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It scares me to think that thyroid disorders are a global epidemic with potentially devastating health consequences. 

The experts estimate a staggering 20 million people suffer from a thyroid disorder in the US.

You are certainly not alone with that rising number.

European countries are not exempt either, up to 5.3% of the population has Hypothyroidism. And the amount that has subclinical Hypothyroidism (a milder form) has been estimated as high as 15%.

Here is the crazy part:

The majority of thyroid disorders are undiagnosed. 

According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) estimated that in the US, about 13 million don’t know they have the condition. 

In other countries, more than half the people with the disease don’t know they have it. 

That’s a huge problem: It causes many people to suffer from thyroid disorders, like fatigue, depression, and weight gain without seeking treatment. 

And this puts them at risk of developing several severe health conditions. 

Let me summarise what to expect from this article and hopefully you will find some useful information to set you on the right track to a healthier you:

  • Help you figure out whether you might have a Thyroid disorder by learning about the symptoms.
  • Teach you about the health risks of leaving Hypothyroidism untreated.
  • Teach you how you can diagnose if you have Hypothyroidism or another thyroid disease.
  • Give you important information about why there’s sometimes a problem with accurately diagnosing Hypothyroidism: The dangerous grey zone.
  • Give you important information about the problems & dangers of Hypothyroidism medication.
  • Give you 9 steps to tackle an underactive Hypothyroidism with a holistic approach, so your symptoms may improve.       
  • In the 9 steps, you will learn about diet recommendations, supplement recommendations, and lifestyle recommendations for a thriving thyroid.

What is Hypothyroidism?

You most likely have an idea of what Hypothyroidism is. 

But for those just starting to learn Hypothyroidism is an underactive thyroid; the disorder is where your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of the thyroid hormones “triiodothyronine (T3)” and “thyroxine (T4).” 

These hormones are responsible for your metabolism, and it can be tough to lose weight when you have the condition, among other nasty side effects. 

But because these hormones also affect pretty much every function in your body, it can have many different symptoms.

What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?

To better understand hypothyroidism and symptoms, I have listed the most common signs that may indicate the disease.

I know this is a big list, but stick with me.

  • You feel tired and exhausted throughout the day.
  • You gain weight unintendedly. 
  • You have a hard time losing weight.
  • You have a puffy face, feet’s and hands. 
  • You’re more easily irritated than usual.
  • You have less patience than average.
  • You experience mood swings you have no control over.
  • You feel depressed.
  • You always feel burned out.
  • You have a lack of energy and mental clarity throughout the day.
  • You have a hard time remembering day to day things.
  • You have a thinning hairline.
  • You have an increased sensitivity to cold.
  • Your skin is noticeably dry.
  • You have high cholesterol.

The health risks of leaving Hypothyroidism untreated

If you have undiagnosed hypothyroidism, you could be at risk of developing several health conditions that you may develop later in life.

  • Developing heart problems: You’re at more risk of developing serious heart problems like heart disease and heart failure. Low production of the hormone thyroxine is often associated with high levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol: The wrong type of cholesterol. 
  • Developing mental health problems: Depressions is one of the symptoms of Hypothyroidism. But leaving the condition untreated can also put you into a more profound depression. And make it harder to break free from it. You’re also at risk of decreasing your mental functioning like your consciousness, orientation, motivation, impulse control, memory, emotion, and perception. 
  • Infertility: A lack of thyroid hormone can lead to interference with ovulation. It can decrease the chances of conceiving. 
  • Conceiving a child with congenital disabilities: It increases your child’s risk of being born with intellectual and development problems. 
  • Damaging your peripheral nerves: It can lead to peripheral neuropathy, a condition where your peripheral nerves that carry information to your brain and spinal cord are damaged. It causes a feeling of pain, numbness, and tingling. 
  • Developing Myxedema: Myxedema is an extreme form of hypothyroidism. While cases of Myxedema are rare, it’s a life-threatening condition. It can cause your metabolism to slow down so much you fall into a coma.
  • Developing Goiter (an enlarged thyroid gland): Not producing enough Thyroid hormones can cause your thyroid gland to increase in size, which can show a lump in your neck. The condition is called “Goiter.” While Goiter is not dangerous, it does look unappealing. And it can tighten up your throat, make it harder to swallow and, in severe cases, make it harder to breathe.
  • Speeding up the aging process: There’s a strong association between the functioning of the thyroid gland and the aging process: If your thyroid gland doesn’t work correctly, it can speed up the aging process[1].


