Our thyroids are an integral part of our body’s system - and are responsible for regulating overall metabolism through thyroid hormones (inactive form T4, active form T3) that are released. Often times from stress, our thyroids can be thrown out of balance where it can either be over functioning (hyperthyroidism) or under functioning (hypothyroidism).

When our thyroids are healthy, our body utilizes our fuel and properly burns fat thus helping us maintain proper weight. Our brains function at their maximum without brain fog, poor concentration or sluggishness. You will notice stronger bones, nails and skin as cells are broken down and replaced at proper levels. Lastly, our thyroid hormones influence healthy heart rate, proper blood flow and healthy menstrual cycles for fertility.

Here are 6 ways to support a healthy thyroid:

B Vitamins

• Support the production of thyroid hormones for those that have hypothyroidism

• Where we can find B vitamins in food: red meat, fish, poultry, eggs, legumes, nuts, seeds, leafy greens, avocado

Vitamin D

• Important to support autoimmune thyroid issues like Hashimoto’s

• Supports bone health

• Boosts your immunity

• Where you can find vitamin D: sunlight

Iodine

• Most important chemical for thyroid hormones production

• Where you can get iodine: seaweed, kelp, salt water fish

Selenium

• Support the conversion of T4 to T3

• Where you can find selenium: brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, eggs, red meat, fish, shellfish, organ meat

Zinc

• Support the conversion of T4 to T3

• Where to find zinc: red meat, pork, shellfish, legumes, nuts, seeds, eggs, organ meat

Iron

• Support the conversion of iodide to iodine

• Support the conversion of T4 to T3

• Where to find iron: red meat, organ meat, clams, mussels, oysters, spinach

Of course, Acupuncture also supports your endocrine system by encouraging the parasympathetic nervous system to take over — this allows the heart rate to slow down, and blood pressure and cortisol (the stress hormone) levels to drop. Essentially, acupuncture helps everything in your body function better by regulating it toward homeostasis.

Please consult with your Meta Health provider so we can review your symptoms and blood work to determine your personalized functional medicine integrative treatment plan to support a healthy thyroid.