Thyroid

Thyroid

The thyroid gland is an important endocrine, hormonal gland that plays a major role in metabolism and growth. The thyroid makes 2 hormones thyroxine (T4) and the other is triiodothyronine (T3). The thyroid hormones help regulate your body’s metabolism, which is your body’s ability to break down food and use it as energy. Nutrients heavily influence the function of the thyroid gland.

In the case of hypothyroidism, the thyroid hormone is produced by extracting iodine from the blood and incorporating it into thyroid hormones. If a person has gut issues and impaired metabolism as a result of various antecedents then the digestion and metabolism of food may cause there to be low levels of iodine in the blood. Therefore taking natural sources of iodine would need to be done slowly, since a build of iodine in the kidneys can cause increased toxicity. For hyperthyroidism, foods high in iodine should be avoided.

Your body’s immune system can attack the thyroid, If too much of the thyroid hormones are released, you develop a condition called hyperthyroidism and if too little of the thyroid hormones are released you develop a condition called hypothyroidism.

Factors that can disrupt the thyroid are deficiencies, gut health, stress, diet, certain medication, repeated chronic infections, exposure to pesticides and bisphenol-A (BPA).

Hypothyroidism – Foods to avoid: goitrogenic food, broccoli (moderation and cooked), kale, gluten, soy (disrupts hormones), fast food, sugary treats, processed foods, cookies, cake, pastries, canola oil, vegetable oil, caffeine

Hypothyroidism – Foods to include would be:

Brazil nuts

Sea vegetables (in moderation)

Maca in moderation

Organic yogurt (high in vit D, rich in probiotics, promotes thyroid health)

Wild/organic salmon

Garlic supports blood sugar metabolism and fights inflammation, lowers blood pressure and boosts immunity.

Lentils (high in iron – promotes thyroid health)

Avocado (contains metabolism enhancing fat, high in fiber, antioxidants)

Organic eggs (contains iodine, selenium and vitamin D)

Berries are high in antioxidants

Bone broth

Fermented foods

Coconut oil

Hyperthyroid – Foods to avoid: gluten, soy (disrupts hormones), fast food, sugary treats, processed foods, cookies, cake, pastries, canola oil, vegetable oil, caffeine, sea vegetables, iodized salt, foods high in iodine.

Hyperthyroid Foods To Eat

Kale

Broccoli

Cauliflower

Millet

Pears

Spinach

Sweet Potatoes

Peach

Berries

Salmon

Flaxseed

Walnuts

Lentils

Cottage Cheese

Untreated thyroidism can lead to a number of health problems such as: goiter, peripheral neuropathy, infertility, depression and weight fluctuations.

It may be noted autoimmune thyroid conditions may be triggered by more than one event and to manage symptoms in a more holistic manner the root cause should be determined.

In addition to dietary changes the following therapies may help: wet cupping, massage therapy, strength training. Stress is a huge catalyst for many autoimmune conditions and practicing deep breathing, focusing on what you can change rather than things you can’t, make friends, enjoy some “me” time where you ponder and reflect, take time out to look after yourself, find a hobby. Even volunteering and doing acts of charity are therapy. Find what makes you happy or go back to a stage in your life where your health was more stable and implement old habits or develop new habits. There are many more factors that may be unique to your journey in health.

We do specialize in a novel Integrative Medicine Therapy Program. This involves a deeper look and focus on nutritional and biochemical imbalances in the body that lead to ill health. A review of the client’s health history, lifestyle and diet. Evaluate change through a bespoke assessment for each client. Deliver nutrition education tailored to each client’s condition to assist the client. Counsel and provide preventative consultative advice related to their condition.