4 Simple Ways to Boost Your Thyroid Health
Improve your metabolism — and your immunity.
There’s so much to love about summer! But adjusting to hot days can make your thyroid sluggish and leave you feeling blah. Giving this gland a boost ups energy, sharpens focus and speeds fat burning. Plus, research in Diabetes & Metabolic Syndrome found a healthy thyroid optimizes immunity, too! Check out how to boost yours below.
Try aloe this way.
The bacteria that causes gum disease produces inflammation that can spread to the thyroid, scientists say. On the flip side: Boosting gum health improves thyroid function by 34 percent within 12 weeks. Just rinse with a mix of 3 Tbs. of food-grade aloe vera juice and 3 Tbs. of water twice daily after brushing. In a study in the International Journal of Dental Hygiene, aloe-based rinses staved off gum disease as well as an Rx rinse!
Putter around.
Lazy, hazy days tempt us to take it easy, and that’s a good thing! Vigorous workouts can deplete the thyroid. Research in the Archives of Medicine and Health Sciences found that gentle activities such as bicycling, walking or puttering around your yard enhance thyroid function by up to 76 percent within 12 weeks. Experts say moving around for 30 minutes three to five days per week strengthens the gland without causing undue strain.
Go a little nuts.
Adding a few Brazil nuts to cereal or trail mix can enhance thyroid function by 85 percent within 12 weeks, Swedish researchers report. Just one nut supplies a whopping 96 mcg. of selenium, a mineral that’s essential for the gland to produce thyroid hormones. Other selenium-rich foods: yellowfin tuna, halibut and whole-wheat pasta.
Opt for an ancient herb.
Stress hormones can slow thyroid function, hampering its ability to produce T3 (the thyroid’s most energizing hormone). The fix: ashwagandha. Research in the journal Complementary and Alternative Therapies found supplementing with this ancient herb tames thyroid-sapping stress, boosting T3 production by 42 percent within eight weeks. Aim for 125 to 250 mg. of ashwagandha twice daily. Try this one from Nature Made (Buy on Amazon, $19.99).
Note: Check with your healthcare provider before supplementing.
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A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.
