Hypothyroidism
An underfunctioning thyroid causes: weight gain, fatigue, colder body temperature, hair loss, dry skin, fatigue, heavy or irregular periods and slow heart rate
Hyperthyroidism
An overfunctioning thyroid causes: weight loss, anxiety, warmer body temperature, sweating and heart palpitations
If you suspect you may have either of these conditions, see your naturopathic doctor or medical doctor to confirm your diagnosis via blood test and guide you in starting your treatment plan.
7 Ways to Naturally Support The Thyroid
1. Stress Management
Prioritize minimizing stress. If you missed my article about stress and weight gain, click here to check it out. Basically, if you are stressed out, the body uses all its materials to make stress hormones (cortisol, adrenaline) which leaves the thyroid with less material to make its hormones (T3/T4), causing it to underfunction. The article also includes links to articles on stress reduction techniques.
2. Exercise
3. Optimize the Diet
If there is an underlying food allergy or sensitivity increasing inflammation or if the diet is lacking fruits and vegetables or high in processed foods, the body can enter an inflammatory state and experience damage from oxidative stress. Oxidative stress and inflammation are closely linked to thyroid dysfunction. Filling your diet with fruits and vegetables provides protective phytochemicals, antioxidants and nutrients required to support the thyroid.
4. Speak of Nutrients
The following nutrients are required to support thyroid function either as building blocks to create hormones, being involved in the conversion of T4 to T3 (the active hormone), or to aid in the removal of inflammation causing thyroid hormone disruption. These nutrients include: Iodine, Selenium, Zinc, B vitamins, Iron, Tyrosine, Vitamin D, Omega-3, Probiotics. Be sure to work with a naturopathic doctor to determine the root cause of your thyroid dysfunction and which nutrients are right for you.
5. Botanicals
Different herbs are used in hyperthyroidism vs hypothyroidism. These include Lycopus, Leonarus, Melissa, Withania, Nigella sativa. See a licenced naturopathic doctor if you are interested in using herbal medicine in your treatment plan.
6. Avoid Goitrogens
Goitrogens are chemicals that interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid causing a decrease in thyroid hormone production. Some medications are goitrogenic, check with your doctor if this is a concern. Some foods have goitrigenic effects, including soy, Brassica vegetables (broccoli, califlower, cabbage, etc.), and cassava so should be consumed in moderation if thyroid dysfunction is suspected.
7. Avoid Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals
EDC’s mimic body hormones and can cause overstimulation of thyroid hormones which stresses the thyroid gland. EDC’s that disrupt the thyroid include:
- Phthalates: found in plastics, fragrances
- PFCs: found primarily in non-stick cookware that enter our food
- Perchlorate: found in rocket fuel that contaminates produce and milk products
- Organophosphate pesticides: found in agricultural and household pesticides
- Fire Retardants: found in home décor fabric, foams, children’s pyjamas
Always consult your trusted healthcare provider before starting any treatment plans. Healthcare providers are able to test to determine the root cause of your thyroid dysfunction and can guide you to the best treatment path. Do not start a treatment plan without the appropriate diagnostic testing.