How to get tested for Hypothyroidism

Probably wondering how do I get tested? 

You can ask your doctor for a blood test, but they may not test the entire thyroid measures. I recommend using a company that specializes in a comprehensive thyroid test with a doctor who reviews your results and sends an easy to understand report via the secure online portal.

If you decide to order a home testing kit, I recommend this company, which specializes in blood tests for several conditions, including hypothyroidism and they have over 300 reviews from customers who have done the thyroid test.

How it works is they send a home testing kit to your doorstep. You give a small drop of blood from one of your fingers with the supplied equipment. 

Send the test kit back to the lab, and an independent board-certified physician will then go over your results and write an easy to understand report which you can download and take to your primary physician. 

Many women and men live with undiagnosed hypothyroidism, and the disease can lead to more serious health concerns without a diagnosis and treatment plan. If you think you have hypothyroidism, you should take a Thyroid Test, which you can order your thyroid home testing kit here.

An analysis of your blood will be testing your thyroid-stimulating hormone production (TSH) levels. 

A high TSH level indicates your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormone.

There are specific guidelines to determine whether you have Hypothyroidism:

  • Your TSH production will test normal if you fall within the 0.4 milliunits per liter (mU/L) to 4.4 mU/L range[2]
  • You will be diagnosed with low-grade hypothyroidism if your TSH productions fall within the 4.4 mU/l to 20 mU/L range.
  • You will be diagnosed with moderate to severe hypothyroidism if your TSH production is above the 20 mU/l mark.
  • You will be in the gray zone for too much thyroid hormone or pituitary dysfunction if your TSH production falls within the 0.1 mU/l to 0.39 mU/L range.
  • You will be diagnosed with hyperthyroidism (an overactive thyroid hormone) if you produce less than 0.1 mU/l


An elevated level of T4 (thyroxine) production could also indicate your thyroid is not functioning correctly. 

The problem with accurately diagnosing hypothyroidism: The grey zone

Unfortunately, these guidelines are not always 100% conclusive. 

Because there is a grey zone in the testing, test results fall within the high end of the normal range; you could still suffer from hypothyroidism or be at an increased risk of developing Hypothyroidism.

Here’s why: 

Guidelines developed by calculating how much TSH people produce on average. 

But here’s the thing: 

Everyone naturally produces a different amount of TSH. 

So, if your test results fall within the high end of the normal range, it could still mean you’re producing more TSH than usual.

It’s also not uncommon for TSH levels to fluctuate. 

So, if you test in the grey zone on one day, you could be diagnosed with hypothyroidism another day. 

That’s why you should be extremely cautious if your test comes back at the high end of the “normal” range. 

One research showed that 50% of women diagnosed in the grey zone developed hypothyroidism within ten years[3]

Don’t take it lightly.

The problems and risks of Hypothyroidism medication

Now:

If you’re diagnosed with Hypothyroidism, your doctor will prescribe you the medication “Levothyroxine.” Levothyroxine goes under the brand names “Levoxyl,” “Synthroid,” and “Unithroid.” And can be taken in three forms: Via an oral tablet, a capsule, or through an injection.

It works by restoring your thyroid levels by replacing the amount of thyroxine that’s missing. 

While, in most cases, it accomplishes that goal. It’s not a cure for Hypothyroidism: 

You will need to take the medication for life unless your condition changes!

The potential side effects of Levothyroxine are not pretty.

