The thyroid gland regulates the body’s temperature by secreting two hormones that control how quickly the body burns calories and uses energy. When it works properly, you feel great with plenty of stamina for an active day, plus your metabolism functions at the highest level that is healthy.
What to Eat
In his book Body Type Diet, Dr. Abravanel relates how excess amounts of coffee and sugar are the two biggest dietary culprits to thyroid exhaustion. Ironically, if your thyroid is tiring out, you likely crave coffee and sugar, which will only temporarily stimulate the thyroid. The foods to favor for a healthy thyroid are eggs—preferably organic eggs that are high in Omega-3 fatty acids, fish, poultry, steamed vegetables, organic fruits like dried apricots and prunes, plus whole grains in moderation.
Turn Up the Heat
Several supplements support thyroid health and are available in convenient combination formulas like Swanson Thyroid Essentials or Enzymatic Therapy Thryoid Formula.
- Kelp—Provides iodine, which is the basic substance of thyroid hormone.
- L-Tyrosine—Attaches to iodine atoms to form active thyroid hormones.
- Vitamin B Complex—Improves oxygenation and energy in thyroid cells.
- Magnesium—Important mineral that counteracts all forms of stress.
- Beta-Carotene—Offers potent antioxidant support for the thyroid.
Self-Test
Are you curious to know if your thyroid is working at optimal capacity? You can perform a simple test yourself to get a general idea, and all you need is a thermometer. Take your temperature in the pit of your arm for ten minutes first thing in the morning. Get a basal reading, which means the temperature of your body completely at rest, so do not perform movement at all during the test. In fact, the only activity you should do beforehand is reach over from the bed to the nightstand and get the thermometer. If your thyroid is healthy, the reading after ten minutes should be between 97.8 and 98.2. Repeat the procedure three days to establish a consistent pattern. If your temperature is under 97.8, however, do not automatically conclude that you’re not healthy. Schedule a blood test with your doctor to check for TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels since this is a more accurate gauge of thyroid health than the temperature reading.
Goitrogens
“Goitrogens” sounds like the name of an intergalactic race on Star Trek, but they are actually foods that prevent the use of iodine and suppress thyroid function. Therefore, if you are concerned about thyroid health you may want to limit or avoid raw broccoli, cauliflower, brussel sprouts, cabbage, turnips, peanuts, pine nuts and soy products. Cooking these foods inactivates the goitrogens, however, and they are ok to consume in this state. |
