How to Balance Thyroid Hormones Naturally

The thyroid gland is one of the important endocrine glands that have a major impact on your health. The Thyroid gland, located just below the larynx of your neck, is essential for regulating the body metabolism. Thyroid gland secretes two essential hormones Thyroxine (T4) and Triiodothyronine (T3). Imbalances in the secretion of these hormones affect the functioning of the thyroid gland leading to thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and goiters. It is essential to balance thyroid hormones in our body for healthy living.

There are several causes for thyroid imbalances – thyroid gland inflammation, hereditary or even medical treatments. Owing to thyroid imbalance, you can experience different kind of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain or loss, mood swings, depression, constipation, irregular menstrual cycles among women, weakness, dry hair and hair loss problems, muscle cramps, and decreased libido. Women are often more prone to thyroid imbalances than men, nevertheless, men can also get thyroid problems. Excessive thyroid hormones production can lead to hyperthyroidism, while in hypothyroidism, there is an insufficient hormone production.

Whatever the cause may be once you are diagonalized with thyroid disorder, you need to follow a healthy lifestyle to keep the symptoms at bay. Always prevention is better than cure. Here are few simple dietary changes that can help you balance thyroid hormones naturally.

Supplement Nutrients

It is important to start balancing your thyroid hormones through supplementing your body with essential nutrients that support thyroid functioning.

Iodine

Iodine is one important element for thyroid functioning. The thyroid gland requires sufficient body iodine content as building blocks to support its functions. The T4 and T3 secreted by thyroid gland are the active, iodine-containing hormones in our body. Lower iodine levels in our body can cause imbalance in thyroid functioning. You can improve your body’s iodine content by consuming more iodine-rich foods like cod fish, sea vegetables, eggs, dried seaweed, organic yoghurt, organic potatoes, etc.

Selenium

Selenium is also an indispensable compound for thyroid. The Selenium-containing enzymes help in protecting the thyroid gland by flushing out stress-causing reactors from affecting thyroid gland. Also, selenium is important for regulating hormone synthesis and metabolism in our body. It also maintains the balance of thyroid hormones in blood, and recycles the body iodine. Some foods rich in selenium are Tuna, soybeans, mushrooms, beef, etc.

Minerals

Minerals like zinc, iron, and copper are also vital for thyroid function. Low levels of these minerals can result in hypothyroidism and vice versa. Copper helps in regulating body cholesterol while iron deficiency impacts the functioning of thyroid. Turkey, lamb, sardines, and walnuts are rich in zinc. Beef, nuts, sunflower seeds, beans, barley are rich in copper. Spinach, lentils, soybeans, is rich in iron.

Antioxidants

Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamins are important. Antioxidants help to stop the oxidative stress and aids in production of T4. Vitamins along with iodine and selenium help the thyroid gland to reduce oxidative stress. Foods rich in antioxidants can treat imbalances of thyroid.

It is essential to have to right balance of thyroid hormones in our body. First, you need to take the tests to check for your iodine, selenium, and vitamin levels. Consuming nutritious wholesome foods can support your thyroid system. Keep yourself away from any chronic stress to prevent elevated levels of cortisol, which can affect your hormones.