4 Ways to Reduce Thyroid Symptoms

What does GI symptoms and Thyroid health have in common? 

GUT HEALTH

When the thyroid gland is imbalanced it can result in digestive problems such as bloating, constipation, diarrhea, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), among other things. (1)

The gut and thyroid have a direct connection. When the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, this high level of hormones can result in Hyperthyroidism or Hypothyroidism, making the body experience several conflicting symptoms, a few of which affect the gut. (2)

As explained in my previous blog post, 4 Ways to Support Thyroid Health, I talk with my clients who have a thyroid condition about reviving the gut microbiota with a 5-step holistic approach.

One of the 5-steps is diet, another is stress management. Diet along with environmental triggers can stress out the body causing internal hidden stressors. 

Here are 4 ways you can support the thyroid by reducing internal stress. 

CROWD OUT GLUTEN AND DAIRY

If you have a food sensitivity to gluten and or diary your immune system may be attacking the thyroid due to molecular mimicry. The molecular structure of the proteins found in both gluten and dairy resemble the thyroid causing the immune system to react.

CONSUME A MODERATE AMOUNT OF HEALTHY FAT

Diets that are very high in fat, like the ketogenic diet, have been linked to thyroid dysfunction. Be mindful of the amount you eat by recording your macro levels in a food tracking app like Cronometer. Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are wild-caught fish, walnuts, and flax seeds.

AVOID THYROID DISRUPTORS IN THE ENVIRONMENT

Our modern day living exposes you to products which contain chemicals that can get into the bloodstream and disrupt the thyroid. These include things like chlorine, plastic containers, pesticides, and non-organic sunscreen. Start reducing your exposure by swapping your plastic food and drink containers with glass containers and choose “green” cleaning products whenever possible.

LIMIT FOODS WITH HEAVY METALS

Heavy metals, like mercury, can contribute to the development of autoimmune conditions. (3) Fish tends to be high in mercury. Ahi and albacore tuna, king mackerel, swordfish, and Gulf tilefish are some of the top offenders. (4) Limit your amount of exposure to these fish and consume them in moderation. The fish with the lowest mercury levels are salmon, cod, tilapia, and catfish. If you’re interested in testing for heavy metal levels, please contact me on how to order a hair sample test. 

If you’re serious about feeling good and losing stubborn weight, discover your hidden stressors with diagnostic tests. Removing the hidden stressors will help you break free from the vicious yo-yo weight loss cycle. 

Schedule a Break thru the Gut Rut strategy call with me today to start understanding your reactive foods and how to balance your system to start feeling good. Schedule your session here-> BREAK THRU

 Be Gutsy as a Mother,

-Mary