There are so many questions about thyroid health. Do you know what the job of your thyroid is? I get several emails a day from women saying “I think I have hyper/hypothyroid.. what should I do?”.  Therefore, I wrote this post for you and your thyroid questions!

So, what exactly is the thyroid and what does it do?

Good ol’ thyroid

The thyroid is a gland located in the lower neck and is shaped like a butterfly. It produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, body temperature, weight and determines the amount of energy you will have. Consequently, it’s a pretty important player in your health and life!

Did you know that women are 5-8 times more likely to develop a thyroid condition than men? Seems like knowing how to eat and live for your thyroid health is foundational and this post will guide you through the next steps.

Even more, if you are currently experiencing thyroid issues, see a medical professional to get lab tests done. Or you can order this one (code: SIMPLHOLISTIC for 10% off), do it at home then, setup an appointment with me when you get your results back!

Feeling a little sluggish?

When your thyroid is out of whack, you may feel like a walking zombie. You might feel tired or like you can’t get that extra weight off (or on). Additionally, crappy sleep, irregular poops or constipation and depression can be linked to a sluggish thyroid.

If you are thinking “why am I having thyroid issues?” you’re not alone. With all the iodized products (like table salt) in our food system + other iodine mimickers like bromine, chlorine and fluoride… it makes total sense. Let’s get your body back in gear and give it the support it needs to thrive and feel alive.

Now, try to get the nutrients below from food sources before supplements. Add these nutrients to your diet that’s filled with healthy fats, quality protein and carbs for optimal health.

The  MVPs

These are key players when it comes to thyroid health. The nutrients below can help you boost your thyroid health.

Selenium is necessary for the conversion of T4 (inactive) to T3 (active). Brazil nuts that are growing in selenium rich soil are an amazing source of selenium. Plus, that’s a great way to choose whole foods over supplements!

Magnesium is involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in your body! It relaxes muscles and prevents blood vessels from restricting. Spinach and sprouted nuts are a great way to sneak magnesium into your diet. I also recommend this product (code SIMPLHOLISTIC). I take it every night!

Zinc paired with vitamin A & E converts T4 to T3 just like selenium. Buy shellfish and grass-fed red meat from a local farmer and you’ll be set.

Now, Iron is something you may be afraid of. Don’t be afraid, get tested and if you are deficient, work with someone to supplement. Meat, seafood and poultry (wild/pastured) are great sources.

Iodine, you need it to make healthy thyroid hormones. I avoid table salt and other iodine mimickers – like fluoride which is found in our water supply! If you have a selenium deficiency, you could make your thyroid health worse by adding iodine. This is why you shouldn’t do this without the help.

Vitamin A, Zinc, and vitamin E are needed for the conversion of T4 to T3. Grass-fed butter, pastured yolks and liver are excellent sources of Vitamin A.

Hello Mr. Sun! Vitamin D fights against autoimmune disease and is all around incredible for your health. Here is a full article all about vitamin D, check it out!

Generally, when my clients decide to add these nutrients into their routine, they feel 1000x times better.

Sea veggies to the rescue

Sea vegetables are filled with phytonutrients like chlorophyll and iodine. It may sound kinda ehh to think of wading through the seaweed for your next meal but I’m totally not asking you to do that! Coupled with unrefined salt and other seasonings, seaweed is a delicious addition to your meals.

Bladderwrack, Wakame, Spirulina and Kombu are always in our house and I add them to any recipe I can. Bladderwrack is packed with iodine and is a soothing agent for those with digestive issues. Kombu has the greatest source of iodine out of all sea vegetables. Just like Kombu – Spirulina is made up of mostly protein (60%), which we need more of. I love to add seaweed into soup, salad or stir fry. It might sound kinda freaky because …. seaweed. However, you won’t even notice it’s there.

Oh don’t you worry, there’s more! Spirulina, Dulse and Irish moss are major sources of iron which is crucial for making healthy thyroid hormones (thyroid peroxidase).

Nori is rich in B vitamins which is needed for methylation and detoxification (trust me, we need to detox!).

Beyond being my #1 place to shop for bulk herbs, teas, home remedy goods,  Mountain Rose Herbs sponsored this post. They are about promoting healthy living and filling your life with wellness products! I highly highly recommend you order some seaweed and sneak it into your diet anyway you can. Here’s their website (they’re super affordable) with the seaweed I mention in this article.

Additionally, if you need more resources, this is an amazing article on hypothyroidism and Dr. Axe wrote a great post here.

Pin it & use it!