Thyroid SOS
Thyroid issues are a symptom and a warning signal that radical action is required.
There are a few ways in which to nurture your health should you be afflicted. Read on for tips on how to support the body in regaining its equilibrium…
Thyroid Gland Anatomy visual by Science Photo Library, from images.fineartamerica.com.
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the anterior of the neck, surrounding the trachea. The thyroid forms part of the endocrine system (which includes the adrenal glands, mammary glands, liver, parathyroid glands, pancreas, testes, thymus gland, pineal gland and pituitary gland); and crucially modulates many vital molecular processes that promote happy, healthy cells throughout the body.
The functioning of the thyroid has far-reaching consequences, since the thyroid is quite the heavy lifter when it comes to regulating our metabolism, heart-rate and hormone levels. When the thyroid becomes dysregulated, a whole manner of uncomfortable and dangerous happenings occur, from hormone imbalances to fatigue, palpations, tachycardia and other serious complications. Left unchecked, thyroid issues can cause heart problems, tissue damage, eye and nerve damage and more.
Yet, thyroid problems themselves are a warning signal that all is not well in the body and that attention must be given to redressing any imbalance. Read on for information about common thyroid problems and what you can do to support your body in hopefully finding its equilibrium once again.
Research & Community
Thyroid problems are incredibly widespread and on the rise. One in 20 people in the UK are diagnosed with thyroid dysfunction, including hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, conditions in which the body produces too little (hypo) or too much (hyper) thyroid hormone (T3, T4). Rates of thyroid diseases such as cancer have increased by 175% since the 1990s, due to a combination of lifestyle and environmental factors.
If you are suffering from thyroid problems, it can take time to understand what is going on and be diagnosed correctly. In an effort to learn more, it is helpful to study the thyroid, its function and anatomy, and see what resonates with you about what is happening for you specifically. There are so many aspects of health that the thyroid touches upon, so it is important to chart your symptoms or even draw a diagram of them, so you can better articulate how you feel to your clinician.
Thyroid malfunction can be debilitating to say the least, so it is a good idea to seek out practioners that have successfully treated thyroid issues and tap into their experience. As well as consulting your physician and clinician, seek advice from a good naturopath, nutritionist and functional medicine doctor. The more expert sounding boards you can find, the better.
In addition, seek advice from people who have recovered from thyroid problems. Here you will find solace, and be amazed by what is possible. Take time to consider the best approach for you, especially if surgical options (thyroidectomy or hemithyroidectomy) or pharmacological approaches are on the table. Find out as much as you can about the implications of each route and decide what makes sense you. Do beware of prescriptive thyroid fix-all’s online, and delve into academic research as well as evidence-based dietary approaches instead.
Diet & Nutrition
“There are two atomic elements which are essential in the effective functioning of the thyroid, namely iodine and zinc”.
—Dr. Norman Walker.
Diet plays a huge role in thyroid health. The thyroid relies on vital, organic inputs that are derived from the food we eat. Check your bloods often to ensure you have the right vitamin and mineral balances, as well as being in the clear for elevated cholesterol, blood glucose and environmental toxins. Bear in mind that safe serum cholesterol levels are <2.0 mmol/L total cholesterol.
If you are looking to support your thyroid function, there are a few things you can easily incorporate into your meals:
Iodine: kelp is the richest natural source of organic iodine, which the thyroid needs and can uptake in this form. Find a good quality kelp powder and have a shaker of it handy to sprinkle on salads.
Zinc: Oatmeal, tofu and cashew nuts are good sources of zinc. Zinc is essential for hormone synthesis, a healthy metabolism and immune system. The best plant-based sources of zinc are listed here.
Vitamin E: Found in seeds such as sunflower seeds and flaxseed, Vitamin E is essential for healthy hormone levels, as well as skin, hair and eye health.
Vitamins A, B-complex, C, D & K also found in fruits, vegetables and leafy greens, support thyroid health.
