The thyroid gland is located in the front of the neck and is one of the body's largest glands. It regulates how quickly the body burns energy, makes proteins, and controls the production of a number of other hormones in the body. When it is working less than optimally, you are unable to burn fat and lose weight as quickly or easily as when it works well. Nutrition and exercise can be used strategically to improve the function of the thyroid to help you reach your weight loss goals.
Enhance Your Thyroid
Step 1
Limit your consumption of goitrogenic foods, like sweet potatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, turnips, pine nuts and peanuts, that produce chemicals that slow thyroid function. Dr. Jonny Bowden, a clinical nutritionist, notes that goitrogenic compounds can be deactivated with thorough cooking, so individuals with low thyroid should be sure to cook each of these foods thoroughly.
Step 2
Limit your soy consumption. According to the Life Extension Foundation, a group dedicated to monitoring the science of nutrition on specific conditions, soy-based foods can increase the amount of thyroid hormone production necessary to reach normal levels.
Step 3
Maximize your consumption of green vegetables. Certain chemicals within green vegetables provide the necessary support to the production of thyroid hormone and reduce thyroid stress. The Life Extension Foundation suggests copious consumption of up to 10 servings daily. Cooking with iodized salt can help support the thyroid even further.
Step 4
Supplement your diet with the antioxidant Co-Q-10. A dose of 100 to 200 mg daily supports thyroid hormone production.
Step 5
Consume 1 to 2 grams of L-tyrosine supplement daily as it provides the necessary building blocks for thyroid hormone and supports the intrinsic function of the thryoid. Tyrosine has been demonstrated to speed metabolism significantly in those with sluggish thyroids.
Step 6
Fortify your diet with selenium, which plays a vital role in thyroid health. Research by the Life Extension Foundation suggests that a sluggish thyroid and selenium levels are directly related. Supplements are preferred, though emphasizing garlic, asparagus, Brazil nuts, and mushrooms can help protect the thyroid. Take 200 to 600 mcg each day.
Things You'll Need
- L-tyrosine supplement
- Co-Q-10 supplement
- Iodized salt
- Selenium
- Fruits and vegetables
References
- "150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden, CN; 2007
- "Disease Prevention and Treatment"; Life Extension Foundation; 2004
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