Your thyroid gland may be tiny, but it’s busy doing much work to keep your body humming. It controls everything from your energy level to your mood, weight, and heart rate. To feel fantastic each day, your thyroid needs some love.
Here are the six simple, down-to-earth tips to get your thyroid thriving today.
Know Your Thyroid Hormones
Knowing your thyroid begins with knowing what hormones it secretes: T3, T4, and TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone). TSH is the master controller, instructing your thyroid to release how much hormone. When it’s imbalanced, it can devastate your whole body.
If you’re tired, nervous, or gaining or losing weight for no known reason, it’s time to discuss with your physician getting your TSH tested.
Get Tested the Right Way
Symptoms of thyroid maladies can be so subtle that most people are “off” and never believe that the thyroid is the source of the problem. This makes the test such a necessary precaution. Have yourself tested at Medi Linx, a Reference Laboratory that provides accurate, sound results. They maintain high standards, and they often include full thyroid panels instead of simple checks.
This way, your doctor gets the whole picture and can give you the best counsel for your individual situation.
Consume Iodine-Rich Foods
Your thyroid requires iodine to work properly. Without it, hormone secretion drops. You don’t need to spend money on expensive supplements, just consume iodine-rich foods such as:
- Seaweed (nori, kelp)
- Iodized salt
- Eggs
- Yogurt
- Fish such as cod or tuna
Keep in mind that more is not always best. Excess iodine can harm, too, so balance is the key.
Take Care of Your Stress Daily
Chronic stress is a mess with your hormones, your thyroid among them. When under constant stress, your body releases cortisol, which can block TSH and interfere with hormone conversion. Find time to relax, breathe, and reboot.
Experiment with small things like:
- Walking daily
- Praying or meditating
-
Writing or reading
- Screen-free bedtime
Highlight Nutrients That Support Thyroid Function
Some vitamins and minerals are essential to your thyroid. These include:
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds
- Zinc: Pumpkin seeds, beef, chickpeas
- Vitamin D: From sunlight, fatty fish, fortified foods
- Iron: From lean meats, spinach, lentils
Discuss with your doctor getting your levels checked if you’re not sure. Even a mild deficiency can lead to symptoms.
Stay on Top of Your TSH With Routine Check-Ups
Don’t let them worsen. Regular blood work picks up thyroid problems early, especially TSH levels, which have a tendency to indicate changes before you can even notice anything. If you do have a thyroid problem, keeping on top of your labs is even more crucial.
Wrapping Up
You don’t have to change your whole lifestyle. Try one recommendation and add to it. Your thyroid is worth taking care of, and with these easy steps, you can maintain a healthy and robust thyroid. Always check with your doctor and select qualified providers, such as a certified laboratory for testing. Your body will appreciate it.