The most common ones are:

  • increased appetite
  • heat sensitivity
  • excessive sweating
  • headache
  • hyperactivity
  • nervousness
  • anxiety
  • irritability
  • mood swings
  • trouble sleeping
  • tiredness
  • tremors
  • muscle weakness
  • changes in menstrual periods
  • hair loss (usually temporary)
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • stomach cramps
  • sweating
  • chest pain
  • headaches
  • diarrhea 
  • And vomiting.

In rare cases, long term use can also cause serious health problems:

  • Heart attack: Symptoms can include: Chest pain, shortness of breath, discomfort in your upper body.
  • Heart failure. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, extreme tiredness, swelling in your legs, ankles, or feet and unexpected weight gain.
  • A fast heart rate.
  • And an irregular heart rhythm.

The foods and medicines that hinder Levothyroxine use:

It’s important to know that Levothyroxine doesn’t work well with certain foods and medication.

In combination with other medications like antidepressants, blood thinners, sympathomimetic drugs, and ketamine, Levothyroxine can increase the adverse effects of these drugs. 

Foods like soybean flour, cottonseed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, calcium, and calcium-fortified juices can make it harder for your body to absorb levothyroxine. 

The effectiveness of Levothyroxine

Most people see their condition improve after taking Levothyroxine. 

But that’s not always the case: About one-fifth of people don’t see a change in their state. Many people feel like their doctors do not hear their complaints. You might also notice some symptoms remain even after taking the medication.

There’s also a lot of debate about whether Levothyroxine is prescribed too often. 

New research has concluded that thyroid hormones should not routinely be prescribed to adults with mildly underactive thyroid glands[4]. The medication does not always improve the patient’s quality of life over long term use. 

Levothyroxine also fails to normalize cholesterol levels, which is a significant concern when you have Hypothyroidism.

LOSING WEIGHT WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM

To lose weight with hypothyroidism comes down to first having it diagnosed and putting a treatment plan in place.

Once you have established a plan, start to support the thyroid by changing your lifestyle.

Fundamentally, all weight loss comes down to calories in vs. calories out. However, when you have an underactive thyroid it slows your weight loss but does not stop it.

You want to support the thyroid gland by eating the nutrient foods, exercising, sleep, and reducing stress.

Taking supplements designed to support the thyroid and its function is ideal, as it will help with improving fat loss.

Follow the steps below to learn how to better support thyroid function. Again, a better functioning thyroid will improve weight loss, providing you follow a diet and exercise plan.

EAT WHOLESOME FOOD FOR HEALTH

It’s no surprise that your diet affects basically every functioning system in your body, including your hormones and, you guessed it, your thyroid.

So, it’s important to eat foods that give you the nutrition you need and avoid foods that throw your hormones for a loop.

There are several essential ingredients that you need in your diet to help combat hypothyroidism and its negative effects on your body and weight.

Here are some key foods to include in your diet.

  • Omega-3 Fatty Acids: wild-caught salmon, mackerel, flax seeds, chia seeds
  • Probiotics: yogurt, kimchi, kombucha
  • Fiber: fresh veggies, beans, seeds
  • Iodine: seaweed, raw dairy, certain wild-caught fish
  • Selenium: yellowfin tuna, canned sardines, eggs, spinach
  • Vitamin B12: raw cheese, eggs, beef liver, cottage cheese

That long list of foods may seem overwhelming – however, you can also supplement with natural remedies to give your body it’s best chance to fight back against hypothyroidism.

Wholesome food is always the number one recommended choice.

If you believe you may have hypothyroidism or would like to lose weight faster using a natural supplement that supports your thyroid function.

I highly recommend Thyroid RX from ATP Science, a potent, natural supplement that combines zinc, selenium, iodine, and other supporting nutrients that may support your thyroid function and fire up your metabolism to lose fat and regain control of your health.

In no way do you need to take the recommended supplement but, it may help support your thyroid. You can consume food that is known to support your thyroid if you don’t like to take supplements.

