Easy Ways To Manage Stress For Thyroid Health

By Jessica Devaro

The stress response is regulated by the adrenal glands. These are walnut-shaped and can be found on top of the kidneys. They release stress hormones into the blood whenever we find ourselves in stressful situations. Such stressful situations may be to do with finance, relationships, work, and being stuck in traffic.
Some stress, specifically called acute stress, is fine. It helps us get away or protect ourselves from danger. And the body has no trouble dealing with this. Chronic stress is the one that's detrimental to health. Our bodies were not made to cope with high levels of stress for long periods of times. Studies indicate that over 30% of the population faces extreme stress.
One of the most notable ways that stress affects thyroid health is by depressing the HPA axis (hypothalamic pituitary adrenal). This is connected to the production of thyroid hormones. In addition to this problem, stress hormones disrupt the convention of T4 to T3. And this leaves the body with insufficient T3, worsening the signs of hypothyroidism.
Stress hormones have also been found to weaken immune barriers. As such, foreign elements enter into parts of the body they are not supposed to. And this, in turn, causes autoimmune reactions.
This stress can cause an inflammatory response, which may trigger an underactive thyroid. Therefore it is important to manage stress to reduce your chances of hypothyroidism or other thyroid disorders.
Thankfully, there are lots of ways on how you can deal with stress. And we will talk about these here:
Adopt a good diet - some of the stress is because of the food we eat. So following a good diet is a good starting point. The diet I recommended in Chapter 2 should help you avoid most of the foods that stress the body. This particularly refers to sugar.
You must also avoid stimulants. Examples of these include alcohol, caffeine, and drugs.
Relax - our gigantic schedules usually leave us too exhausted to do anything else by the time the day ends. And this is bad since we all need some time to relax. The body cannot be healthy if it is being put in a state of high-productivity at all times. You will burn out in the end.
There are lots of options as to how you can relax. Meditation is one good example.
If you just need something simple, then you can try breathing exercises. Inhale while counting to 4, hold your breath for 7 seconds and then release it for 8 seconds through your mouth. Do this for at least 10 minutes.
Another great way to relax is to take walks in forests. Nature has healing capabilities. You can also watch the sun rise or set. Both these actions will provide relief from stress.
Sleep - Some boast about sleeping for less as if it's a sign of strength. But this is simply a lack of knowledge. Whether you have hypothyroidism or are as healthy as the sun, you need to get adequate sleep every night. Studies have shown that sleep reduces stress, helps the body restore hormone imbalances, and strengthens the immune system. It is recommended that you sleep for at least 6 hours 30 minutes every day. But do not let this be over 8 hours. That will be unhealthy.
Also, the quality of your sleep matters. If you keep waking up, that is not quality sleep. Be sure to avoid caffeine in the hours before sleep. Also, avoid using phones or computers 2 hours before sleep: light from these devices can make falling asleep difficult.
Make sure that your room is dark and of the right temperature. Furthermore, create a regular sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time every day.
Laugh and have fun - make time to meet up with your friends to socialize. This can lower your stress and boost your mood. It's why most of us feel so energetic after a good time with friends.
Also, as a way of having fun, make sure that you enjoy your hobbies. If you love hiking, then make time for it.
Keep a journal - although many think of writing in a journal as useless, several studies have shown that it has so many benefits. Among those are its healing capabilities. Writing things down helps reduce stress. And this, in turn, leads to better health.
You can write in a notebook or you can use any of the available journaling apps.
Take adrenal adaptogens - these can help keep your stress levels in check. Examples include licorice, ginseng, and ashwagandha.
Get support - you can talk to experts about your problem. And this is one of the best ways to deal with stress.
Remove the stressor - while all these tips are aimed at lowering stress, your real quest should be to find the thing that is stressing you and remove it from your life. All problems are best dealt with from the root. That is the only way you will be guaranteed of successful results.
Hope this helped you!
You can check out my blog here, for great tips to boost your metabolism and live a healthy life.
http://naturalthyroidmedication.org/
Sincerely,
Jessica Devaro
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Tips for Exercising With Hypothyroidism

