Located above the trachea, although small, the thyroid gland affects almost every system in the body. This includes the brain, heart, intestines and skin appearance. The thyroid gland and the hormones it produces are the source of energy that drives the body.
When your thyroid is underactive, your metabolism slows down, you feel tired and cold, your concentration is poor, your hair thins, you can gain weight, and your skin becomes dry. It may be a small gland, but when it doesn't work properly, the consequences can be big.
Symptoms of hyperthyroidism: weight loss, tremors, tachycardia, fever, tearfulness, weakness, fear and insomnia.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism: weakness and fatigue, weight gain, brittle nails and hair, flaky skin, swelling, digestive disorders, unstable blood pressure, sleep disturbance.
Medical research has confirmed that iodine is responsible for the creation of thyroid hormones T1, T2, T3 and T4. Without enough iodine, the thyroid can only produce limited amounts of these hormones. The best way to ensure proper thyroid function is to eat a balanced diet that contains iodine. Excess iodine in the diet can be as harmful as insufficient iodine.
Your thyroid also requires the amino acid tyrosine, which is found in meat, dairy products, almonds, avocados, eggs and bananas. Tyrosine stimulates brain activity. It is important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, stimulates the release of growth hormones, prevents fatigue and irritability.
Other nutrients needed for thyroid function include:
Selenium: whole grains, tuna, herring, wheat germ, sesame seeds
Zinc: pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, seafood, offal, eggs, peas, whole grains, mushrooms, soybeans, wheat germ
Copper: beets, molasses, whole grains, nuts, seafood, breadfruit
Manganese: nuts, seeds, whole grains, algae, leafy vegetables, legumes, egg yolks, pineapple
Vitamin B: shellfish, meat, fish, chicken, eggs, cheese
Vitamins: carrots, sweet potatoes, broccoli, dark leafy vegetables, eggs, yogurt, kefir, fish oil
Vitamin C: berries, fruits, green vegetables, broccoli, tomatoes, oranges, lemons
Vitamin D: salmon, fatty fish, eggs, sun, fish oil
Vitamin E: Nuts, seeds, eggs, offal, grains, wheat germ, molasses, sweet potatoes, leafy green vegetables
It is very important to include omega 3 essential fatty acids in the form of flax and/or fish oils in the diet. Eating enough protein with each meal will help improve and normalize metabolism, which can help normalize thyroid function. It is important to note that proteins are needed to deliver thyroid hormones through the bloodstream to all tissues.
Foods that can block thyroid function: excessive consumption of polyunsaturated oils, unsaturated oils, fluoride, and heavy metals.
With the help of a small test, you can find out the condition of the thyroid gland yourself, but this test cannot be a substitute for a regular medical check-up.
When you extend your arms with your palms facing the floor, have someone place a sheet of paper over them. If the paper is trembling, it's possible that your thyroid gland is producing too many hormones, causing your pulse to accelerate and your muscles to cramp. Then sit down and cross your legs, then extend the one on top and tap the Achilles tendon with a spoon to check the reflex. If the thyroid produces too few hormones, the reflexes are slowed down.
This small gland can have an effect on the entire body - so it's important to protect it. But if you're constantly feeling tired, can't concentrate, and are gaining weight for seemingly no reason, start taking better care of your thyroid. You may be surprised by the results, reports Radio Sarajevo.
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