How Does Your Thyroid Gland Affect Overall Health?

The thyroid gland along with the hormone it produces controls the energy that runs through your body. It is a relatively small gland, but serves a very important function. When this gland is compromised, it affects your metabolism causing it to slow down. This can have numerous repercussions such as fatigue, weight can, dry and flaky skin and nails, hair loss, mood swings, and low concentration levels, just to name a few. This gland essentially affects every organ in your body.

The best way to maintain a healthy thyroid is to eat a well balanced diet full of whole foods and one that includes iodine. Iodine is responsible for T1, T2, T3 and T4 hormones in your thyroid. To produce these hormones, the thyroid needs to have a sufficient amount of iodine which can be found in many types of seafood. Moreover, the thyroid gland also requires other nutrients such tyrosine which is an amino acid found in meat, dairy and eggs to name a few. Selenium is another nutrient needed found in whole grains, tuna and nuts. Two others, zinc and copper, can be found in seafood, seeds, nuts, beans and whole grains.

Last, but not least, vitamins A, B, C, D, and E as well as Omega-3 are extremely important in maintaining a healthy thyroid. Taking these supplements and eating a diet sufficient in protein will help keep your thyroid functioning properly as protein is needed to transport thyroid hormone throughout the bloodstream.