Here are some of the ingredients in T432 Plus Thyroid Support from the ATP Science website:

  • Tyrosine – Provides the backbone structure for T4, T3, and T2
  • Iodine – Required for the production of thyroid hormones (T4, T3, and T2)
  • Chromium – Helps make insulin work better thus reducing insulin resistance
  • Zinc – Required for the conversion of the T4 to T3
  • Selenium – Required for the conversion of T4 to T3

To read the full ingredient list and the scientific breakdown on how Thyroid RX supports the thyroid hormone for fat loss click here.  

9 steps to tackle an underactive Thyroid with a holistic approach

The fact that Hypothyroidism can develop into several severe health conditions and the overuse and sometimes ineffective medication highlights one thing: 

Trying different approaches to hypothyroidism can find some relief. 

However, what may work for you may not work for others.


A holistic approach can play a crucial role in improving your symptoms and may prevent a serious condition from developing. 

Diet changes for a thriving Thyroid 

Certain nutrients play a vital role in the production of thyroid hormones. That’s why you should change your diet to support your thyroid. 

Here are the essential nutrients that support your thyroid:

  • Iodine
  • Vitamin A
  • All of the Vitamin B’s
  • Selenium
  • Zinc
  • Tyrosine (in combination with Iodine)
  • Vitamin D

What can I do to increase these vital nutrients in my diet?:

1. Eat more iodine-rich foods 

A lack of iodine is one of the leading causes of Hypothyroidism. Iodine is an essential mineral your body needs to produce thyroid hormone.

As an adult, you should be getting 150 micrograms (mcg) every day. The recommended amount of iodine for other age groups is as follows:

  • Birth to 6 months: 110 mcg
  • Infants 7 – 12 months: 130 mcg
  • Children 1- 8 years: 90 mcg
  • Children 9 -13 years: 120 mcg
  • Teens 14 – 18 years: 150 mcg
  •  Pregnant teens and women: 220 mcg
  • Breastfeeding teens and women: 290 mcg

But a large part of the population is not meeting these numbers. Iodine deficiency is recognized as a global health issue. Almost one-third of the world’s population lives in areas of iodine deficiency. 

The experts estimate that 187 million people (2.7% of the population) had an iodine deficiency in 2010[5]. This deficiency led to many diseases and resulted in 2700 deaths in 2013. 

You’re at most risk of not getting enough iodine from your diet when:

  • You don’t eat iodized salt: Adding iodine to salt is the most widely used strategy to control iodine deficiency. Currently, about 70% of households worldwide use iodized salt.
  • You’re pregnant: If you’re pregnant, you need about 50% more iodine. When you start breastfeeding you need 100%
  • You live in a region with iodine-deficient soils: When you live in mountain areas or river valleys, the land used to produce local food usually contains less iodine. 
  • You eat many foods that contain goitrogens: Foods that contain goitrogens can interfere with the way your body uses iodine. These foods include soy and vegetables such as cabbages, broccoli cauliflower, and Brussel sprouts.
  • You’ve cut out dairy products from your diet: Dairy products are some of the few foods high in iodine. 


It can help to get your iodine levels tested. But there’s still a problem with these tests: It only shows how much iodine is in your system at a specific moment. But not if you’re getting enough iodine from your diet over a long period. 

 To make sure you get enough, you should eat enough of the following iodine-rich foods:

  • Seafood: Cod, Tuna, shrimp, Seaweed oysters, seaweed, nori, Arame Kelp, Kombu Kelp, Hiziki
  • Dairy products: Milk, yogurt and cheese 
  • Fruits and vegetables: Organic potatoes, Prunes, Lima beans, Cape Cod Cranberries
  • Eggs
  • Iodized salt

There is a double edge sword for too much iodine:

Eating too many iodine-rich foods can also have harmful effects. The upper limit for iodine is as follows:

  • Birth to 12 months: Not established
  • Children 1 – 3 years: 200 mcg
  • Children 4 – 8 years: 300 mcg
  • Children 9 – 13 years: 600 mcg
  • Teens 14- 18 years: 900 mcg
  • Adults: 1,100 mc


2. Eat foods high in the other essential nutrients for thyroid hormone production

To get enough of the other essential nutrients needed for thyroid hormone production, here are some recommendations of foods you can eat:

