4 Things You Can Do to Support Thyroid Health
The thyroid is responsible for secreting hormones and keeping your energy levels right where they should be. It acts as a “leader” of the endocrine system, along with the pituitary gland. So, it goes without saying, if you keep your thyroid healthy, your body will thank you. But, remember the thyroid is vulnerable to environmental toxins like BPA and pesticides, among other things.
4 Tips for Supporting Your Thyroid
While there are some endocrine disruptors in our environment that you can’t avoid 100 percent of the time, there are a few measures that you can take to stack the deck in your favor. These simple steps can help protect your thyroid health.
1. Drink Fluoride-Free Water
Fluoride was once prescribed as a remedy for an overactive thyroid.[1] It only takes a low dose (2 to 5 mg per day over a few months) to reduce function, and that’s about as much fluoride already in the water supply we drink. Drinking fluoride-free water could lower your chances of underactive thyroid by as much as 30 percent.[2]
2. Avoid Endocrine Disruptors
Phthalates are used to make plastic flexible, and they’re also used in some personal care products. As endocrine disruptors, phthalates can disrupt thyroid function. Researchers have found phthalates in drinking water.[3] Drink distilled water and avoid plastic, which may contain phthalates.
In addition to reducing your exposure to endocrine disruptors is important, you can add turmeric to your diet. This bright yellow spice can help the thyroid by soothing the irritation caused by endocrine disruptors.[4] Our Turmeric Raw Herbal Extract™ packs an especially strong punch.
3. Go Gluten-Free
Gluten contains a protein called gliadin. Since this protein isn’t found in our bodies, the immune system often considers it an invader.
When someone has a gluten intolerance, thyroid issues can develop because, to the body, gliadin looks a lot like a necessary enzyme called transglutaminase.[5] This enzyme is already found in high concentrations in the thyroid, so when the body sees gliadin, the immune system’s antibodies can actually attack the thyroid gland.[6] Eating a gluten-free diet is a huge step in supporting thyroid health.
4. Get Enough of the Right Nutrients
A starving thyroid is not a healthy thyroid. Consuming enough of the right nutrients is an indisputable necessity for thyroid health. The most important nutrients for your thyroid are iodine and selenium.
Your thyroid secretes two hormones (T3 and T4) to help regulate your metabolic functions. Iodine is a crucial building block that your thyroid uses to produce these hormones. Be sure to consume plenty of iodine-rich foods or take an iodine supplement.[7]
Selenium is involved in a few body processes, including DNA synthesis, cellular repair, and reproduction, but it is especially important to the thyroid. Selenium plays a crucial role in metabolism and hormone synthesis. Many people get their selenium from food. Plant-based sources include bread, grains, spinach, and Brazil nuts, which actually contain the highest concentration of selenium.[7]
Iodine and selenium are essential to your health. If you can’t get enough from food, consider supplementation. The Thyroid Health Kit™ is a complete solution that provides both of these essential nutrients.
Points to Remember
Good thyroid health isn't the result of just one thing; it's a combination of good lifestyle choices and nutrition, and the four tips above should help you on the way to a healthy thyroid.
Exercise and sleep are two excellent methods that will help regulate thyroid health. Be sure to consume a healthy, plant-based diet to ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals that support healthy thyroid function.
References (7)
- Galletti P, et al. Effect of fluorine on thyroidal iodine metabolism in hyperthyroidism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology. 18 (10).
- Peckham S, et al. Are fluoride levels in drinking water associated with hypothyroidism prevalence in England? A large observational study of GP practice data and fluoride levels in drinking water. Journal of Epidemiology & Community Health.
- Li N, et al. Dibutyl Phthalate Contributes to the Thyroid Receptor Antagonistic Activity in Drinking Water Processes. Environmental Science & Technology. 44 (17).
- Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review. 14 (2).
- Griffin M, et al. Transglutaminases: nature’s biological glues. The Biochemical Journal. 368 (Pt 2).
- Naiyer, AJ, et al. Tissue transglutaminase antibodies in individuals with celiac disease bind to thyroid follicles and extracellular matrix and may contribute to thyroid dysfunction. Thyroid. 18 (11).
- Iodine. National Institutes of Health: Office of Dietary Supplements, USA.gov, 24 June 2011. Accessed 7 Sept. 2016.
†Results may vary. Information and statements made are for education purposes and are not intended to replace the advice of your doctor. If you have a severe medical condition or health concern, see your physician.
Dr. Edward Group, DC
FOUNDER | HEALER | ADVOCATEDr. Group, DC is a healer and alternative health advocate, and an industry leader and innovator in the field of natural health who is dedicated to helping others. He is a registered doctor of chiropractic (DC), a naturopathic practitioner (NP), and proud alum of Harvard Business School and MIT Sloan School of Management. Dr. Group, DC is the founder of Global Healing – a mission and vision he has shared through best-selling books and frequent media appearances. He aims to spread his message of positivity, hope, and wellness throughout the world.
