Taking charge of your thyroid: A natural approach

Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, which produces several hormones that have an impact on your metabolism function, hair growth, menstrual cycle and energy levels.

- Neha Ghosh

When there is an abnormal production of thyroid hormones, thyroid problems occur. There are two types of thyroid disorder: hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. When the thyroid gland produces excess hormones it is called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Thyroid problems mostly occur as a result of stress, poor diet or lack of exercise. So, here are some effective ways to manage your thyroid problems naturally.

Go on a healthy diet:

A well-balanced diet which includes colourful fruits and vegetables rich in antioxidants, low-fat dairy products and whole grains can help manage or prevent thyroid problems. Consuming foods rich in vitamin B12, such as peas, asparagus, sesame seeds, tuna, eggs, milk and cheese can help the thyroid gland to function properly.

Limit your sugar intake:

Excess sugar consumption is harmful if you have a thyroid disease because it leads to increased inflammation in the body. Thyroid produces two hormones triiodothyronine, known as T3 and thyroxine, known as T4. An increase in inflammation can slow down the conversion of the T4 hormone to T3 hormone and this can worsen the symptoms of thyroid disease.

Eat probiotic-rich foods: