It’s never too early to prioritize your thyroid health.
The thyroid is one of those things that we never really think about until we start to have problems. Thyroid dysfunction affects about 20 million Americans, and can lead to all kinds of health problems like weight gain, hair loss, cognitive issues, and fatigue.
The thyroid gland produces hormones which regulate your body’s metabolism. It plays a part in heart, muscle, and digestive function as well as cognitive development and bone health.
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While genetic factors definitely play a part in thyroid disease, you can circumvent some of these issues by making lifestyle changes, and taking care of your immune system.
Here are five herbs and supplements that you can take to support your thyroid gland.
Iodine- Iodine supplements, in moderation, can help support the thyroid gland. The recommended daily allowance for adults is 150 micrograms, but definitely talk to a doctor before you start taking it, because it can cause other problems if you take too much.
Zinc- Zinc is important for hormone production in general, and a deficiency of zinc can actually cause hypothyroidism. You generally want to get between 8-11 milligrams of zinc per day, which can be achieved with a supplement if you aren’t getting it through your diet.
Turmeric- Inflammation is the enemy of the thyroid, so turmeric can be very helpful in terms of decreasing inflammation and supporting your immune system.
Ashwaganda- Ashwaganda has been show to help normalize hormone levels, and increase the production of T3 and T4 thyroid hormones. It can cause issues with autoimmune disorders, so check with your doctor before taking it.
Omega-3s- Omega-3 fatty acids are great for fighting inflammation, and also help regulate gut health. Omega 3s have been shown to help combat thyroid dysfunction, so they can’t hurt.