 Selenium: Whole grains, wheat germ, oatmeal, mushrooms, cabbage, garlic, egg noodles, soybeans, Brazil nuts, walnuts, cashews, lean beef, tuna, eggs Zinc Herring, seafood, fish, lean meat, turkey, wheat bran, whole grains, soybeans, green vegetables, ginger, dairy, nuts 

 Zinc: Oysters, beef, crab, pork, chicken, legumes, pumpkin seeds, yogurt

Beta-carotene: Kale, carrots, butternut squash, spinach, cantaloupe, broccoli, asparagus, pumpkin, liver, lettuce, apricots, papaya, ripened oranges, dried peaches and apricots, tomatoes, kiwi, watermelon Vitamin C Red peppers, cauliflower, broccoli, peas, kiwi fruit, leafy green vegetables, vegetables, lemons, white potatoes, orange juice, parsley, cabbage, brussels sprouts, melons, strawberries, tomatoes Vitamin A Milk, eggs, liver, apricots, cantaloupe, pumpkin, squash, turnip, carrots, plums, watermelon, plantains, peas, oatmeal, broccoli, spinach 

Vitamin E: Whole grains, wheat germ, oatmeal, almonds, soybeans, corn, sunflower seeds, liver, cereals, vegetable oil, leafy green vegetables, asparagus 

Riboflavin (vitamin B2): Brazil nuts, almonds, whole grains, wild rice, wheat germ, dairy, eggs, green vegetables, avocados, chicken, turkey, lean pork, organ meats, salmon, asparagus, okra, olives 

Thiamine (vitamin B1): Whole grains, brown rice, soy, peas, fish, lean meat, dried beans Niacin (vitamin B3) Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) Sweet potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, B3) 

Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine): Sweet potatoes, cabbage, tomatoes, mushrooms, lentils, asparagus, leafy greens, eggs, nuts, salmon, tuna, beef, chicken, Cornish hen Chicken, turkey, roast beef, trout, potatoes, nuts and seeds, peanut butter, lima beans, wheat bran, oatmeal, liver, green beans, bananas, carrots Folic acid Beans, whole grains, green peas, broccoli, avocado, leafy greens, turnips, brussels sprouts, okra, citrus fruits, shellfish, legumes         
   

Vitamin B12 (cobalamin): Shellfish, meat, poultry, eggs, dairy products

 3. Eat foods rich in antioxidants 

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the development of Hypothyroidism[6][7]. 

That’s why it can be hugely beneficial to eat foods rich in antioxidants. 

There are many foods that contain antioxidants, but the best ones, according to The USDA, are:

  1. Small red beans
  2. Wild blueberries
  3. Red kidney beans
  4. Pinto beans
  5. Cultivated blueberries
  6. Cranberries
  7. Artichokes
  8. Blackberries
  9. Prunes
  10. Raspberries
  1. Strawberries
  2. Red delicious apples
  3. Granny Smith apples
  4. Pecans
  5. Sweet cherries
  6. Black plums
  7. Russet potatoes
  8. Black beans
  9. Plums
  10. Gala apples
  11. Dark leafy greens

4. Limit the amount of added sugars you eat

It’s essential to cut out added sugars and fructose from your diet as much as possible. Because they can play a role in the development of thyroid diseases[8][9], and worsen your condition. 

Added sugar can cause low-grade or chronic inflammation[10]

Low-grade or chronic inflammation can negatively affect your thyroid gland. 

But it can also have many other adverse health effects, such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes.

You’re more than twice as likely to develop type 2 diabetes when you have hypothyroidism. 

Unfortunately, avoiding added sugars can be challenging; many different foods we eat are high in sugar and routinely added to low-fat products. Products like breakfast cereals, peanut butter, low-fat yogurt, and sauces. 

And the list goes on. 

That’s why it’s so important you start checking food labels for added sugars. 

Your blood glucose levels should stay between 70 and 105 mg/dl at all times. That’s why it can be smart to get your blood glucose levels tested regularly. 