By Jessica Devaro

Choose the right time of the day - morning is usually the best time to exercise for most people. But with hypothyroidism, this may not be the best time for you. You will likely wake up already feeling exhausted.
Exercise can be a great treatment for hypothyroidism, but you must determine when you are most energetic and exercise at this time. This may be in the evening, in the afternoon, or late in the morning.
And if fatigue continues to be a problem, then you must focus on undemanding exercises like yoga or walking.
Build muscle - this may be the last thing on your exercising to-do list. But building muscle is important in many ways. Not only will you be strong, but having more muscle has been proven to burn more fat by increasing metabolism, even when you are at rest.
There are lots of exercises you can use to build muscle. If you would like to do them at home, then you can buy free weights to use. Alternatively, you can build muscle with strength training exercises. These include pushups, lunges, leg raises, and squats. If these aren't for you, then visit any nearby gym; you will find a good selection of equipment aimed at building muscle.
Get motivated to exercise - when just getting started with exercise, you will likely be very motivated. You will see yourself exercising every day. However, it does not take long before all this motivation disappears. And you may soon find yourself sedentary.
But there are lots of tricks you can use to keep your motivation. One of them is by listening to music while you exercise. This makes the workout fun and it distracts you so you don't pay attention to your exhaustion.
Secondly, you can also try working out with friends. Just make sure that your goals are not broadly different. This will ensure that you do the same exercises most of the times.
Create fitness goals - it is pointless to start exercising without first having a goal; you won't know what you would like to gain in the end. And chances of losing your motivation are high.
Are you trying to lose weight? Do you want to build muscle? Whatever it is that you want, make sure that it's specific. And it helps to write it down so you can look at it at least once a day.
Don't do the same exercise every day - the body can easily adapt to exercises. And when this happens, you stop making gains and exercises become less taxing. If possible, try to do a different exercise every time. If this is not an option, then keep altering the exercise you do; for example, if you only walk, you may try walking for 30 minutes today, 45 minutes tomorrow, and 35 minutes the day after while carrying a bag.
You can check out my blog for thyroid health tips here
http://www.naturalthyroidmedication.org
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Weight Loss - 5 Subtle Signs Of A Thyroid Problem

By Beverleigh H Piepers

Are you struggling to lose weight? Did you know one of the reasons some people struggle to shed those excess pounds is because they have a malfunctioning thyroid? While some individuals are fast to blame their thyroid for their weight issues, in a few cases, the thyroid is what is causing problems. Frequently, people with Type 2 diabetes have hypothyroidism (a low amount of the thyroid hormone).
So what signs of hypothyroidism should you be on the lookout for? How do you know if you might have an insufficient amount of this hormone?
Let us look at the five top signs that would indicate a thyroid problem...
1. Brrr! Are you cold all the time? If so, this could indicate a problem. While it is okay to be chilly when the weather is cooler; if you can hardly ever keep warm, that is a whole other problem.
2. Weak Muscles. If you cannot gain strength at the gym no matter what you try, consider your thyroid may be to blame. Muscle and joint weakness are two serious issues to come into play with those who are suffering from hypothyroidism.
If you feel weaker than normal, it could indicate a problem may be on the horizon.
3. Hair Loss. Balding is no easy topic and something many people dread. But, what if it starts to happen far sooner than you anticipated? If you suffer from hypothyroidism, it just may! Hair loss is quite common in those who have a low- level of the thyroid hormone but can also be due to other things such as the use of...

• hormonal birth control,
• low iron levels, as well as certain other
• forms of medication.

