How to Care for Your Thyroid Health

How to Care for Your Thyroid Health

An estimated 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease with an estimated up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition, according to the American Thyroid Association. As we move into the new year, it is important to continue monitoring and caring for your thyroid health, especially if you’re an individual who has a hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream, allowing your metabolism to slow down.

“Hypothyroidism may not cause noticeable symptoms in the early stages. Over time, untreated hypothyroidism can cause a number of health problems, such as obesity, joint pain, infertility and heart disease.” – Mayo Clinic

Hyperthyroidism is quite the opposite and occurs when your body produces and releases too much thyroid hormone into your bloodstream.

5 Tips to caring for your thyroid health

• Consume more antioxidants. More specifically, Vitamin C reduces the oxidative stress placed on the thyroid gland and is a fantastic way to promote a healthy thyroid. Foods high in antioxidants are strawberries, carrots, asparagus, kale, dark chocolate and more. Check out ‘12 Healthy Foods High in Antioxidants.

• Fish – fish – fish! Consuming more fish and seafood will help increase your Iodine intake which is important for maintaining thyroid health. Check out #1 on the list of ‘7 LIFE CHANGING TIPS TO TAKE CARE OF YOUR THYROID GLAND.’

• Quit smoking. According to a recent article on BestLife, smoking can cause hormone levels to wildly fluctuate and can have various negative effects on your thyroid health.
• Get atleast eight hours of sleep a night. It’s no secret that getting a good night’s sleep is important for overall health and wellbeing. Sleep can positively impact brain function, heart function, your thyroid, weight loss and so much more.

• Avoid fluoride and plastic. Bisphenol A (or BPA), a chemical compound, in commonly found plastic and has been linked to negatively affecting your thyroid, along with fluoride.

Because our bodies are ever-changing, it is also important to get routine check-ups if you notice a change in your health or if you are an individual who has a hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Team Select Mobile Physician Services offers a complete thyroid check as part of our Primary Care Services. Learn more today!