How To Improve Thyroid Functioning & Health?

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped organ that sits in front of the neck, just below the voice box. The thyroid gland control and regulate the thyroid hormones, metabolism, heart rate, brain development, temperature, energy and long bone growth. One of the main functions of the thyroid gland is to produce thyroid hormones which create the hormones and help the body convert food and nutrients into energy and perform other functions necessary to sustain life. Thyroid hormones are essential and are needed to run nearly every organ in the body. When the thyroid gland works correctly, it constantly makes thyroid hormones, releases them and then makes new hormones to replace what has been used. The proper functioning of the thyroid gland helps in maintaining the level of hormones the body needs to keep the metabolism rate running at a satisfactory level. The main thyroid hormones are T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine) and TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) which help keep the metabolism functioning and other parts of the body in check. But if the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, the metabolism and other body functions can slow down and can put an individual at risk for several physical and psychological conditions. To keep one’s thyroid functioning in check, here are some holistic approaches that can help in the proper functioning of the thyroid.

Intake of Food Containing Iodine

Iodine deficiency is one of the reasons for thyroid problems. The body needs iodine to produce TSH, which the body cannot produce alone. One needs iodine as part of their diet to maintain TSH levels in the body. Taking iodine as part of the diet is one of the best ways to boost the thyroid naturally. People with iodine deficiency are advised to add iodised salt to their meals or eat more iodine-rich food for their thyroid health like fish, seaweed, dairy products and eggs. It is important to note that too much iodine can also mess up the thyroid hormone level. Hence, iodine intake should be done in moderation to keep the thyroid level in check.

Avoid Skipping Meals

Starvation or skipping meals is one of the root causes of low metabolism. The signs and symptoms of low metabolism can also look more like hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland is not making sufficient hormones. If a person is skipping meals most of the time and experiences fatigue or other symptoms of slowed metabolism, it is advisable to go back to the normal diet and take advice from a doctor to suggest a meal plan that works for them.

Exercising Regularly

Exercising regularly plays an important role in thyroid hormone function and boosts one’s metabolism. Low-impact exercises like walking and jogging are beneficial for those with thyroid disorders. People with thyroid issues must work out at least three times a week to alleviate the symptoms of thyroid disorders. Apart from stimulating thyroid protection, exercising regularly can help a person release stress and counterpart many side effects of thyroid issues like weight gaining, fatigue, loss of muscle and depression.

Avoiding These Food Items

If a person is on thyroid medicines, there are certain food items that are restricted from eating because those food items might stop the medication from being effective. People with thyroid disorders must avoid eating anything that contains goitrogen like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, peanuts, soybeans etc. Food rich in goitrogen losses most of its potency when cooked but must be avoided consuming in raw form. People with hypothyroidism must also avoid refined sugar as much as possible, as sugar can destroy one’s adrenal and thyroid glands if consumed in an unhealthy way.

Staying Hydrated

Staying hydrated help in speeding up the metabolism by aiding in digestion and refraining the digestive system from remaining in an acidic state at all times. Water helps in increasing the amount of energy and maintaining fluid balance in the body, and eliminates the risk of various thyroid diseases.

Getting Enough Sleep

Healthy sleeping habits can play a vital role in an individual’s susceptibility to thyroid diseases. Getting sound sleep helps to relax, repair tissues and help the body heal. People with thyroid problems must get at least seven to nine hours of sleep at night to eliminate the risk of higher thyroid levels. Not getting enough sleep can lower one’s metabolism rate which can give rise to other health issues.

Schedule Regular Doctor Visits

One may confuse symptoms of thyroid issues with other conditions with common symptoms. Hence, it is important to schedule regular doctor visits to identify any early symptoms of thyroid dysfunctionality like hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism and book test to correct them with the right treatment plan. A healthcare provider might also suggest a thyroid test to have a detailed look at the overall thyroid health.

Staying up to date with thyroid conditions, regular doctor visits, the right diet plan and maintaining a healthy lifestyle can help an individual improve thyroid health. One can book a cost-effective thyroid function test at Apollo Diagnostics and choose to schedule a home sample collection facility as well. Apollo Diagnostics’ state-of-the-art equipment and expert lab technicians ensure that the results are provided with utmost precision and with 24 hours post sample collection. One can schedule a thyroid blood test online at Apollo Diagnostics and ensure a healthy thyroid gland functionality.

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