Talk to you doctor to learn more.
4. Dry Skin. No matter how much you moisturize, your skin is still dry! Dry skin is another characteristic of hypothyroidism that needs to be addressed. Your body is having trouble retaining the skin's moisture and may not be replenishing the skin cells as fast as it should.
Be sure to drink enough water in the meantime while you deal with this issue.
5. Feelings of Depression. It is also not abnormal for people to suffer from feelings of depression when in a hypothyroid state. See your doctor if you have been feeling down for more than a few days. While you do not need to run out and get medication if you have just had a bad week, but do be on the lookout if "sad" is your new norm.
By keeping these warning signs in mind, you can do your part to ensure if you are suffering from hypothyroidism, you are taking steps to get your condition under control.
Although managing your disease can be very challenging, Type 2 diabetes is not a condition you must just live with. You can make simple changes to your daily routine and lower both your weight and your blood sugar levels. Hang in there, the longer you do it, the easier it gets.
For nearly 25 years, Beverleigh Piepers has searched for and found a number of secrets to help you build a healthy body. Go to http://DrugFreeType2Diabetes.com to learn about some of those secrets.
The answer isn't in the endless volumes of available information but in yourself.
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Hypothyroidism Diagnosis and Treatment - Is Diet Important in Eradicating Hypothyroidism?

By Graham Coupland

Concerns about the diagnosis and treatment of Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is on the incline. This is, to a large extent, due to the fact that life expectancy has increased significantly over recent years which has resulted in there being a larger percentage of elderly people in society. Hypothyroidism is more predominant in older people.
Confirmation that a patient has hypothyroidism is normally determined through blood testing. There are currently approximately three percent of the population that are known to suffer from Hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism is the result of the thyroid gland not producing sufficient quantities of the thyroid hormone.
According to information originally provided by the British Medical Journal (BMJ) there is a concern amongst doctors working within the British Thyroid Association that there are a significant number of patients that have been misdiagnosed and received inappropriate thyroid hormone treatment.
Approximately a quarter of the population of the UK have their thyroid function checked annually so the problem is potentially an enormous one.
This is despite the fact that the Royal College of Physicians has recently published clear guidelines regarding the diagnosis and treatment of patients suspected of suffering from primary hypothyroidism.
Most of the organs in the body are affected in some way by the thyroid hormone so this can make diagnosis difficult as a hypothyroidism sufferer can exhibit symptoms that closely mimic the symptoms of other diseases. Because of this there are a number of cases where hypothyroidism has been misdiagnosed and the patient has suffered from the harmful effects of being prescribed excessive amounts of the thyroid hormone. The other concern, of course, is that because of this there are potentially other serious medical conditions that can then go completely undiagnosed.
This apparent confusion about how hypothyroidism should be treated by the medical profession has resulted in a number of sufferers seeking alternative forms of treatment for their condition. They are becoming increasingly reluctant to rely on drugs such as Levothyroxine which are prescribed to them as they are frightened of the potential side effects that these types of drugs can induce.
Is there a realistic alternative to prescribed medications?
Although the majority of doctors are reluctant to acknowledge the fact diet and lifestyle can play a major part in curing hypothyroidism. Eating the correct foods and exercising properly can have a dramatic effect on hypothyroidism. Not only is it important to eat correctly but how, and when, you eat is equally important.
It is therefore imperative that you have a correctly structured diet and treatment program to follow. There is a lot of information that is given about diet for example that is misleading and could in actual fact be detrimental to your hypothyroidism. You must follow a properly worked out hypothyroidism diet and treatment plan that is known to work and you must have some way of monitoring your progress.
There is a product available called the 'hypothyroidism revolution diet and treatment process'. It is not simply a hypothyroidism diet program but has been designed to treat the entire thyroid hormone pathway, not just the thyroid in isolation. The program has been undertaken by in excess of seventeen thousand patients and the success rate is excellent. It might be worth considering the program if you are having problems with hypothyroidism and are finding the more conventional treatments are not working for you.
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Iodine for Hypothyroidism: Friend or Foe?

By Dr. Heather Credeur, D.C.and Dr Brandon Credeur, D.C.

