Lifestyle Tips for a Healthy Thyroid

If you’re reading this, chances are you are wanting to optimize your thyroid. Yay! The good news is that you CAN improve the health of your thyroid with lifestyle. Many people have been able to get off and/or stay off medications by making conscious decisions with their lifestyle.

Top Tips for a Healthy Thyroid:

Positive Mindset: Our physical body responds directly to the MIND; you can separate the two! Having thyroid or health issues can be challenging no doubt. But don’t get discouraged and depressed. Instead, focus on this opportunity you DO have to make a change in your health. Practice positive and motivating affirmations, like “I have the power to change my health”. Also giving yourself grace, love, compassion and patience. You can do this!

Reduce Overall Stress: This is SO important! Stress raises cortisol, inflammation and down regulates thyroid function. Make sure to acknowledge what stressors you have in your life and work to gain control over these. Read my Stress Reducing Tips Here. Also remember to slow down, ask for help/delegating, and put less pressure on yourself to do ALL the things. Perfection doesn’t exist either, by the way!

Prioritize Sleep: Aim for at least 8 hrs of sleep per night and a healthy, relaxing night routine. Practice going to bed/waking up at the same time every day, even weekends, in order to create a healthy schedule.

RELAX: Do something relaxing and FUN every day: This could be reading, journaling, watching your favorite TV show or series, talking to a loved one etc.

Smart Exercise: Movement is a “nutrient for our body and metabolism, but more is not always better. Create a routine and program that is balanced and makes you feel GOOD, and not run-down, tired or more stressed.

Personalized Supplementation: Supplementation should always be done on an individualized basis. They should based on lab testing and recommended by a health practitioner/physician. Many could benefit from supplements when working to boost their thyroid function, because nutritional deficiencies are a main trigger to thyroid dysfunction.

Eat the Right Foods: Focus on WHOLE REAL FOODS, including healthy fats, low glycemic veggies/carbs, quality proteins and lots of color. Want to know the best foods to eat for your thyroid? Check them out here: Top Foods for your Thyroid

Avoid: gluten, grains, alcohol, processed sugar, soy, and minimal (organic) dairy, as these can raise inflammation and down regulate the thyroid.

Optimize Gut and Liver Health: Did you know that at least 20% of thyroid hormone conversion happens within the gut and liver? In order to have healthy hormones, we must have a healthy gut and detoxification pathways. Consume a nutrient dense diet and avoid inflammatory foods and minimize antibiotic and NSAID use. Consider fermented foods, probiotic supplement, and other tools like digestive enzymes to boost gut function.

Switch to Non-Toxic Products: Many conventional self care, personal and cleaning products contain chemicals known as endocrine disruptors. These toxins can alter the function of the thyroid! Switching to safer and cleaner brands, like Beautycounter makeup, Raw Sugar, Dr. Bronners and Seventh Generation, can reduce your toxic exposure and minimize any thyroid disruption. You can find out more about that here: Non Toxic Living Tips

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There are many ways to boost and optimize your thyroid through your lifestyle alone! Start where you can and then start reaping the benefits of a cleaner and more balanced life!