THYROID – NUTRIENTS

The thyroid hormones, triiodothyronine and its prohormone, thyroxine, are tyrosine-based hormones produced by the thyroid gland that are primarily responsible for regulation of metabolism.

Non Gender Specific Hormones Assembled via Nutrient Therapy

Here’s what to eat (and why) to improve your thyroid function:

Cruciferous vegetables. Eat them raw, cooked or juiced
Brazil nuts. These are the richest dietary source of selenium, which is essential in converting thyroxine to its active form, T3
Sea vegetables
Chlorophyll
Maca
No gluten
No soy protein isolate

Activities that Improve Thyroid Function

Moderate exercise performed three or more times each week can stimulate thyroid function. The best types of exercise, according to TheNaturalPlace.com, are walking, swimming, water aerobics, biking or jumping on a mini-trampoline. Exercise that increases metabolism, reduces stress and strengthens the immune system, such as yoga and Tai Chi, is also recommended. In a study published in “Neuroendocrinology Letters” in December 2005, researchers found that low-intensity exercise was beneficial to thyroid hormone levels.

Many people with hypothyroidism experience weight gain from a lowered caloric need. Weight training, a form of anaerobic exercise, can help to improve fitness and metabolic rate for weight loss once thyroid levels have stabilized, according to CSA.com. Under-active thyroid can cause joint pain and weakened muscles from impaired respiration and oxygen supply. Individuals with untreated hypothyroidism may have a low tolerance for high-intensity anaerobic exercise.