Iodine for hypothyroidism is a controversial topic, with experts on both ends of the spectrum arguing for and against its use. But if you have hypothyroidism, or know someone who does, it's important to understand that iodine is often not a preferred form of treatment, and in many cases can make your condition worse.
Before we delve into why that is, you're probably wondering about all of the good things you've heard about iodine, so allow us to explain...
Your Thyroid Needs Iodine to Function
Your body does not make iodine on its own, which means you must get it through your food. If you don't get enough, you will be unable to make sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone.
Your thyroid depends on iodine to produce two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The numbers in these hormone names are actually a marker of how many iodine atoms are attached, with T4 containing 4 atom molecules, then releasing one to convert into T3, the hormone's active form.
It's estimated that 2 billion people worldwide -- including 266 million school-age children -- have insufficient iodine intake,[1] and the resulting iodine deficiency is, in fact, the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) worldwide.
If you have an iodine-deficient diet then eating iodine-rich foods like seaweed and even supplementing with iodine can quickly help to remedy the problem... but it's important to realize that in the United States iodine deficiency is not a major cause of hypothyroidism, and in many cases treating the condition with iodine is a major health disaster.
Iodine Deficiency is NOT a Major Cause of U.S. Hypothyroidism Cases
Iodine levels in food vary greatly depending on soil and seawater concentration of iodine. Because of this it can be difficult to get sufficient iodine from diet alone, especially if you live in an area with iodine-deficient soil. To remedy this, the United States adds iodine to most table salt, which means you're not only getting extra iodine when you salt your food, but also when you eat processed foods, which are typically heavily salted with iodized salt.
Many animal feeds in the United States are also supplemented with iodine and as a result dairy products are also good food sources of this nutrient.
There have, however, been signs that iodine intakes in the United States have been dropping, possibly due to increased numbers of people cutting back on their salt intake, but data from the latest study available, the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2003-2004, suggests that most Americans are still getting enough.[2]
So, in the United States, iodine deficiency is not considered to be a major cause of hypothyroidism, except in specific at-risk groups, such as those who do not consume iodized salt (including that in processed foods), fish or seaweed, or women who are pregnant.
That said, cases of hypothyroidism are widespread in the United States, impacting nearly 4 percent of the population, [3] including 13 million who have not been diagnosed and are unaware they have the condition. [4]
If iodine deficiency is not the problem, then what is?
The Most Common Cause of Hypothyroidism in the United States
Hypothyroidism in the United States is most often the result of an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis, or Hashimoto's disease, which causes your immune system to mistakenly attack, and destroy, the thyroid.
The disease typically begins with inflammation of your thyroid gland (thyroiditis) that over time impairs the ability of your thyroid to produce enough hormones, and eventually leads to underactive thyroid, or hypothyroidism.
The exact causes of Hashimoto's are unknown, but it's likely the result of a combination of factors including:

• A virus or bacteria that triggers the response
• Genetics/family history
• Gender (women are more likely to have Hashimoto's)
• Other environmental factors

