The thyroid gland is a member in the inner circle of key glands of the endocrine system. The thyroid is responsible for manufacturing triiodothyronine, or T-3, and thyroxine, or T-4 hormones that determine the rate of metabolic activity in the body. The more thyroid hormones produced, the faster the metabolic rate. On the other hand, an insufficient amount of thyroid hormones correlates directly with slower chemical activity and metabolism. Increasing thyroid activity through natural methods may enhance overall health and well-being. Check with your doctor, though, if you suspect you have a thyroid problem
Ocean Sources
Support healthy thyroid functioning with informed dietary habits. The thyroid must have a steady supply of the element iodine in order to make hormones. Food from the sea offers the most reliable source of iodine. Choose from a variety of seaweeds such as nori, dulse, kelp and kombu, adding them to soup, salads and meals. Salmon, shrimp, haddock and oysters also provide iodine in higher quantities.
Garden Sources
Foods from the land are dependent on the soil for mineral content, which varies by region. According to " Iodine Remedies--Secrets from the Sea," by Dr. Chris Robins, mushrooms, garlic, spinach and asparagus are good sources of iodine, provided they are grown in mineral rich soil. Raw spinach contains properties which are known to disrupt thyroid function, but steaming or cooking the spinach removes this concern according to nurse practitioner Marcelle Pick, of Women to Women Medical Clinic in Yarmouth, Maine.
Herbs
Said to possess rejuvinating powers for the metabolism, the herbal extract guggl is a favorite herb of traditional Ayuvedic medicine practitioners. Ashwaganda root is another herb for boosting thyroid function. According to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the ashwaganda herb is used as an energizing tonic, and may enhance health and longevity. However, there is no scientific evidence to support these herbs' use for improving thyroid function.
Supplements
Gain the benefits of seaweed without the hassle of meal preparation via a daily supplement of kelp in a capsule. This is a simple and natural way to boost the thyroid. Use table salt containing iodine, when enhancing the flavor of your food. Potassium iodide, a salt-like form of iodine, is a valuable supplement for enhancing the thyroid. According to naturopathic physician Edward Group of the Global Healing Center, potassium iodide helps keep the thyroid hormones in balance.
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