Over 12% of the population in the developed world will experience a thyroid problem at some point of their life. This situation can even be called “epidemic”, since the incidence of thyroid cancer has doubled in the last forty years. This is a very big problem, because this small gland in our necks is the primary component of our immune system. If the thyroid is not functioning properly, we can become susceptible to many illnesses.
The thyroid produces hormones that are in charge of the regulation of the metabolism, heart rate, digestion, muscle control, and even brain development. Typical problems with the thyroid are hypothyroidism – when the thyroid is under-active and hyperthyroidism – when the thyroid is over-active.
When the thyroid doesn’t produce adequate amounts of hormones, especially triiodothyronine and thyroxine the metabolism slows down, thus resulting in weight gain, fatigue, increased blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and also depression.
On the other hand, the production of too many of these hormones will have the opposite effect, so as a result uncontrollable weight loss, accelerated heart rate, insomnia, and anxiety will occure.
Environmental but also lifestyle factors can contribute to a malfunctioning thyroid and, while some can not be controlled, many can.
Toxin Overload
One of the most important factors of thyroid malfunction are the microscopic fungi in the air and food. These fungi usually live on our skin and in other warm, moist places and mycosis is the term that is used for an illness that occur due to their overabundance internalized trough the air or through the skin.
Mycotoxicosis is another group of diseases that can occur when humans get over-exposed to these fungi.
These fungi aren’t destructive per se, it’s when the immune system weakens and allows them to run rampant, when they start to challenge the immune system. Mycotoxins are responsible for the cause of symptoms that are in range from annoying eye twitching to multiple sclerosis.
These are the food sources of known mycotoxins:
- Alcoholic beverages
- Antibiotics
- Barley
- Cheese
- Corn
- Cottonseed
- Peanuts
- Sorghum
- Sugar
- Wheat
A healthy thyroid is an imperative for our system to be able to keep fighting all the toxins to which we are regularly exposed. We have the direct control of the condition of our own immune systems through the way we live and what we eat. This is of course, if we are not born with a physiological condition. If we find a way to reducie our own vulnerability, we can make ourselves a great service.
Potential causes of thyroid dysfunction:
- Fluoride
- Family history
- Iodine deficiency
- Pesticides
- Radiation, including X-rays
- Too much soy in the diet
- Smoking cigarettes
- Chronic stress
- Chemicals and contaminants in tap water
- Xenoestrogens in food and personal care products.
To keep the thyroid at optimal efficiency, you should consciously support it with these foods:
- Brazil nuts
- Dulce – an unsurpassed source of iodine
- Eggs
- Fish (halibut, flounder, wild salmon, sardines)
- Fruits (berries and lemons)
- Herbs
- Hypothyroid “miracle drink” (click for recipe)
- Mushrooms
- Sunflower seeds
- Vegetables – except for cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts if your thyroid is compromised
- Purified water via reverse osmosis
Avoid the following:
- Alcohol
- Beans and other legumes
- Coffee
- Dairy
- Fried food
- Grains
- Processed foods
- Soy
- Refined sugar and artificial sweeteners.
Increased activity levels can be of great support for the immune system in every way. Any exercise will do the trick, as long as it’s done regularly.
When it comes to dieting, if you simply cut out the stuff that’s detrimental and replace it with fresh organic products and healthy sources of proteins and fats, it will give your body what it needs.