However, and this is an important point, excess iodine may also worsen the condition.
Increasing Iodine May Worsen Hypothyroidism
There's no arguing that iodine is a crucial nutrient for your body... but in the case of hypothyroidism, more is not always better.
Studies show that giving iodine to people who had adequate or excessive iodine intake could actually trigger hypothyroidism and autoimmune thyroiditis.
Research also suggests that iodine actually increases the activity of the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme, and increased antibodies to this enzyme are common in Hashimoto's patients. It is the interaction between the TPO enzyme and the antibodies that leads to inflammation and destruction of the thyroid. In other words, too much iodine can actually make Hashimoto's worse.
Remember, since most hypothyroidism cases in the United States are due to Hashimoto's disease, NOT iodine deficiency, this study could apply to you...
Be Very Careful if Your Health Care Practitioner Automatically Recommends Iodine for Hypothyroidism
Many health care practitioners in the United States do not understand the complexities of thyroid function and will routinely recommend iodine supplements for people with hypothyroidism. This approach will, unfortunately, be detrimental for some.
If you are truly deficient in iodine, then supplementation or increased dietary intake is necessary. But if not, additional iodine will most likely only trigger or worsen your thyroid troubles.
So if your health care practitioner recommends iodine supplementation without any real evidence that you're deficient, it's a red flag to take note of. A second opinion from a practitioner who understands the complex role of iodine in hypothyroidism -- and can discuss with you its benefits versus risks -- is likely warranted.
References
1. Food and Nutrition Bulletin 2008 Sep;29(3):195-202.
2. Thyroid. 2008 Nov;18(11):1207-14.
3. Thyroid. 2007 Dec;17(12):1211-23.
4. Archives of Internal Medicine 2000;160:526-534.
The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado provides hope to patients with Type II Diabetes and Hypothyroidism by providing alternative paths to care. Founded by Dr. Brandon Credeur, DC, and Dr. Heather Credeur, DC, the center is located at 4155 E Jewell Ave, Ste 1018, Denver, CO 80222, 303-302-0933, [http://www.drcredeur.com].
Copyright 2010. All Rights Reserved. The Functional Endocrinology Center of Colorado.
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5 Myths About Hypothyroidism - That I Discovered the Hard Way

