2024-04-27 05:10:43
Are you always tired, your weight keeps increasing despite a balanced diet, do you have dry skin, bald hair and feeling down? You may have an underactive thyroid, even if your tests are “normal.” Find out how to find thyroid dysfunction and natural solutions to cure it, with Florence, a naturopath and micronutrition expert.
Thyroid and health: an essential and often neglected gland
Located at the base of the neck, the thyroid is a small gland that plays a vital role in the body. “It regulates the thyroid hormones T3 and T4 which control metabolism, growth, heart rate and even body temperature,” explains the specialist. When it works slowly, the whole body is affected.
The main symptoms of insufficient thyroid
Do you check some boxes on this list? It’s time to take stock:
- Constant fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep
- unexplained weight gain, especially around the stomach
- Chilliness, intolerance to cold
- Chronic constipation
- Dry skin, brittle nails, bald hair and hair loss
- Joint and muscle pain
- Mood disorders, difficulty concentrating, memory loss
- Irregular menstrual cycles, premenstrual syndrome
- high cholesterol
A complete biological assessment to assess your thyroid function
If you have some of these symptoms, do not hesitate to consult your doctor to measure your thyroid hormones (TSH, free T4, free T3) and your anti-thyroid antibodies. “The ideal is to have TSH below 2 mIU/L, T4L in the upper third of the reference values and a T4L/T3L ratio of around 3”, indicates the naturopath.
Your assessment is “normal” but you still have symptoms?
This is unfortunately common. “The laboratory reference values are too wide. You can have normal results and still suffer from a sluggish thyroid,” warned the expert so the interest in a detailed reading of the results, in relation to the clinic.”
Natural keys to boosting your thyroid
The good news is that it is possible to optimize your thyroid function naturally, by correcting deficiencies and adopting a healthy lifestyle. Here are the keys for the naturopath:
- Stock up on essential nutrients : iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, vitamins A and D, omega-3… In case of deficiency, a temporary supplement may be necessary, as well as a balanced diet.
- Take care of your intestinal flora : an unbalanced microbiota can lead to poor conversion of T4 to active T3. Focus on prebiotics (colored vegetables) and probiotics (raw milk yogurt, kefir, etc.).
- Limit your exposure to endocrine disruptors : plastics, pesticides, synthetic cosmetics… On a daily basis, natural and ecological products are preferred.
- Manage stress : chronic stress exhausts the adrenals and slows down the thyroid. Think of cardiac coherence, sophrology, yoga … And get enough sleep!
- Move regularly : moderate physical activity stimulates T3 production. Walk, swim, cycle… At least 30 minutes a day.
Phytotherapy and food supplements, valuable allies
Certain plants such as fucus, aswagandha or spirulina have shown their effectiveness in supporting thyroid function. Likewise, natural T3 supplementation (along with T4) may be beneficial in established cases of hypothyroidism. “But it is not automatic and it must be accompanied by nutritional and lifestyle measures,” insists the specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions: Your questions about thyroid disorders
Can thyroid insufficiency be cured permanently?
It all depends on the reason. If the dysfunction is linked to nutritional deficiency, adrenal exhaustion or early autoimmune disease, a return to normal functioning is possible thanks to comprehensive care. On the other hand, hypothyroidism of genetic origin (Hashimoto’s disease) often requires lifelong hormonal treatment.
Are thyroid problems hereditary?
In fact, there is a genetic predisposition to autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. If you have a family history, be careful and talk to your doctor. But this is not inevitable! By adopting a healthy lifestyle, you can reduce the risk of acting out.
What foods do you like and avoid for your thyroid?
On the plate side, focus on seafood (sources of iodine), colorful fruits and vegetables (rich in antioxidants), good fats (omega-3, zinc), whole grains and legumes. On the contrary, limit processed foods, soy, raw cruciferous vegetables (cabbage, broccoli), gluten and dairy products, which can slow down the thyroid.
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