Did you know that your thyroid is one of the most important glands in your body? It may be small but it’s responsible for your body temperature, metabolism, growth, and development. Needless to say, taking thyroid health seriously is important especially since it helps you avoid health conditions such as goiter, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and Graves disease among others. Here are some tips you can follow to keep your thyroid healthy.
1. Eat healthy food
It’s important to know which types of food you should eat more of and which ones to avoid. Limit your intake of food containing soy and goitrogens because they interfere with normal thyroid functions. On the other hand, food rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc can help your thyroid function properly. Whole eggs, milk, cheese, and saltwater fish are rich in iodine. Make sure not to consume iodine in excessive amounts though because it can worsen hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Selenium-rich foods include tuna, shrimp, chicken, and oatmeal among others. Zinc can be found in pork, beef, legumes, yogurt and more.
2. Take thyroid supplements
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It’s not always good to take supplements because certain types may interfere with your body’s absorption of thyroid hormones. However, you should speak to your doctor about taking thyroid supplements. For more information check ThyroidSupplements. You may need it if your body is not getting enough of the nutrients that it needs. Thyroid supplements are made to help boost your energy and provide nutritional thyroid support.
3. Manage stress
Studies show that stress causes your body’s metabolism to slow down, which may then cause unwanted weight gain. Therefore, it’s a good idea to reduce stress in your life. According to Slash and Scroll Relaxing, eating healthy, and getting enough sleep are some ways you can manage your stress levels better.
4. Exercise
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Exercise is good for everyone. According to Winona, if you’re already suffering from a thyroid condition, it’s best to stick to low impact exercises, such as walking or yoga. They can help get the cardio exercise you need while preventing you from getting injured. Yoga, specifically, can help improve your thyroid hormone release functions.
5. Get tested
It is always a good idea to see your doctor if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms indicative of a thyroid problem. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism include constipation, period irregularities, weight gain, fatigue, sluggishness, and excessively dry skin among others. On the other hand, anxiety, sleeping difficulties, hand tremors, and thinning hair can be symptoms of hyperthyroidism. A thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) test, as well as other tests, may be administered.
Knowing how important the thyroid is should help you be more diligent in keeping it healthy. Keeping your thyroid healthy helps you avoid plenty of other major diseases.
