Hypothyroidism

 

One of the most under diagnosed health conditions we face today is hypothyroidism or low thyroid function.  It has very common symptoms such as depression, weight gain and lethargy.  The blood tests that your doctor runs to check your thyroid are not always accurate.  They test the circulating hormone, not what your thyroid is actually using.  There are also many aspects of the hormone and the doctor only checks one or two.  Sometimes the problem can be with the adrenals, which are not tested.  Risk for hypothyroidism increases with age.  Hyperthyroidism or overactive thyroid is the opposite and is much less common.  Its symptoms are nervousness, restlessness and weight loss. 

Your diet can have an impact on your thyroid and if you suspect that you have this condition you may want to look at foods to boost your thyroid.  If you are very health conscious you may be eating all the wrong things for your thyroid.  Foods such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, mustard greens, peaches, pears, radishes contain natural substances which can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones.  It is possible that cooking these foods may inactivate these substances.  Make sure that you cook these foods. 

Get plenty of iodine.  Restricting salt intake has caused an iodine deficiency in the United States.  Iodine will combine with the amino acid tyrosine and produce thyroid hormones.  Fish, dairy, bananas and almonds are good sources of tyrosine. 

Zinc, B vitamins and the antioxidant vitamins all help to improve thyroid function.  Add some extra virgin, cold-pressed olive oil to your diet along with some nuts for your added vitamin E and B.  Dairy, eggs or meat will add zinc and B12.  Whole grains are packed with B vitamins.  Use some culinary herbs such as parsley for your vitamin C and K.  A little bit of parsley will go well with just about anything you cook.  Eat some vegetables that are rich in beta-carotene.  These will be the orange vegetables such as sweet potatoes, winter squash, etc.  Make sure you cook and drink only pure water.  The fluoride they add it our water will reduce thyroid function, cause cancer and numerous other ailments.  My opinion is that it is population control.  (Just an opinion, not fact). 

            Follow these tips and you will see an improvement in your thyroid function.  You don't have to take prescription after prescription to cure what ails you - most of the time the problem is on the end of your fork!

Stay Strong!