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Energy Balance:
How the Human Body Thrives
Only with Efficient Thyroid Activity
Human energy balance is
determined by the foods that we eat and how we metabolize them. Located
below the Adam's apple, the thyroid gland is positioned in the neck.
Thyroxin, a hormone that controls metabolism, is produced there. The thyroid
gland also serves as a thermostat for the entire body. The body's entire
metabolic process is slowed when the thyroid is not producing enough
thyroxin. In such times, you will feel fatigued, be prone to gain weight
easily - and experience increased sensitivity to cold temperatures.
Balancing your energy levels has everything to do with maintaining balanced
thyroid performance.
Nutritional deficiencies and an overabundance of stress in one's life will
cause the thyroid to be unbalanced. Poor food intake choices will deplete
the nutrients that your thyroid gland requires to function properly. In
order to make sure that your thyroid remains vibrant and healthy, be sure to
get adequate amounts (without overdoing them!!) of the following nutrients:
-
Vitamins B C and E;
-
Iodine;
-
Zinc;
Your thyroid gland may also perform inefficiently when thyroxin is unable to
be converted into its active state (known as T3). This happens during
periods of adrenal fatigue when the adrenal glands do not produce and
release another hormone specifically required for thyroxin conversion. In
addition, the adrenal glands help us to adapt to and deal with periods of
high stress. Further, the adrenal glands also assist with controlling
blood-glucose levels - which again are necessary for the efficient
conversion of thyroxin to T3.
A note about Hashimoto's disease:
Hashimoto's disease is a condition of low thyroid activity where the body
becomes allergic to thyroxin. Those affected with this condition produce
antibodies in the immune system that actually attack the thyroid gland
itself. If you feel that you may be affected by Hashimoto's disease, you
should schedule a complete thyroid examination with your doctor.
The most common low thyroid symptoms include:
-
Excessive fatigue levels;
-
An inability to tolerate
cold temperatures;
-
Feeling drowsy and mentally
confused;
-
A slowed heart rate;
-
Thinning hair and hair
loss;
-
Persistent constipation;
-
Lacking libido;
-
Skin that is swollen and
dried;
-
Unintentional weight gain;
-
Heavy menstrual flow;
-
Persistent depression;
-
Weakness in the muscles;
Other conditions commonly associated with low thyroid activity:
In order to maintain balanced energy levels and proper thyroid functioning,
consider the following tips:
-
Reduce refined
carbohydrates and sugar-filled foods from your diet. These foods make your
blood-glucose level imbalanced which in turn may lead to adrenal fatigue.
-
Packaged, processed and
prepared foods often contain chemicals that will deplete the body's stored
reserves of the nutrients that capacitate proper thyroid functioning. Try to
eat more naturally prepared foods.
-
Some research shows that
Goitrogen levels are significantly increased by excessive amounts of soya
products. This may cause the thyroid to be unable to function properly.
-
Other goitrogenic food
sources include turnips, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, pine nuts,
mustard, peanuts and millet. Avoid very high portions of these foods and
always cook them thoroughly.
-
Eat a little more
iodine-rich foods including kelp, dulse, Swiss chard, egg yolk, granules of
lecithin, sesame seed butter, onions, artichokes, garlic, seeds and nuts.
(Do NOT eat too much of these foods!!)
-
Take in adequate amounts of
B, C and D Vitamins as well as zinc by eating sufficient portions of fresh
fruits and vegetables, avocados, poultry, eggs and whole grain foods
sources.
And of course, it is always very important to get at least 30 minutes of
exercise each day. Physical activity is directly responsible for stimulating
thyroid secretions. Any type of exercise is OK - just make sure that you get
your pulse rate up high enough to break a sweat. Regular physical activity
also greatly reduces your stress levels which is imperative for maintaining
proper thyroid activity levels. And don't forget to relax regularly by
engaging in yoga, meditation, massage and/or Tai Chi. It's also a great idea
to take regular hot baths and nature walks.
Maintaining balanced energy levels throughout the course of your life has
everything to do with ensuring proper thyroid activity. Give yourself the
proper nutrients and the activity levels that you need in order to thrive!
Problems Thyroid Glands Affecting
Ability to Lose Weight
Symptoms & Diagnosis for Developing Graves
Disease
You must seek approval from your doctor
before starting any new diet.
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