By Kelly A Robbins

In my 10 year journey to manage my hypothyroid condition, I've learned that hypothyroidism diagnosis and treatment can be a little more complicated than what many mainstream doctors lead you to believe. Here are 5 myths that I discovered the hard way.
1. Myth: The TSH blood test is the most quick, accurate and conclusive way to determine if you have hypothyroidism.
When I first expressed symptoms of hypothyroidism such as cold hands and feet, fatigue, weight gain, brittle nails, moodiness, menstrual problems, brain fog, and insomnia, my doctor ran a blood test called Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH). According to mainstream medicine, TSH is the standard for the diagnosis and treatment of thyroid dysfunction. My doctor found my numbers to be within 'normal range' and sent me away with anti-depressants, sleeping pills, and told me to exercise more to relieve my symptoms. What I learned later was that the doctor had turned me away, undiagnosed, and left me suffering with debilitating symptoms which continued to worsen the longer they went unaddressed. Eventually my TSH level fell outside the normal range and I was treated for hypothyroidism.
The reason that this can happen is that many doctors are using old lab ranges that under diagnose hypothyroidism. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) issued a press release in 2003 entitled "Over 13 Million Americans with Thyroid Disease Remain Undiagnosed". Until Nov 2002, doctors relied on a normal TSH level ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 to diagnose and treat patients with a thyroid disorder. Now AACE encourages doctors to consider treatment for patients who test outside the boundaries of a narrower margin, based on a target TSH level of 0.3 to 3.0. AACE believes the new range will result in a proper diagnosis for millions of Americans who suffer from a mild thyroid disorder, who previously had gone undetected and untreated. However, since the recommendation by AACE wasn't widely published, today, 10 years later, many doctors are still using the old reference range resulting in continued under diagnosis of the condition.
2. Myth: Synthroid is the best hormone therapy to treat hypothyroidism.
Synthroid, and its generic version levothyroxine, are by far the most common drug therapies that doctors prescribe for hypothyroidism. Synthroid is a hormone replacement for T4. However, looking at thyroid function more closely, there are many other components to proper thyroid function than just T4.
When the pituitary gland in the brain releases TSH, TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormones T4 and T3. The majority of thyroid hormones produced by the thyroid are T4. However, T3 is the most active, useable form of thyroid hormone in the cells of the body. The conversion of T4 to T3 is critical. By testing TSH and T4 alone, doctors are assuming that our bodies are properly converting the T4 to active T3.
For many hypothyroid sufferers, myself included, the body does not convert T4 to T3 properly. In the care of doctors who only prescribed Synthroid or T4, my symptom did not improve; they just continued to worsen. It wasn't until I finally switched doctors that my T3 levels were tested. I was then treated with natural desiccated thyroid resulting in significant improvement of my symptoms.
Even beyond TSH, T4 and T3, there are still other hormones that could be looked at. In Dr Kharrazian's book "Why do I Still Have My Thyroid Symptoms", he outlines 30 different scenarios in which various abnormal thyroid related hormone levels can keep one feeling hypothyroid even when the TSH is normal. Other thyroid labs he recommends include: TSH, Total T4, Free T4, Total T3, Free T3, T3 Uptake, and Reverse T3.
3. Myth: A full thyroid panel is the most quick, accurate, and conclusive way to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism.
After getting all of the previously mentioned levels within normal range, I was still struggling. I would feel good for a few days, then crash for several more. What I didn't know is that I also had the underlying autoimmune condition, Hashimoto's, which was causing my thyroid levels to fluctuate as it attacked my thyroid. I learned that controlling my thyroid hormone levels with medication was not enough.
The National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service admits that "Hashimoto's is the leading cause of hypothyroidism". The autoimmune attacks slowly begin to destroy the thyroid. With each attack over time, the need for higher doses of medication increases and fluctuates. If this underlying autoimmune response is not addressed, the attacks will eventually destroy the thyroid.
There are two lab tests used to detect the underlying Hashimoto's called Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (TPOAb) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TgAb). However, these tests are not commonly done. Primarily because many mainstream doctors do not change their treatment once they make a diagnosis of Hashimoto's, since there are no effective drugs to stop the autoimmune response. Fortunately, there are ways to calm the autoimmune response and there are knowledgeable doctors who can show you how, but you need to know how to find them!
4. Myth: A full thyroid panel plus testing for the Hashimoto's antibodies is the most quick, accurate and conclusive way to diagnose and treat hypothyroidism.
For some people, addressing the thyroid lab panels and underlying auto-immune response will finally give them relief and their symptoms will diminish. But, I wasn't one of them. Yes, there is more. The problem is that the thyroid is only one component in a delicate balance of hormone systems that are part of our metabolism. When one component is off, especially for a long duration of time or no diagnosis followed by other missed diagnoses, this can throw off other parts of the body like our adrenals, liver, and more. Sometimes in order to really feel your best again, the doctor has to look at the person as a whole and determine ALL the pieces that need to come back in alignment.
Adrenal fatigue is common with thyroid sufferers and a little adrenal supplementation can make all the difference in how they feel. Iron and vitamin D deficiencies are common. Blood sugar levels might be off. Digestive issues are also common. Other hormone imbalances can keep hypothyroid patient from feeling their best. There are many other aspects that a doctor treating hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's might have to look at to finally offer near total relief of symptoms.
5. Myth: When you have untreated hypothyroidism/Hashimoto's, a low calorie diet and regular exercise is the best way to lose weight.
Unfortunately, this perception is not only demeaning and harmful to the person who hears this, but it really isn't true. What I found is that because of the underlying health issues, I was gaining weight. Resolving the underlying health issues automatically helps the weight fall off. For Hashimoto's, changing diet to avoid the foods that trigger the autoimmune response promoted my weight loss. Some believe that the added weight is the body's defense mechanism to protect itself from the autoimmune attacks. No amount of calorie counting and exercise was helping me lose weight. Instead, I lost 7 lbs in 1 week when I started my diet to eliminate potential foods that could trigger the my autoimmune attacks.
My goal in writing this article is to bring awareness that hypothyroidism may not be a simple TSH test and prescription for Synthroid, like many believe it to be. While a small portion of the population is served by this, 80-90% of those with hypothyroidism will continue to suffer. If you are a person who feels you have been affected by these myths, keep asking questions, there is help out there!
Kelly Robbins is a Certified Wholistic Life Coach/NLP Practitioner with Guiding Light Success Systems, Inc. For more answers and resources about Hypothyoridism and Hashimoto's, come join our supportive community on Facebook at https://www.Facebook.com/HashimotosHarborsOfHealingPage.
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Hypothyroid Diet - Know Which Foods Boost Thyroid Function And Which Ones Harm

