It is your thyroid that controls how quickly your body burns calories and utilizes energy. A sluggish thyroid can leave you more susceptible to feel tired more often, and packing on the pounds an likely exercise less as a result. Your basal metabolic rate lowers resulting in fewer calories burned in a day.
1. Foods that help: almonds, avocados, bananas, fish and chicken, eggs, pumpkin, sesame seeds, and whole grains.
2. Get iodine from natural sources such as kelp and other sea vegetables
3. Liver friendly foods are good to emphasize as well to help with detoxification; artichokes, beets, carrots, garlic, kale, leeks, lemons and onions.
4. Vitamin D helps and is easy obtained by going outside on sunny days or when taken as a supplement
5. Stress reduction techniques also help support your adrenals glands and in so doing your thyroid gland can better produce thyroid hormones.
6. Because hypothyroidism and weight issues often go together, go easy on processed foods and refined foods which tend to be high in calories, fats and sugars.
Further obstacles to thyroid function include:Â Â Â
1. Heavy metals which interfere with mineral absorption
2. Exhausted adrenal glands
3. Auto-immune and pre-existing inflammatory conditions (ie/ Hashimoto’s, Lymphocytic thyroiditis)
4. Destruction from radioactive iodine or surgery.
5. Pituitary or hypothalamic disease
6. Certain medications
Please Consult with your Naturopathic Doctor to determine the most effective route to optimal thyroid health.
Inside Health Naturopathic Clinic – Dr. Lori Dickson, BHSc, ND
905.842.6654