Over 35 million American women suffer from a sluggish thyroid. The thyroid is a small gland that produces hormones. It is believe that this hormone actually speeds up the metabolism and affects the levels of calcium. When there is interference with the thyroid hormone, it is often caused by a sluggish thyroid syndrome.
A low functioning thyroid can affect every tissue, organ and cell n the body. It can cause weight gain, decreased libido, back problems, sleep disorders, PMS, fatigue and many more.
There are actually over a 100 different symptoms that are caused by a sluggish syndrome. If you suffer from any of the symptoms, it is a good idea to visit your physician. They will request blood work to check your thyroid, it is called TSH. It is recommended that once a person reaches the age of 35, they should have this test done every five years. There are different types of medications that can help with this condition. It is important to take care of it as soon as possible, since it will cause a major imbalance in your system.
Besides medication, there are a few things you can do to give it a healthy boost.
TIMEOUTS
Stress triggers production of cortisol that will damage the thyroid glands. It also blocks the absorption of the thyroid hormones by other organs. Take 30 minutes a day to relax by reading or meditating.
CARBS AND PROTEINS
For every carbohydrate rich meal, make sure to pair it up with protein. This will prevent insulin spikes that cause thyroid problems. You want to make sure that your body has a steady supply of amino acid tyrosine, essential to the thyroid hormones.
SMOKING
Smoking is a major cause of many illnesses, such as heart disease, cancer and also causes thyroid problems. The chemicals in the smoke clog up iodine receptors in the thyroid gland and without this ability, the gland simply can’t function correctly.
IODIZED SALT
Studies show that one in three of us is low in iodine. This will hamper the ability of your body to produce the thyroid hormones. A way to find out if you are low on iodine is to apply or rub iodine onto the underside of your arm. If it’s quickly absorbed then you are deficient in iodine. Add a ½ tsp to your meals once a day and it should boost your levels. You can also take a multivitamin that has over 150 mcg of iodine.
BUTTERING
Certain vegetables, such as cauliflower, cabbage, kale and broccoli, are packed with a compound that affect the thyroid and slows it down. Cooking them for at least two minutes will inactivate the compound goitrogens. To nourish and protect your thyroid, add butter to your vegetables instead of margarine. It won’t block the absorption of iodine and it will help it function better.