign of thyroid issues.
Factors Influencing Thyroid Health:
Thyroid health can be influenced by a variety of factors, from lifestyle choices to environmental elements. Understanding these factors is crucial in identifying potential causes of thyroid irregularities.
- - Stress: Chronic stress can impact the delicate balance of the thyroid gland. This is because the body's stress response can disrupt the production of thyroid hormones, leading to imbalances.
- - Dietary Factors: Our dietary choices play a significant role in thyroid health. Too little or too much of certain nutrients, such as iodine and selenium, can disrupt thyroid function. Additionally, high consumption of processed sugars and refined foods can affect thyroid health negatively.
- - Medication: Certain medications and supplements can interfere with thyroid function. For instance, lithium, commonly used for psychiatric conditions, might impact the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.
- - Environmental Factors: Environmental toxins, such as pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, can influence thyroid function. Some chemicals found in plastics and pesticides can interfere with hormone production and regulation.
- - Autoimmune Conditions: Autoimmune diseases, such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease, can directly affect the thyroid. These conditions occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, leading to inflammation and potential dysfunction.
Understanding these factors and their potential impact on thyroid health is vital in maintaining a healthy thyroid gland. By addressing these elements and making informed lifestyle choices, you can better support your thyroid function and overall well-being.
Supporting Thyroid Health Through Nutrition:
The thyroid requires iodine to produce essential hormones which control a host of bodily functions. Integrate iodine-rich foods like seaweed and white fish into your diet to obtain natural sources of this key nutrient. I recommend trying Doctor Seaweed’s vegan and organic Pure Scottish seaweed capsules to ensure you know how much iodine you're consuming. They contain only natural ingredients from food sources, providing natural nutrition in a much easier and more convenient way, and each capsule contains a similar amount of natural iodine as you would expect to find in a portion of white fish.
Supplementing high quality nutrition is a great way to ensure your body is getting the vitamins and nutrients it needs on a daily basis. Doctor Seaweed's range centres around sustainable Scottish seaweed, a powerful superfood to support your health and wellness through any stage of life. Click the link here to find out how you can look and feel wonderful with seaweed.