5. Stop using artificial sweeteners 

Research has shown that the artificial sweeteners Aspartame and Sucralose (Splenda) can increase the levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)[11][12] and may play a part in the development of hypothyroidism, but further studies are required. 

Cutting them out of your diet can help to decrease your symptoms.

 6. Stop eating gluten if you have an intolerance 

If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, a gluten-free diet is one of the best things to improve your condition. 

More and more researches show a gluten-free diet can improve the functioning of the thyroid gland. 

For example, one research wite Hashimoto showed it reduces thyroid antibody titers levels after six months. While the condition isn’t completely cured (it’s still impossible to cure Hashimoto’s disease), their symptoms were relieved.

7. Supplement recommendation to support your thyroid

  1. Start using a Thyroid supporting supplement.
  2. Start using a high-quality multivitamin.

Your goal should be to get all the nutrients that play a vital role in producing thyroid hormones from your diet. 

But daily life can sometimes make that hard to do. 

That’s why supplements can be very convenient and beneficial. 

Many types of research have highlighted the benefits of supplements on thyroid disorders[13].  

For example, selenium supplements can play a role in the treatment of Hashimoto’s disease

There is a significant improvement in the condition after taking the supplement: Most users report an improvement in their mood and well-being[14].

These are the guidelines you should when it comes to supplements.

  • For vitamin C, aim to get around 250 – 1,000 milligrams.
  • For Vitamin E, aim to get around 200 – 800 I.U
  • For Beta Carotene and mixed carotenoids: 1,000 – 5,000 IU of vitamin A activity.
  • For Selenium, aim to get around 50 – 100 mcg
  • For Zinc, aim to get around 15 – 20 milligrams
  • For, Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) aim to get about 1.5 milligrams
  • For Niacin (Vitamin B3) aim to get about 15 – 20 milligrams
  • For Pyridoxine (Vitamin B6) aim to get about 25 – 50 milligrams
  • For Folic acid, aim to get about 400 – 600 mcg


8. Start using a natural thyroid supporting supplement
s

The ATP Science Thyroid RX supplement is a great choice to get enough Iodine, Zinc, and Selenium. Made from all-natural ingredients and the added benefit of this supplement is that it boosts your metabolism. 

Slow metabolism is one of the main problems of Hypothyroidism. And can make it difficult to lose weight.

2. Start using a high-quality multivitamin

It’s also essential to take a high-quality multivitamin to get enough of the vital vitamins. ATP Science’s Vital Food is a great option that contains all the vitamins you need and they are all-natural and non-synthetic multivitamins that many brands use:

9. Four lifestyle recommendations for a thriving thyroid 

 These are the most important lifestyle changes you can make to improve your condition. 

  1. Boost thyroid hormone production by exercising
  2. Get rid of harmful toxins by going to the sauna
  3. Reduce stress by meditating


1. Boost thyroid hormone production by exercising

It can be hard to motivate yourself to workout when you’re suffering from the symptoms of Hypothyroidism. 

But here’s a fact that might motivate you: Research has shown that regular exercise helps increase T3 and T4 levels significantly[15]. Even just three minutes of exercise is enough to increase thyroid hormone production.

How much it increases depends on the intensity of the exercise.

Exercise performed at moderate intensity (70% of your maximum heart rate) causes the most significant change in hormone values[16]

While T4 levels continue to increase at high-intensity exercise, the rate of T3 circulation starts to fall. That’s why you should do multiple cardio sessions at moderate intensity each week. 

These sessions will also help to:

  • Increase your energy level
  • Improve your sleep
  • Improve your mood
  • Improve your mental well-being
  • Aid weight loss
  • Boost your metabolism


Weightlifting should also play a big part in your exercise routine. While it’s still unclear whether weightlifting increases thyroid hormone production (research shows mixed results[17].) 

Resistance training is beneficial for several other reasons. Building stronger muscles will help reduce muscle and joint pain and boost your metabolism, which may reduce some symptoms.

 2. Get rid of harmful toxins by going to the sauna

Here’s something you might not be aware of: You come in contact with a vast amount of chemical toxins daily. 