By Duncan Capicchiano

Hypothyroidism results in a sluggish metabolism for most. That means even though you eat well your may find you gain weight, or find it difficult to lose excess weight. For this reason, the appropriate diet plays an important role in healing. While diet alone may not cure hypothyroidism, it can certainly help balance thyroid hormones and reverse many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. There are many foods that can contribute to illness, as much as food can contribute to healing of the thyroid gland.
It is important that you distinguish between healthy foods and foods that damage your thyroid gland when attempting to heal your body using a specific hypothyroidism diet.
Hypothyroid Diet Contra-indications And Precautions
It is also important you consult with a doctor or medical provider if you are pregnant or have any serious health condition in addition to hypothyroid disease before starting any type of diet. They may recommend modifications or additions to your program. This diet may not be ideal for everyone.
Foods That Boost Thyroid Function...
Typically whole grains and other natural foods including fruits, vegetables, and other high fiber foods are beneficial for individuals with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism often results in constipation, therefore the extra fiber in these foods helps regulate the bowels and stimulates more frequent and regular bowel movements.
Fiber also helps improve feelings of fullness and helps to encourage weight loss. Many vitamins and key nutrients are also available in whole grains. Some individuals find supplementing with selenium helpful if they suffer from hypothyroidism because this trace mineral may be deficient or missing in their diet. This mineral helps the body convert thyroid hormone T4 into T3. One good source of this mineral includes Brazil nuts.
Other tactics for improving metabolism for people with hypothyroidism include eating several small meals during the day instead of sitting down to three larger meals. This keeps the metabolism boosted throughout the day, which can help with feelings of fullness and stimulate weight loss.
Some people find that this may also help balance insulin reactions and limit the crashes people often associate with eating too much refined sugar following a meal. If you eat too many refined foods including pasta, bread and sugar you may feel very tired or moody shortly after eating these foods, due to a dramatic increase and then quick drop in blood sugar.
Eating lean sources of protein can also help promote weight loss and stimulate the metabolism for people with a sluggish metabolism. Protein can help stimulate muscle growth in individuals who exercise along with eating well.
Foods That Harm...
While most vegetables and fruits are beneficial, there are some that can actually slow down or inhibit thyroid function. These include:

• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Brussels sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Mustard greens
• Radishes
• Spinach
• Turnips

Why? These foods actually contain substances known as goitrogens which interfere with the ability of the body to produce thyroid hormone. Because of this the thyroid may enlarge. Soybean foods may also inhibit the function of the thyroid as well. The foods listed above can also increase one's chances of developing a condition known as goiter.
If you have relatively normal thyroid function you can probably eat these foods, just try not to eat them in excess. Also, most of the research suggests that these foods are dangerous when eaten raw, and not necessarily cooked. So, if you cook your broccoli and eat it on occasion, the odds are you can still get away with it.
Some people with hypothyroid disease find they are wheat or gluten intolerant. In this case the best hypothyroid diet may be similar to a diet for celiac disease, where the elimination of wheat and gluten products from the diet results in dramatic healing.
As you can see diet has a major impact not only on general health but on helping to balance thyroid hormones. If you are diagnosed with hypothyroidism it is important to seek help from your healthcare professional, but remember that simple natural changes such as dietary alterations can go a long way in regard to healing.
For more information on hypothyroid diet, or how you can boost your thyroid function naturally, please visit www.HypothyroidismSecrets.com where you can grab a FREE copy of Duncan Capicchiano's hypothyroidism secrets mini-course. Duncan Capicchiano N.D. is a fully qualified Naturopath, Author, and Medical researcher specializing in hypothyroidism.
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