Dia Dahl
The thyroid gland regulates your metabolism and impacts every organ system. The gland is located inside the neck and is regulated by your pituitary gland, situated at the base of the brain. The two hormones produced out of the thyroid gland are referred to as T3, tri-iodothyronine, and T4, thyroxine. Too much or too little of these hormones has a significant impact on how you function daily. Thyroid disorders include overactive or underactive thyroid, nodules and parathyroidism. According to Columbia University Medical Center, thyroid disorders are common in the United States and impact over 20 million people in a given year.
Step 1
Get a physical exam and blood tests. Accurate diagnosis of the type of thyroid condition you may have is key to correcting an imbalance. Explain the symptoms you are experiencing to your physician. Different thyroid disorders have multiple symptoms including heat or cold intolerance, unexplained weight gain or loss and fatigue. The most effective measurement of thyroid hormone production is done by blood work to determine your thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, level. Additional tests may be required if other thyroid problems are suspected.
Step 2
Take prescribed medications as directed. The primary method for correcting thyroid imbalance is through hormone replacement or anti-thyroid medications. Hypothyroidism causes too little thyroid hormone production. In this event, medication to increase your thyroxine hormone is required. Hyperthyroidism is the opposite, and results in excessive thyroid hormone production. In this event, anti-thyroid medications are used to prevent your thyroid gland from producing too much hormone. For some, use of thyroid-related medications is lifelong after diagnosis. However, this is best determined by your physician at diagnosis and through yearly TSH testing.
Step 3
Eat a well-balanced diet with foods containing essential vitamins and minerals. The level of nutrients you consume on a daily basis impact thyroid balance. In addition to medical treatment, start making changes to your diet to include food sources of vitamins and minerals. Vitamins are essential for your body, but are not made naturally in your body. Consuming foods like green vegetables, colorful fruits, lean poultry or fish and whole grains supplies your body with vitamins A, C, D, E and K, as well as all of the B vitamins. Additionally, these foods supply your body with trace minerals like iron, copper, selenium and iodine. The vitamins and minerals from foods work together to supply energy, metabolism of fats and proteins and antioxidants for overall health.
Step 4
Exercise regularly to stimulate your appetite and maintain energy. According to the Hormone Foundation, getting regular exercise is an important component of maintaining thyroid health. Start gradually with walking for 20 minutes a day and work your way up to moderate cardiovascular activity. Jogging and biking are options in addition to taking aerobics classes at the gym. Exercise helps your body metabolize foods and is a good source of energy to fight the symptoms of thyroid imbalance.
Step 5
Get plenty of sleep. The value of adequate sleep for keeping all of your body systems refreshed, in addition to your thyroid, is immeasurable. Seven to eight hours of restful sleep per day is the average for good health; however, this is also based on individual factors specific to your lifestyle. In formulating a treatment plan for balancing your thyroid, talk to your physician about sleep requirements for your condition.
Tips and Warnings
- Before taking vitamin and mineral supplements, consult your physician for safety.
- A thyroidectomy is an option that may be recommended if medication and lifestyle changes do not provide adequate treatment for hyperthyroidism.
