Natural approaches for thyroid health

Thyroid diseases are unfortunately fairly common but they are usually not life threatening. The good news is that there are a number of natural approaches for thyroid health.

Thyroid diseases
A healthy thyroid gland means that it is releasing as much thyroid hormone as we need to keep our metabolism on an even keel.

However, the thyroid can be over active (hyperthyroidism or under active (hypothyroidism). These might manifest in weight loss, tiredness, anxiety and depression, among other symptoms . Other thyroid conditions include the enlargement of the thyroid as seen in goitres and nodules and thyroid cancer.

Nutrition
If you’re looking for natural approaches for thyroid health, nutrition is a good place to start. Certain foods are ideal  for thyroid health, while others are not.

If your thyroid is over active foods such as spinach, broccolli, turips and cabbages are ideal. However, these are best avoded if your throid is under active. Foods rich is essential fatty acids such as oily fish and flaxseed oils, are anti-inflammatory so they assist in the production of hormones. Calcium, magnesium, iodine (but not too much), selenium and zinc are also beneficial for the thyroid.

Yoga for thyroid health
Yoga offers a number of poses that can help stimulate and improve thyroid function. Poses that stimulate the throat or vishuddha chakra are of particular benefit. Sarvangasana, the shoulder stand stimulates the thyroid gland. Begin lying on your back and then raise the legs up to the ceiling.Gradually start to lift the lower back off the mat and use your hands to support the back. Bring the chin close to the chest and keep the legs upright. The recovery pose which follows, Matsyasana, the fish pose is also good for the thyroid and reverse the chin lock in the previous pose. Lie on the back and walk the shoulder blades in. Lift the chest and rest the crown of the head on the mat. Feel the gentle stretch across the neck.

Other natural approaches for thyroid
There are plenty of other natural approaches for thyroid Health out there. Seek out a natural health practitioner for a full range of options. Naturopathy and herbal medicine are just some of the many other option available.