Reboot and Revive
Many people experience issues with their thyroid, the gland which controls metabolism (conversion of oxygen and calories to energy).
The thyroid converts iodine from food into thyroid hormones, T3 and T4. T3 and T4 are then released into the blood stream and are transported throughout the body where they control metabolism.
In a nutshell, a good thyroid function is essential for a good metabolism. So wether you have issues or not with your thyroid, you might want to keep an eye on those thyroid levels and keep everything in check.
1/ Eat seaweed / sea vegetables regularly. Not only they are full of easily absorbable calcium but they are also packed with iodine.
2/ Avoid raw kale and other cruciferous (broccoli, cauliflower, bok choy, Brussel sprouts, radishes). They contain goitrogens that may disrupt the thyroid if consumed in large quantities. However cooking these veggies reduces goitrogen levels by a third. Kale smoothies aren’t so good for your thyroid basically!
3/ Avoid foods with soy as they contain isoflavones. Soy milk, tofu, edamame, miso.
4/ Avoid gluten. Hypothyroidism and coeliac disease are often diagnosed together.
5/ Reduce your intake of fat. Fats may also interfere with the thyroid’s ability to produce hormone as well. Some healthcare professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.
6/Consume coffee in moderation as it interferes with thyroid function.
7/ Avoid too much alcohol. Alcohol consumption can wreak havoc on both thyroid hormone levels in the body and the ability of the thyroid to produce hormone.
8/ Have sea salt rather than pink himalayan salt as the latter doesn’t contain iodine.
9/ If you have hypothyroidism avoid the cold (like cryotherapy) and if you have hyperthyroidism avoid the heat (like sauna and steam rooms).
10/ Do yoga. Inversions like shoulder stand are great for thyroid function.
11/ Avoid very low carb diets. They are known for lowering the thyroid function. Keep good sources of carbs like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, quinoa, bananas, berries in your diet.