The thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, controls the body's metabolism and therefore affects all systems of the body. Of particular concern for many who struggle with hypothyroidism (a sluggish thyroid) are: weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, and infertility. While it is important to seek medical attention for hypothyroidism, a variety of natural ways are used to help support the thyroid.
Iodine
Iodine is the precursor to thyroid hormone. Without enough iodine, the body is unable to efficiently produce enough hormone and will have to work harder to get its job done. This can cause the thyroid to grow, creating a goiter (enlargement of the thyroid). Iodine can be supplemented by consuming root vegetables that are naturally high in iodine, such as beets and sweet potatoes, fish and shellfish, kelp and seaweed, and iodized salt.
Selenium and Zinc
According to Mary Shomon in "Living Well with Hypothyroidism," selenium is the most important mineral needed to support thyroid function because it is needed to convert T4 (the inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (the active thyroid hormone). Shomon writes: "Experts recommend 200 mcg of selenium a day, but caution that selenium is one those supplements where more is not better." Zinc also aids in the same T4 to T3 conversion process. It is recommend to take 50 mg of zinc daily.
Maca
Maca, a cruciferous root vegetable grown at the top of the Andes Mountains in Peru, is also useful for those dealing with a sluggish thyroid. In David Wolfe's book "Superfoods," he writes, "Over the years I have had numerous individuals report to me that the regular use of maca either decreased or completely eliminated their thyroid problems." This is largely because it is thought that maca "stimulates the hypothalamus and pituitary glands to better balance the endocrine system," writes Shomon in "Living Well with Hypothyroidism."
Avoid Soy
Overconsumption of soy products may impair the thyroid's ability to function properly. Shomon writes in "Do Soy Foods Negatively Affect Your Thyroid?" that "Researchers have identified that the isoflavones act as potent anti-thyroid agents, and are capable of suppressing thyroid function, and causing or worsening hypothyroidism. Soy is a phytoestrogen, and therefore acts in the body much like a hormone, so it's no surprise that it interacts with the delicate balance of the thyroid's hormonal systems." For this reason, many people who suffer from hypothyroidism choose to avoid soy products.
References
- "Living Well With Hypothyroidism"; Mary Shomon; 2000
- "The Official Anti-Aging Revolution"; Ronald Klatz and robert Goldman; 2007
- "Superfoods"; David Wolfe; 2009
- Thyroid Info
