We hope that you have no problems with this gland. However, a little extra care for this important organ never hurt anyone. On the contrary, it will positively affect your well-being. A healthy thyroid gland is essential in the human body.
After all, its hormones are responsible for metabolism, mood, growth, and development. In this article, we will help you find out which products will help improve the health of the thyroid.
A Healthy Thyroid Gland And Its Role
This little organ, located in your neck, secretes important hormones. They regulate the activity of tissues and cells, as well as all major body systems. In addition, a healthy thyroid is important for protein synthesis, circulation, and cell oxygenation. Many other physiological processes that are key to a good quality of life also depend on it.
The problem is that due to genetics or bad habits, a number of disorders can develop that cause abnormality in the thyroid gland. As a result, many organs begin to experience difficulties and, over time, chronic diseases can develop.
Therefore, it is important to maintain good habits and follow a series of simple guidelines. In this way, you will be able to optimize the work of this important organ in a natural way. Keep reading and you’ll find out!
Learn To Manage Stressful Situations
Constant stress and the inability to cope with it is one of the factors affecting the functioning of the thyroid gland. While it may not seem like there is any connection, constant exposure to stress can depress thyroid hormone production.
First of all, this is due to an increase in the level of cortisol, the stress hormone. In turn, this chemical prevents the penetration of thyroid hormones into the cells of the body. Thus, it is important to manage stress in a healthy way. You can practice yoga or even try breathing exercises.
Quit Alcohol Abuse
Frequent or heavy consumption of alcohol reduces the thyroid hormone in the body, causing hypothyroidism. Moreover, those who consume alcoholic beverages in excess are at higher risk of thyroid cancer.
Thus, it is better to quit alcoholism if you want to ensure good thyroid as well as overall health. This advice is especially applicable to veterans as this group of the population has a higher rate of alcoholism.
If you do not want to use veterans’ hospitals to get treatment for some reason, do not worry. You can make use of the VA community care program for rehab treatment and get treated in a private center. Through such a program, it becomes easier to quit alcohol addiction and lead a healthy life.
Use Coconut Oil
On the one hand, the medium-chain fatty acids found in coconut oil make it a valuable product for boosting thyroid hormones. On the other hand, due to the high content of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, coconut oil protects against the effects of a malfunction of this gland. Thus, it is healthy to use coconut oil in your diet.
Include Foods Rich in Iodine in Your Diet
Low iodine intake is one of the main causes of thyroid hormone deficiency. This condition is known as hypothyroidism. The problem is that our body does not have the ability to synthesize this substance on its own, so it can only be obtained from food.
Here are just a few of the foods that contain iodine:
- Seafood
- Fish
- Cheese
- Eggs
- Iodized table salt
- Blueberry
- Seaweed
- Organic strawberries
- Yogurt
- Potato
Eat Foods Rich in Zinc
Zinc deficiency in the body can lead to the development of two major thyroid disorders: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Many in this situation take dietary supplements; however, it is much more useful to get it from products such as:
- Seafood and fish
- Lean beef
- Pork
- Chicken
- Spinach
- Dried fruits
- Seeds
- Bitter chocolate
Thus, it is important to include foods rich in zinc to ensure good thyroid health.
Exercise Every Day
One of the little-known benefits of exercise is that it has a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland. Physical activity is recommended for the treatment of hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. On the one hand, it helps to regulate the activity of thyroid hormones and normalizes metabolism.
On the other hand, exercise improves mood and helps keep both the body and brain in good shape. We recommend devoting at least 30 minutes a day to cardiovascular exercises or combination treatments. It will also keep you from sitting all day long and help you maintain an active lifestyle.
Make Sure You’re Getting Enough Magnesium
Magnesium is another mineral without which a healthy thyroid gland is impossible. The problem is that it is difficult for the body to absorb this substance. As a result, although magnesium is present in many foods, it is most commonly found to be deficient.
Why is magnesium needed? First, with its participation, iodine gets converted into thyroid hormones. Secondly, it is a universal mineral. A lot depends on it – from mental health to vascular health. You can buy it in the form of bioactive supplements, but it is also present in the following products:
- Avocado
- Eggs
- Spinach
- Raisin
- Corn
- Bananas
- Bran
- Cocoa powder
- Dried fruits
- Seeds (pumpkin, flax, sunflower)
Eating magnesium-rich foods also prevents other serious health diseases too. It is good for bones health, blood pressure control, generating more energy, and heart health.
Take Away
Are you at risk for thyroid disease? If so, be sure to follow all of the above recommendations. Try to lead the right way of life, and this will definitely affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. These tips will ensure good thyroid health. Also, don’t forget about regular medical checkups. So you can find out in time if there are any anomalies. On-time treatment is more beneficial than a delayed one.