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; basically, it acts as the “leader” of the endocrine system. 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 nasties.

4 Tips for Supporting Your Thyroid

While there are some endocrine disruptors in our environment that you absolutely can’t avoid 100% of the time, there are a few measures that you can take to stack the deck in your favor. Here are just a few of the simple steps you can take to 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 lower function, and that’s about as much fluoride already in the water supply we drink. Drinking fluoride-free water could lower your chances of developing an underactive thyroid by as much as 30 percent. ^[2]

2. Avoid Endocrine Disrupters

Phthalates are some pretty nasty toxins used to make plastic flexible, but they’re also used in some personal care products. As endocrine disruptors, phthalates can sabotage thyroid function. But pollution from phthalates can also be an issue, according to a recent study from China. Researchers in the study found two common phthalates in drinking water. ^[3] While avoiding endocrine disruptors is key, studies suggest adding turmeric to your diet could help the thyroid by soothing the irritation caused by them. ^[4] A liquid extract could provide 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 can attack it. Now, when someone has a gluten intolerance or worse thyroid issues can develop because, to the body, gliadin looks a lot like a necessary enzyme called transglutaminase. ^[5] Used to form chemical bonds, this enzyme is already found in high concentrations in the thyroid, so the immune system’s antibodies can actually attack the gland. ^[6] Eating a gluten-free diet could be a huge step in helping thyroid health.

4. Get Enough Iodine

Iodine helps the thyroid produce its two main hormones that are critical to the body’s metabolic functions. Since the body can’t produce iodine on its own, making sure you get enough is crucial. Because your only options are trace amounts in foods and a supplement, I recommend Detoxadine, an excellent nascent iodine option that will help support a healthy thyroid.

Lifestyle is Key

Good thyroid health isn’t the result of just one thing; it’s a combination of good lifestyle choices and nutrition, and the 4 tips above should help you on the way to a healthy thyroid. Exercise and sleep are two excellent free methods that will help regulate thyroid health. Be sure to consume a healthy diet, mostly raw, to ensure intake of all vitamins and minerals essential for thyroid function.

What do you do to keep your thyroid healthy? Tell us about it in the comments.

References:

1. Galletti P, et. al. Effect of fluorine on thyroidal iodine metabolism in hyperthyroidism. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology. 18 (10).


2. 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.


3. Li, N. et al. Dibutyl Phthalate Contributes to the Thyroid Receptor Antagonistic Activity in Drinking Water Processes. Environmental Science & Technology. 44 (17).


4. Jurenka, J. S. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Alternative Medicine Review. 14 (2).


5. Griffin M. et al. Transglutaminases: nature’s biological glues. The Biochemical Journal. 368 (Pt 2).


6. Naiyer, A.J. 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).

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Can Turmeric Support Thyroid Health?

Turmeric is one of the most potent spices, and when it comes to health benefits, nothing can match it. Not only is turmeric one of the most impressive free radical scavengers, it’s also been shown to support brain health, protect cell integrity, and even encourage a balanced mood. New research is showing that turmeric may also play a key role in supporting thyroid health.

Turmeric and Thyroid Health

If you want to be healthy, your thyroid needs to be healthy. It regulates metabolism and keeps hormonal health in check. To say it’s important is an understatement. Unfortunately, everything from plastics to pesticides are disturbing the thyroid’s delicate balance, contributing to the current rise of thyroid disorders. Turmeric, according to a recent study, may be one of the most efficient defenses we can use.

According to the study, individuals who consumed turmeric on a regular basis were less likely to suffer from goiter, a common symptom of iodine deficiency. ^[1] Goiter and iodine deficiency are also two symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition where the thyroid is producing insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. This leads to weight gain, lethargy, and even depression. Can you see now how important thyroid health is for maintaining a sense of wellbeing? While researchers are unsure as to the cause of the correlation, it could be related to turmeric’s antioxidant, nutritive, and soothing qualities.

Turmeric Soothes Your Body

The key to turmeric’s success is that it soothes. ^[2] Turmeric may soothe irritation in blood vessels, skin, and the brain, and researchers believe this—along with its antioxidant potential—is what supports thyroid health. The thyroid, when it’s irritated by endocrine disruptors of any kind, needs to be soothed before it is repaired, and turmeric may do just that.

How to Use Turmeric

The powdered spice is perhaps the most commonly-used turmeric option, typically incorporated into things like curries and soups. It gives a distinct yellow color to foods and adds enormous health benefits with very little bulk. A liquid extract, may provide more benefits as they’re more concentrated and offer a greater punch. They can be added to smoothies, beverages, or consumed straight without any taste issues.

Do you enjoy turmeric? How do you use it? Please let us know how you enjoy this ancient spice in the comments!

References:

1. Jawa A, Jawad A, Riaz SH, et al. Turmeric use is associated with reduced goitrogenesis: Thyroid disorder prevalence in Pakistan (THYPAK) study. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2015 May-Jun;19(3):347-50. Doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.152768.


2. Jurenka JS. Anti-inflammatory properties of curcumin, a major constituent of Curcuma longa: a review of preclinical and clinical research. Altern Med Rev. 2009 Jun;14(2):141-53.