The thyroid gland is in your neck. It is the one responsible for secretion of hormones that regulate growth as well as development through the rate of metabolism.
There are two hormones that it secretes into blood: thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). No worries you do not have to say these names. Just take note of what these hormones are responsible for and you will thank me later.
Some of the functions that the thyroid’s hormones help regulate are;
- Regulates your heartbeat
- Breathing
- The warmth you feel is courtesy of these hormones
- Central and peripheral nervous systems
- Body weight
- Your muscle strength is because this amazing gland exists
- Menstrual cycles
- Body temperature
- Cholesterol levels all depend on thyroid’s hormones.
I haven’t yet touched on the fact that the sheen on your hair, the strength of your nails your mood even can be told through the health of your thyroid gland. Need I say more on why you should take care of this small, often understated gland?
So what happens if the T3 and T4 hormones are low? When they are low then you are said to suffer from hyporthyroidism (underactive thyroid).
When that happens, you get some of these symptoms
- Anxiety
- unexplained weight loss
- fatigue
- muscle weakness
- skin dryness
- Trouble sleeping
- Rapid heartbeat
- Irritability or moodiness
- Nervousness, hyperactivity
- Sweating or sensitivity to high temperatures
- Hand trembling (shaking)
- Hair loss
- Missed or light menstrual periods
Show Your Thyroid gland Some TLC
Sure this sound like some cliche that you have heard over and over again. So here you go again. The sin is in your diet. If you want to show your thyroid some tenderness, your diet and lifestyle might be the place you start.
I will not mention seaweed in this part of the world but if you can access it then be my guest.
1. Fish is golden.
If you have hypothyroidism chances are you have inflammation. An inflamed body is simply crying out for attention. One way of dealing with it is by consuming foods rich in Omega-3s because they decrease inflammation, help with immunity, and lower the risk for heart disease.
2. Go Nuts
The range is wide. From Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts to hazelnuts they will all give you nutrients that will help your thyroid function. The caution here is to watch how much of these nuts you consume because they are also rich in fats.
3. Fruits and vegetables
Just as mama recommended. Indulge please. Your thyroid will sing a happy song. Blueberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash and even some peas please.
4. Drink water
It will help with hydration as well as aid digestion function. By so doing fatigue and moodiness will bid you goodbye
.
5. Have some Dairy
According to this study done in 2011, thyroid, there is a big connection between vitamin D deficiency and Hashimoto’s disease which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. By consuming dairy which has vitamin D, you also work on increasing calcium, protein and iodine intake. The key word again is the portions you consume.
6. Bone Broth anyone?
Whether it is beef or chicken broth, your digestive system will be thanking you for it because it will be repaired. There is a growing body of research that suggests that bone broth helps in fighting fatigue, increases your immunity, lowers pain among others. Now you understand why women are advised to take bone broth after delivering?
Well, I can hardly exhaust the list but I am sure you get the drift.
Now go and give your thyroid some much needed TLC.
Do you have hypothyroidism and would like to share your story?
Afywatch would like to hear it. Our email is hello@afyawatch.co.ke
