6 Methods for Keeping the Thyroid Healthy
By Brandi Goodman
Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month in September encourages people to learn more about the ways they can help keep their thyroid healthy. This gland is necessary for hormone secretion and without it. growth and development is not regulated. You may start to gain weight, feel fatigued, experience pain in your muscles and joints, and worse. Consider these six methods for keeping your thyroid healthy so you do your part to prevent this cancer from occurring.
Avoid Sugar
Though it isn't always the easiest do, avoiding sugar is one of the best options for making sure the thyroid continues to operate efficiently. Use sugar substitutes and skip anything refined. You wouldn't want a case of inflammation to develop into an instance of the immune system attacking the thyroid.
Choose Healthy Fats
Healthy fats that come from natural sources can help to balance thyroid hormones. Stick to extra virgin olive oil when cooking, eat more yogurt, cheese, and nuts, and switch to coconut milk. These changes will help to implement major health advantages in other areas of the body as well.
Find Foods With Glutathione
Foods that contain a particular antioxidant known as glutathione can help to heal thyroid tissue. They can also boost the immune system overall. This antioxidant is found in spinach, squash, avocado, broccoli, asparagus, and even peaches.
Seek Stress Relief
Significant stress can cause the thyroid to slow in function. Fatigue and weight gain are two of the common symptoms experienced after prolonged stress. Seek stress relief to prevent this from happening. Exercise is one great option for reducing stress levels and keeping your spirits high so your thyroid can remain healthy.
Choose Low-Impact Exercises
Because joint pain and muscle fatigue is common with poor thyroid health, you want to choose some low-impact exercises. These will not be as harsh on the body and can work to improve your thyroid health rather than worsen its symptoms. Water aerobics and swimming are some of the best options for this.
Take Vitamin B12
Hypothyroid patients are often found to have a deficiency in Vitamin B12. Take a supplement so your body gets enough of the vitamin and keeps the thyroid working correctly. You can also get this vitamin from certain foods, such as chicken, fish, cheese, yogurt, eggs, and fortified breakfast cereals.
Thyroid cancer may exhibit no symptoms for some time. You'll eventually develop a mass at the base of your neck where the thyroid is located. To prevent this as much as possible, follow these methods for keeping this gland healthy and working well.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Cottonwood Heights, Utah.