Thyroid Problems: Controlling Energy and Weight

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 produces a hormone called Thyroxin, which regulates the body’s metabolism, and is one of the most important hormones involved in weight loss. It 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, gain weight more easily, and experience increased sensitivity to cold temperatures. Balancing your energy levels has everything to do with maintaining balanced thyroid performance.

What Causes the Thyroid to Become Unbalanced?

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.

The most common low thyroid symptoms include:

• Fatigue, drowsiness, mental confusion and depression
• An inability to tolerate cold temperatures;
• Persistent constipation;
• Lacking libido;
• Skin that is swollen and dried;
• Unintentional weight gain;
• Heavy menstrual flow;

Other conditions that are commonly associated with low thyroid activity include Candida, high LDL cholesterol levels, Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

In order to maintain balanced energy levels and proper thyroid functioning, consider the following tips:

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.)
6. 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. 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.