Are you experiencing fertility issues and have been diagnosed with an Underactive Thyroid? Learn the best foods for Thyroid problems and why you should try acupuncture to alleviate its symptoms.
WHAT IS THE THYROID?
The thyroid is an endocrine gland that sits in the front of the neck, that is responsible for energy, metabolism, hormone regulation, body weight, and blood calcium levels.
Thyroid disorders can be diagnosed by testing the levels of thyroid hormones in your blood and result in either an overproduction (hyperthyroidism) or underproduction (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones.
People with hyperthyroidism often suffer from symptoms like:
Weight loss even tough they have increased appetite
Heart palpitations, higher blood pressure, excessive perspiration and nervousness
More frequent bowel movements, sometimes with diarrhea
Muscle weakness, trembling
Lighter or shorter menstrual periods
People with hypothyroidism often suffer from symptoms like:
Lethargy and depression
Reduced heart rate
Great sensitivity to cold
Tingling or numbness in the hands
Constipation, heavy menstrual periods, or dry skin and hair
ARE YOU EXPERIENCING FERTILITY ISSUES AND HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED WITH AN UNDERACTIVE THYROID?
Some studies suggest that Thyroid problems, especially if you have an underactive thyroid, can be associated with Infertility and Period irregularity.
Thyroid hormones control our body Metabolic Rate, which regulates our energy levels and body temperature.
The thyroid mainly needs two minerals for proper functioning. The Thyroid needs IODINE to produce thyroid hormones and SELENIUM to convert thyroid hormone (T4) into its active form (T3).
IF YOU HAVE AN UNDERACTIVE THYROID MAKE SURE TO INCLUDE THESE MINERALS IN YOUR DIET.
Where can I find SELENIUM?
Selenium is found in food such as:
- sunflower seeds
- Brazil nuts
- garlic
- mushroom
- onion
Where can I find IODINE?
Iodine is found in food such as:
- seafood
- seaweed
- shellfish
- kelp
- eggs
- iodised salt
Iodine is especially important for Infant and Pregnant women (need 50%more), even though you haven't been diagnosed with thyroid problems, such as an under-active thyroid. Pregnant women need more Iodine because it is super important for their baby's brain and bone development.
4 SIMPLE STEPS TO OVERCOME THYROID PROBLEMS & IMPROVE WOMEN'S HEALTH:
1) Try to get plenty of the best foods for thyroid problems (listed above - the UNDER-ACTIVE THYROID DIET)
2) AVOID FLUORIDE, as among all the bad effects it has on the body, it also slows the thyroid function and can aggravate thyroid problems. To improve women's health, make sure to switch to a natural toothpaste! My favourite brands are Kingfisher and DoTerra.
3) LIMIT GOITROGENS intake as this interferes with your thyroid's ability to absorb iodine, resulting in your thyroid not being able to produce enough thyroid hormones to regulate your metabolism.
Goitrogens are found in:
- Raw cruciferous vegetable (i.e. broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale. etc..). The good news is that you can still have them.. they are actually very good for you as they have tons of health benefits; but make sure you either ferment, steam or cook them.
- Soy: you can have some but be sure it's either fermented or cooked (such as tofu and edamame); ages (such as miso, tempeh, Tamari sauce)
- Have a smaller amount of spinach, strawberries, peanuts and peaches
While Western medicine rely mainly on drugs and surgery to restore thyroid hormone levels, Traditional Chinese medicine (the system on which acupuncture is based) has a more holistic approach. TCM practitioners will try to restore optimal immune function as well as balance the production and release of thyroid hormones through acupuncture, lifestyle changes and special exercises.
Acupuncture for thyroid problems is a specialised type of acupuncture that focuses on restoring hormonal balance, regulating energy levels, and helping to manage sleep, emotions, and menstrual problems.
There are a lot of powerful acupuncture points both in the ear and around the body which may help with the goals listed above, especially restoring hormonal balance.
Research has shown how acupuncture can affect brain chemistry by stimulating the production of endogenous opioids affecting the autonomic nervous system and so it can initiate the relaxation response, putting your body in healing mode.
Acupuncture for thyroid conditions may differ every time you receive a treatment as acupuncturists select the points to needle depending on how you feel the day of your session and take all your symptoms into account. We aim to balance the energy within the body and optimise your health.
Research is still limited about the effectiveness of acupuncture for treating thyroid disease, even tough a 2018 study found several to be promising. Acupuncture for thyroid conditions may be helpful to:
Increase levels of thyroid hormones in patients suffering from hypothyroidism
Lowering levels of thyroid hormones in people suffering from hyperthyroidism
Promote relaxation and Reduce sensitivity to pain and stress
Help to disperse swelling as it can improve muscle stiffness and joint mobility by increasing blood circulation in small blood vessels
Promote the release of vascular and immune modulatory factors, thus reducing inflammation
OUR ACUPUNCTURE CLINIC LONDON FOR THYROID PROBLEMS IN LONDON
Book today your first appointment, and make thyroid problems a distant memory as you embrace a new life of vitality and balance while improving fertility.
We hope you enjoyed learning how to incorporate more healthy food which will help you boosting your metabolism and hopefully overcome thyroid problems.
