Having an under active thyroid gland can lead to weight gain, fatigue, dry skin, irritability, memory loss and a host of other physical conditions. But one of the biggest problems with hypothyroidism is the inability to lose weight despite a low calorie diet and exercise. Even if you have been taking thyroid hormone replacements, you may still find that your metabolism is not even close to what it was before.
There are other ways you can increase your metabolism and treat your thyroid problems naturally. By using these natural methods you can give your thyroid the boost that it needs to start functioning properly.
To increase your metabolism despite a sluggish thyroid it is important that you do not skip meals. Never skip breakfast because this is the meal that gets your metabolism jumpstarted for the day. It is better to eat several smaller meals throughout the day to keep your glucose levels consistent.
Water is essential to boost your metabolism and to help your entire body function properly. Water not only helps to burn fat, it also helps keep your hormones balanced and promote healthy function of all of your vital organs.
It is important that you change your diet to promote a healthy thyroid. Stop eating junk foods and empty calories. Start consuming foods that are rich in B vitamins and iodine. Start eating more whole grains, nuts and seeds. Include more fish and root vegetables into your daily diet.
Exercise is critical to having a healthy thyroid. Exercise not only tones and slims the body, it makes all parts of the body work better. This includes the glands that produce the hormones we need to live a balanced healthy life.
If you are looking for a good multivitamin to help your thyroid function properly, you should look in your local health food store instead of in the discount drug chains. These mass produced multi-vitamins do not have the potency or bioavailability that you need.
When looking for supplements to take for your thyroid, look for a multi-vitamin that has adequate levels of vitamins and minerals. You should also make sure that it contains trace minerals also. Make sure that the multi-vitamin you choose is as natural as possible without a lot of additives such as coloring and flavors. It is also a good idea to supplement your multi-vitamin with a couple of additional grams of vitamin C.
Stress management is critical for a healthy thyroid. Learn relaxation techniques and try to remove the stressors from your life if possible. Do yoga, meditation, tai chi or other relaxation exercises for a healthy thyroid.
If you suspect you are having trouble with your thyroid, see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis. He may need to run more extensive blood work besides just a TSH. If you do have a thyroid condition, try some of the above methods to get your thyroid into tip-top shape.
RESOURCES
- MindBodyGreen: 13 Ways to Treat Hypothryroidism
- Native Remedies: Natural Remedies to Increase Thyroid Function