They’re in the air you breathe the food you eat, and many household items. 

Lead, Phthalates, BPAs 1,4-Dioxane, Azodicarbonamide are just a few examples of these toxins. 


A big problem of Hypothyroidism is that you’re in a chronic state of inflammation. Your body has a hard time getting rid of these toxins. Toxins like PCBs and pesticides, in particular, can lower your T3 levels, slow down your metabolism, and make it harder for you to burn fat[18].

Infrared saunas can help you get rid of these toxins by sweating them out. It’s also a fantastic way to reduce stress, improve your mental well-being, and raise your metabolism.

 3. Reduce stress by meditating

Stress can be a trigger for thyroid dysfunctions. And make the symptoms of your conditions worse. 

Because stress decreases triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) production, that’s why you should aim to reduce stress from your daily life.

One of the best ways to reduce stress is through meditation. Research has shown mindfulness meditation can reduce the symptoms of anxiety in people with anxiety disorders. There’s also a good reason why meditation is used to help treat the symptoms of other severe conditions like Fibromyalgia[19]


Other ways to reduce stress include:

  • Yoga
  • Mindfulness
  • Journaling
  • Massages and acupuncture


4. Reduce the potential side-effects of foods that contain Goitrogens

Certain foods you eat contain “Goitrogens.” Goitrogens can prevent the functioning of your thyroid by:

  • Blocking iodine from entering your thyroid gland
  • Reducing TSH production
  • Interfering with TPO, which attaches iodine to the amino acid tyrosine 


The problem is it’s pretty much impossible to avoid eating Goitrogens altogether: This is because they’re in a lot of healthy foods you eat. However, you can prevent the potential adverse effects of goiters by:

  1. Varying your diet
  2. Cooking all your vegetables
  3. Blanching all your vegetables

Takeaways

Hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid, is a serious health condition a large part of the population suffers. But the majority of people with the disease don’t know they have it. 

If you’re feeling fatigued, depressed, and have a hard time losing weight without knowing why you should consider getting a diagnosis. 

You can ask your doctor for a blood test, or you can order a home testing kit.

Medication can help get your symptoms under control. But, unfortunately, they’re not the perfect solution.

You can use a holistic approach next to your medication to improve the symptoms of your condition. And to prevent severe disease from developing. 

The 12 most essential steps you can take to tackle an underactive thyroid with a holistic approach are:

  1. Get more iodine-rich foods into your diet.
  2. Increase foods high in the other essential nutrients for thyroid hormone production.
  3. Eat foods rich in antioxidants.
  4. Limit the amount of added sugars you eat.
  5. Start eating gluten-free if you have an intolerance.
  6. Stop using artificial sweeteners.
  7. Start using a Thyroid boosting supplement.
  8. Start using a high-quality multivitamin.
  9. Boost thyroid hormone production by exercising.
  10. Get rid of harmful toxins by going to the sauna.
  11. Reduce stress by meditating.
  12. Reduce the potential side-effects of foods that contain Goitrogens.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Please read our medical disclaimer.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only. You should seek medical advice from your local healthcare provider before making any changes to your lifestyle and if you have or think you have any issues with your thyroid. 

Footnotes:

[1] https://thyroidresearchjournal.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/1756-6614-5-16

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2394778

[3] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1365-2265.1993.tb02366.x

[4] https://www.bmj.com/content/365/bmj.l2262

[5] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/23245607

[6] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12521231

[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12521231

[8] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.30880

[9] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/ijc.30880

[10] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21807932

[11] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6221534/

[12] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5845588/

[13] https://www.mdpi.com/2075-4418/8/4/70

[14] https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.1089/thy.2009.0351

[15] http://www.amhsjournal.org/article.asp?issn=2321-4848;year=2015;volume=3;issue=2;spage=244;epage=246;aulast=Bansal

[16] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16380698

[17] http://www.imedpub.com/articles/the-effect-of-resistance-training-on-thyroid-hormones.pdf

[18] https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/13590849609001042

[19] https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/art.22478