More information on your Thyroid from Women to Women

Thyroid Health from Women's Health Network personal health program.
"Your thyroid is one of the most important glands in your body. It controls the way you metabolize food, the way you use energy, lose and gain weight, how well or poorly you sleep, and much, much more. We know that women are more prone to thyroid conditions than men, and that many of these problems first manifest during times of hormonal flux, such as perimenopause and childbearing.

One of the best ways to support the thyroid gland through all of life's important changes is by eating more carefully. As we approach these transitions, perhaps it’s time for everyone to take a look at how the foods we eat can help — or hurt — our thyroid function. You may have heard conflicting information about iodine, soy, or even broccoli. Let’s get the facts straight by looking at how specific foods and supplements influence this master gland, and learn what you can do to support your thyroid health.
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Some studies have shown that the isoflavones in soybeans inhibit the enzyme responsible for adding iodine to thyroid hormone, thyroid peroxidase (TPO). These and other studies also demonstrate, however, that soy’s effect on the thyroid involves the critical relationship between your iodine status and thyroid function. This means that if you have low iodine in your body, the soy isoflavone could bond to what iodine you do have, leaving you with an inadequate reserve for thyroid hormone production. Evidence suggests that if you have sufficient iodine in your body, eating soy will most likely not be a problem. And I’ve seen soy help so many women with menopausal symptoms that it would be a shame not to consider it as an option. (Just be sure it is not genetically modified soy.)
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Start with whole food, and supplement as needed. Getting as many pro-thyroid nutrients through wholesome foods is ideal, but I know this isn’t always easy or even possible in our busy lives. Supplementing with a top-quality multivitamin–mineral complex, like the one we offer in our Personal Program, will provide the foundation you need for preventive thyroid health. If you already have thyroid imbalance, talk to your practitioner about using supplements before a prescription. The problem with prescriptions like Synthroid (levothyroxine) is that once you go on them, your thyroid backs down, and it can be difficult to get off of thyroid replacement drugs.

Get tested. I recommend having a full thyroid hormone panel, which is routine for many practitioner visits. But I also recommend testing your iodine, selenium, and vitamin D levels. Together, the results of these various tests should give both you and your practitioner a better sense of underlying conditions and how to begin your treatment.

Too much can be as bad as too little. While all of the micronutrients I’ve discussed above are important, overloading on just one will not help your thyroid or resolve your imbalance! There are many complex interactions between the pro-thyroid nutrients, especially iodine and selenium, so please work with your practitioner to find a gentle balance that is right for you.

Support your adrenals. I’ve so often seen that the underlying problem in a thyroid imbalance is overworked adrenal glands. To learn more about the intimate connection between stress, your thyroid and adrenal glands and how to better support them, see our articles on adrenal health.
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This is perhaps one of the most overlooked pieces of advice in our modern lives: sit and enjoy your food! As women in today’s world, we are expected to do and be so many things that eating while standing at the kitchen counter, driving, or seated at your computer seems normal. But as you may have read in my article on hypothyroidism in menopause, the thyroid is very sensitive to stress. Give your mind, your body, and your thyroid a break by sitting in a comfortable space while you eat. Enjoy your meals in peace with friends and family, and talk, laugh, and allow the food you consume to nourish your thyroid, too. You deserve this break, and your body will thank you for it!"