How To Love Your Thyroid
Why it's important to care for and listen to your thyroid.
The thyroid gland, located in the neck, is responsible for producing many important hormones. These hormones influence our metabolism, regulate our stress response, and impact overall energy. With this hefty job it’s no wonder our thyroid can get overworked. Additionally, this mighty gland can also undergo attack if the body is infected or fighting off illness.
Knowing there’s a lot our thyroid is responsible for, there’s a lot we can do to give it a little love. Managing our stress and giving it the nutrients it needs are great ways to help it heal and equip it for its many functions. Some foods to consider including in your regular diet are:
- Nuts, especially Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts for their potent selenium content
- Fatty fish, such as salmon, cod, sea bass, haddock, or perch
- Eggs
- Seaweed, kelp
- Moderate salt for iodine content
Some foods can certainly be damaging and are best avoided, not only because of their impact on the thyroid but overall health. It’s best to limit or avoid:
- Highly processed foods
- High gluten intake
- Toxins from plastic or unfiltered water
- Chemicals such as artificial coloring and sweeteners
When the thyroid is fatigued, inflamed, or otherwise not operating properly, we don’t feel so good. Some of the symptoms to look out for include:
- Extreme fatigue
- Chronic illness (just can’t seem to shake that cold or frequently sick)
- Weight gain or inability to lose weight
- Sleep disturbance, insomnia
- Headaches
- Skin issue
- Depression, irritability, or mood disruption
- Temperature imbalance (too hot, too cold)
- Brain fog
- Digestive issues (constipation, diarrhea, gas/bloating, and food sensitivities)
If you find yourself identifying with some of these symptoms, we’d love to help! Make an appointment with our providers and get started on a path to feeling better.
