The thyroid, is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, and produces hormones which play a vital role in how we feel, as they communicate with every single cell in the body, overseeing things like,
- Metabolism
- Energy production
- Hormone balance
- Bone turnover
- Gut health
However, not everyone’s thyroid is functioning as well as it should be and thyroid disorders now affect 1 in 20 people in the UK.
When the thyroid isn’t able to function optimally, this can then lead to a range of health issues, such as fatigue, weight gain or loss, mood swings, brain fog and changes in gut health. While conventional medicine offers pharmaceutical solutions, this intervention typically happens when someone’s symptoms have become so bad they can no longer be ignored and need a quick fix. However, medication only tends to mask the symptoms rather than get to the root cause of what’s driving the thyroid to malfunction in the first place.
Contrary to what GP’s and consultants may tell you, it’s important to know that with the right care and attention it is possible to reverse a thyroid condition and bring your body back in to balance. I say this with confidence because I did it and I’ve helped many others do it too!
Lots of things can compromise the health of your thyroid. These include toxins in the environment such as heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in cleaning and personal care products, stress, viral infections and a poor diet. Luckily there is the option to support your thyroid more holistically, which involves a combination of lifestyle, dietary, and emotional considerations.
A well-balanced diet is fundamental to thyroid health. Include foods rich in iodine, selenium, zinc, and magnesium, as these nutrients play key roles in thyroid function. Seafood, seaweed, nuts, seeds, and dark leafy greens are excellent sources. Additionally, reducing processed foods, refined sugars, and inflammatory foods can help alleviate stress on the thyroid and allow it to regain control.
Herbs and supplements can also provide the thyroid with the help it needs to function optimally. For example, iodine and tyrosine are needed to make T4, selenium, B6 and zinc, are needed to convert T4 to T3, and adaptogenic herbs like ashwagandha and lemon balm can help the body improve stress. However, if you have compromised digestion, detoxification issues or blood sugar imbalances these need addressing too. It’s also essential to consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating herbal supplements in to your diet to ensure they are safe and appropriate for your specific situation.
If you’re interested in embracing a more holistic approach, and taking small yet positive steps to get your thyroid back on track, but haven’t known where to start please feel free to reach out. It can daunting trying to navigate it by yourself, but with a personalised nutrition plan and simple steps to follow you can start to feel like yourself again.
