Natural Ways to Boost Thyroid Health in Women: A Holistic Guide

May 18

Enjoy the summer season without feeling sluggish

Summer is here again, and many women experience fading energy, mood dips, and hair thinning. However, it doesn't have to be this way. Strengthening your 'master gland,' the thyroid, can reduce your risk of tiredness, depression, and thinning hair. It's easier than you think — here are some steps to help optimize your thyroid function.

Begin Your Day Like This

A study conducted in Italy and published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology discovered that consuming one to 2 ounces of aloe vera juice in the morning can increase thyroid function by up to 49% within nine months, with noticeable benefits starting as early as three months. Experts suggest that compounds found in the juice enhance the thyroid's resilience against inflammation and its harmful effects.

Maintain a Nutrient-Rich Diet

A balanced diet rich in specific nutrients can support thyroid function:

Iodine: Essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Incorporate iodine-rich foods like seaweed and fish into your diet.

Selenium: Helps convert thyroid hormones to their active form. Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, and fish are excellent sources.

Zinc: Crucial for thyroid hormone production and conversion. Include zinc-rich foods such as grass fed organic meat, shellfish, legumes, and nuts.

Iron: Necessary for healthy thyroid function. Foods like red meat, beans, lentils.

Vitamin D: Supports overall immune health, which is important for thyroid health. Get sufficient sunlight exposure and consider foods like fatty fish and eggs. We can not get enough vitamin D from our diets and supplementation is recommended for everyone. Based on labs we recommend Vitamin D 5K with K2 daily with food or Vitamin D 10K with K2 daily with food.

Reduce Stress

Chronic stress can negatively impact thyroid function by disrupting hormone production and increasing cortisol. An increase in cortisol is often responsible for you waking up around 2-4 am and not being able to go back to sleep or not being able to fall asleep at night. Techniques to manage stress include:

Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices like yoga and meditation can help lower stress levels and improve mental well-being. Daily queit time, even 5 minutes of deep breathing exercise before you start your day or look at your phone can help. Put your phone on do not disturb when you go to bed and do not take it off until you have completed your quiet time.

Exercise: Regular physical activity can reduce stress hormones and boost mood. Even walking after you eat dinner for 10-15 minutes will help.

Adequate Sleep: Ensure you get 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night to help your body manage stress more effectively. Go to bed earlier to make sure you get enough sleep and do not have your phone in bed with you.

Avoid Environmental Toxins

Certain chemicals can interfere with thyroid function. Limit exposure to:

Endocrine Disruptors: Found in plastics, pesticides, and personal care products. Opt for natural and organic alternatives when possible. Do not drink out of water bottles, drink out of stainless steel. A great app to use to see if a product is not good for you is the Yuka app, it has a carrot picture. This will help you see what chemicals and toxins are in your foods and personal care products.

Heavy Metals: Mercury and lead can affect thyroid health. Be mindful of sources like contaminated fish and old paint. Always eat wild fish. When you eat out at a restaurant ask if the fish is wild caught or farmed and only buy wild fish at the supermarket. All fish is labelled wild or farmed and if it is not, just ask!

Manage Your Gut Health

Gut health is closely linked to thyroid function. Promote a healthy gut by:

Probiotics: Incorporate probiotic-rich foods like sauerkraut, and kimchi to maintain a balanced gut microbiome.

Fiber: Eat plenty of fiber from fruits and vegetables to support digestive health.

At Blue Skye, we recognize the vital role a healthy gut plays in overall well-being. We understand that gut health affects our hormone and thyroid health. This is why we incorporate it into our care model. We provide straightforward, affordable, and easy-to-follow guidelines to heal and maintain a healthy gut!

Check out our website or click the links below for more about gut health and our Blue Skye Body program.

https://www.blueskyehealth.com/gut-health

https://www.blueskyehealth.com/blue-skye-body-program

Monitor Thyroid Levels

Regular check-ups are essential for maintaining thyroid health. Women, especially those with a family history of thyroid issues, should:

Get Regular Blood Tests: Monitor levels of thyroid hormones (TSH, Free T3 and Free T4) and antibodies to catch any autoimmune imbalances early.

Work with a Healthcare Provider: Collaborate with your doctor or a functional medicine practitioner to create a personalized plan for maintaining thyroid health.

Blue Skye provides comprehensive testing, including a full thyroid panel and an evaluation of essential vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and amino acids that influence thyroid function: https://www.blueskyehealth.com/thyroid-health

Stay Hydrated

Proper hydration is essential for all bodily functions, including the thyroid. Aim to drink at least half your body ounces daily and consider:

Filtered Water: To reduce exposure to chlorine and fluoride, which can affect thyroid function.

Supplement Wisely

In some cases, dietary supplements may be beneficial for thyroid health:

Iodine: Only supplement if you have a confirmed deficiency.
Selenium and Zinc: Can support thyroid function, but consult a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.
Thyro Complete is our supplement of choice when the thyroid is struggling and not converting T4 to T3 well. It offers bovine glandulars to support thyroid function and overall health of the gland. Click the link to learn more about thyro complete.

https://www.blueskyehealth.com/shop/p/thyro-complete

Exercise Regularly

Physical activity can boost metabolism and support overall thyroid function. Aim for a mix of:

Cardiovascular Exercise: Activities like walking, jogging, or swimming.
Strength Training: To build muscle and enhance metabolic rate.

Conclusion

Maintaining thyroid health is essential for women's overall well-being. Women can significantly improve their thyroid function and overall health by adopting a nutrient-rich diet, managing stress, avoiding environmental toxins, supporting gut health, monitoring thyroid levels, staying hydrated, supplementing wisely, and exercising regularly. Always consult a healthcare provider before making significant changes to your health regimen.

Jaclyn Shedden