Do You Have an Underactive Thyroid? Consider these Natural Remedies

If you have an underactive thyroid or hypothyroid there are a bunch of natural ways you can improve your thyroid health with your diet and lifestyle. It isn’t just a matter of taking medication and forgetting about it, because it isn’t addressing the underlying cause and will often continue to get worse. We need to look at why you, and so many other women are getting this problem in the first place.

The thyroid, a small gland with a big role, orchestrates a symphony of metabolic processes in our bodies. When it’s not performing at its best, the effects can ripple through our entire system, manifesting a variety of symptoms that can dampen your quality of life. This article explores what the signs of a low-functioning thyroid are and provides ten natural ways to support this vital gland.

From the foods we eat to the balance of our gut microbiome, every choice we make can be a step towards better thyroid health. Let’s unravel the connections and empower ourselves with knowledge to nurture our thyroid, naturally.

Symptoms of Low Thyroid

You can still have poor thyroid function without being diagnosed with hypothyroidism. It is important to note that symptoms of low thyroid can vary from person to person, however here are some of the most common symptoms:

Fatigue and feeling tired
Weight gain or difficulty losing weight
Increased sensitivity to cold
Constipation
Dry skin and hair
Puffy face
Hoarseness in the voice
Muscle weakness, aches, tenderness, and stiffness
Joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
Irregular menstrual periods or heavier cycles
Depression or feeling down
Impaired memory or difficulty concentrating, brain fog.

The Role of the Thyroid in Your Health

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. Despite its modest size, it wields significant influence over various bodily functions. Let’s explore its role and how it affects different systems:

Metabolism Regulation:

The thyroid’s primary job is to control the speed of your metabolism. Metabolism refers to the intricate process by which your body transforms the food you consume into energy.
Thyroid hormones play a crucial role in this process. They determine how fast your cells burn calories, affecting weight loss or gain. These hormones are collectively known as thyroid hormone and include thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3).
T3 is the active form, impacting your cells directly, while T4 is converted into T3 by certain organs.

Heart Rate and Temperature:

Thyroid hormones influence your heart rate. An overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can accelerate your heart rate, while an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) may slow it down.
They also help regulate your body temperature.

Digestive Tract Function:

Your thyroid affects the rate at which you digest food. Hypothyroidism can lead to sluggish digestion, while hyperthyroidism can cause rapid digestion.
Chronic gastrointestinal issues may be linked to undiagnosed thyroid conditions.

Reproductive System:

Thyroid hormones are vital for the female reproductive system. They maintain the metabolism and development of ovarian, uterine, and placental tissues.
Women are more prone to thyroid conditions, especially after pregnancy and during menopause.

Nervous System and Brain Development:

Proper thyroid function is crucial for cognitive development and overall nervous system activity.
It affects mood, cognition, and other neurological aspects.

Musculoskeletal Health:

Thyroid hormones play a role in muscle development, regeneration, and function.

Circulatory System:

Thyroid hormones impact your heart rate, blood vessel elasticity, and cholesterol levels.

Calcium Regulation:

The thyroid also releases calcitonin, which helps regulate calcium levels in your blood.

Supporting the Thyroid Naturally

Fortunately, there are many ways we can support our thyroid health, here are 10 natural ways to support thyroid health:

Ensure Adequate Iodine Intake: Iodine from natural sources is crucial for thyroid hormone production. Include iodine-rich foods like seaweed, kelp and fish. This is particularly important if you live in a country with notoriously low iodine. My favourite way to boost iodine intake naturally is with this kelp supplement.
Selenium-Rich Foods: Selenium is important for the conversion of T4 to T3, an active thyroid hormone. Foods like Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and fish are good sources. If you find on your HTMA test that you are low in selenium, this selenium supplement is a great way to boost your levels.
Zinc: This mineral helps with the synthesis of thyroid hormone. Foods like oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc. Zinc Picolinate is my favourite form of zinc to take in supplement form
Iron: Low iron levels can impair thyroid metabolism. Include iron-rich foods like spinach, legumes, and red meat in your diet.
Vitamin D: It helps regulate the immune system and is believed to have a role in thyroid function. Sun exposure and vitamin D supplements can help. According to research most people are deficient in vitamin D, I like this vitamin D supplement with K2.
Probiotics: These support gut health, which is linked to thyroid function. Probiotics can be found in fermented foods like yogurt, kefir, and sauerkraut. This probiotic is great as it contains key ones that many are missing and specific nutrition to boost levels of beneficial gut bugs.
Gluten-Free Diet: Some individuals with thyroid issues may benefit from a gluten-free diet, especially those with autoimmune thyroid diseases.
Anti-Inflammatory Foods: Chronic inflammation can affect thyroid function. Anti-inflammatory foods include berries, leafy greens, and nuts. This organic tumeric chai tea has a bunch of anti-inflammatory spices.
Adequate Fibre Intake: Fibre helps with digestion and can aid in maintaining a healthy weight, which is beneficial for thyroid health. Psyllium husks is a great way to give your fiber intake an extra boost, mix it in water or add it to baking.
Regular Exercise: Exercise can help boost thyroid function and overall metabolism. It also helps in stress reduction.

The Role Gut Health & Nutritional Deficiencies Play

The gut microbiome plays a significant role in thyroid function. A healthy gut can aid in the proper conversion of thyroid hormones and reduce inflammation. Dysbiosis, or an imbalance in gut bacteria, has been associated with autoimmune thyroid diseases. Probiotics and a diet rich in fibre from fruits and vegetables can support a healthy gut microbiome, which in turn supports thyroid health.

Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins, can lead to impaired thyroid function. Ensuring a diet that is rich in these nutrients is essential for maintaining thyroid health. Supplementation may be necessary in some cases, especially when dietary intake is insufficient.

Remember, while these natural ways can support thyroid health, they should complement and not replace any medical treatments prescribed by your healthcare provider.

Summary

In conclusion, supporting thyroid health is a multifaceted endeavour that intertwines with various aspects of our well-being. We’ve uncovered the tell-tale signs of hypothyroidism and illuminated natural strategies to bolster thyroid function. Remember, the foods we consume, the nutrients we absorb, and the health of our gut microbiome are all pivotal players in this delicate balance. By embracing these natural approaches, we can create a conducive environment for our thyroid to thrive. However, it’s essential to consult with healthcare professionals to tailor these suggestions to your unique health profile. Here’s to taking control of our health, one informed step at a time, and ensuring our thyroid gland has all it needs to keep us energized and well.

References

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