The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system and is important for regulating metabolism, hormones and portions of nervous system functioning. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, 5 percent of the American population has an underactive thyroid condition, known as hypothyroidism. Factors contributing to this condition include congenital conditions, medications or abnormalities in the pituitary gland. Once hypothyroidism is present, lifetime treatment is necessary to regulate the gland and maintain proper functions. Additional lifestyle changes are important for maintaining thyroid hormone balance such as eating a healthy diet, avoiding certain substances and managing other medical conditions contributing to low thyroid functions.
Step 1
Get a physical examination to determine thyroid hormone levels. Symptoms of a low-functioning thyroid gland include unexplained weight gain, cold intolerance and thinning hair. The symptoms experienced vary per individual, but recognizing abnormalities in your body can prompt getting a check up to determine cause. A physical examination including blood work to determine thyroid-stimulating hormone levels can conclude the presence of underactive thyroid. Consultation with a physician and obtaining blood tests is the only way to determine if you need to increase thyroid function.
Step 2
Take prescribed thyroid medication. Hormone replacement is the first line treatment for increasing thyroid function. Synthetic thyroxine is the form of medication used and mimics the naturally occurring chemicals your body is no longer making to stimulate your thyroid gland. Dosage varies per individual and is determined by your physician, based on the determination of your thyroid hormone blood test. Since taking thyroid medication is generally lifelong, you will require yearly blood testing to adjust medications as needed.
Step 3
Avoid certain substances that interfere with medications. According to MayoClinic.com, the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone medications is disrupted by certain substances. Soybean flour, calcium substances and iron containing multivitamins may cause interactions with thyroid medications and prevent proper functions. As with any medication or supplement, consult your physician before use to determine safety.
Step 4
Eat fewer refined sugar products. Foods containing added sugars such as cakes, potato chips and canned foods stimulate the production of adrenaline and cortisol, which causes blood glucose to rise and crash. According to the Complementary Medicine Practice, increased cortisol slows metabolism and impairs the conversion of thyroid hormone for proper use in the body. Stick with natural foods such as fruits for sugar instead of junk foods. Avoiding refined sugar alone will not increase thyroid function. However, staying cognizant of the role of sugar in your diet in addition to taking medications, can improve thyroid function.
Tips and Warnings
- Fiber is important in the diet, but too much fiber can interfere in the absorption of synthetic thyroxine medications. Take thyroid medications at the same time each day on an empty stomach, with a full glass of water.
- Some cholesterol lowering medications can interfere with thyroid medications. Consult your physician regarding specifics to ensure safety. Taking an iodine supplement will not necessarily improve thyroid function. Consult your physician before trying iodine supplements.