Omega-3 (ω-3) fatty acids: Ensure you are consuming sufficient quantities of ω-3, by adding seeds such as quinoa and flaxseed and plenty of leafy greens. Since the body cannot make its own ω-3, it must obtain it from dietary sources.
Thyroid conditions are daunting, though it is better to know what you are dealing with. If the thyroid has become enlarged (goitre), a diet that reduces overall inflammation in the body is needed. Adding extra anti-oxidant, immune-boosting fruit and vegetables, especially berries, grapes and leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, plus alliums such as onions and garlic, is crucial in supporting the immune system and down regulating inflammation. Reduce your intake of lipids, sodium, refined sugar and starches too.
An enlarged thyroid is never good regardless of the diagnosis, so following a plant-based or anti-cancer diet is not just wise but may help prevent disease onset or reverse its progression. If dietary changes improve your symptoms and quality of life, all the better, so it is worth experimenting and listening to your body. For further information, brilliant interviews and research pointers, including thyroid-specific case-studies, see Chris Wark’s Chris Beats Cancer (link below).
Thyroid conditions are complicated and serious, make no mistake, so getting to the bottom of what is causing the issue and discovering what you can do to help your body along, are vital first steps.
Yoga & Meditation
“Body not stiff, mind stiff”. —Pattabhi Jois.
As and when you feel able, stretch and release tension. Any exercise that stretches the muscles and relaxes the nerves is helpful. The thyroid is indeed surrounded by nerves, including the vagus nerves and laryngeal nerves. Just 20-30 minutes of activity and stretching per day is a tonic for your muscles and nervous system.
In particular, focus on stretching and conditioning both the hip flexors and the psoas major muscle. The psoas major connects the upper and lower half of our body, so literally works as a hinge. If the psoas becomes stiff and tight, this is problematic. Stretching and movement involving the hip flexors and psoas can bring a real sense of relief.
If you have thyroid issues, it is a great time to practice Yoga. Yoga builds strength and flexibility, is easy to do at home and with so many different types of yoga to choose from, the practice can be tailored to suit your body type. Ta-Chi and Qi-Gong, routinely practiced outdoors by the elderly in Asia, along with deep breathing and meditation, also positively influence our health and calm us from within. Eastern exercise practices help to promote the movement of “chi” (energy, life essence), skeletal and muscular alignment and symmetry, all of which aid the healthy functioning of our body.
Try to reduce stress and upset since illness and chronic stress go together. Prolonged periods of stress cause the adrenal glands to go into overdrive and pump excess cortisol into the bloodstream, which is highly toxic to cells. You may find that you have become stiffer or feel less at home in your body during or after periods of illness and severe stress, a feeling that needs to be reversed to restore equilibrium.
Thyroid dysfunction is one of those curve balls that can stop you in your tracks, forcing you to take stock of your overall physical and emotional health. Thyroid disease is a signal that there has been a breach in the body’s ability to cope and that the immune system is under pressure. This is the time to redress any and all lifestyle issues that can be redressed and to chart your progress by monitoring your labs and vital signs.
Thankfully, there are things we can do to take care of ourselves, and while there are no easy answers, it is true that our body has the incredible ability to heal itself given the right conditions. Our cells are constantly repairing and renewing themselves, so each healthful choice made influences this process. The right approach for you will be a personal matter, yet experimenting with a diet full of vital, organic foods and gentle exercise, whilst understanding more about what has gone wrong, is bound to yield at least some benefits. Make haste…
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Resources:
Ruby Lathon, Ph.D, Holistic Nutritionist / thyroid cancer recovery case study
“Your Body in Balance”, by Neal Barnard, MD, FAAC.
“Vibrant Health”, by Dr. Norman W. Walker.
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Disclaimer:
- Content on this site should never be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from one’s doctor or other qualified physician.
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© All rights reserved. Lifestyle Copywriters, Ltd. February 8, 2023.