Shaped like a butterfly and no bigger than your thumb, the thyroid is a tiny gland with a huge impact on how you feel. Found at the front of your neck, it’s in charge of churning out the hormones that control your metabolism, energy levels, and mood—and help keep up the health of virtually every organ in your body.
Although more than 12 percent of Americans will develop a thyroid disease at some point in their lives, more than half of the people with a thyroid disorder are unaware of their condition. One of the most common thyroid diseases—especially among women—hypothyroidism is marked by an underactive thyroid, triggering health problems that range from pain, fatigue, and weight gain to memory troubles, depression, and high cholesterol (a major risk factor for heart disease).
The good news is that making a few easy changes to your everyday diet can go a long way in protecting you from thyroid problems. Here, physician and women’s health expert Marcelle Pick shares several ways to care for your thyroid and stay healthy from head to toe:
• To get your fill of thyroid-nourishing nutrients like iodine and selenium, choose whole foods over processed foods and take a multivitamin/multimineral each day. Foods like seaweed and other sea veggies are top sources of iodine, while Brazil nuts, tuna, poultry, and sunflower seeds provide plenty of selenium.
• Cruciferous veggies (such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and bok choy) contain compounds called goitrogens, which can weaken thyroid function. Instead of eating your crucifers raw, steam or cook them to get rid of goitrogens.
• Since skipping meals can throw your thyroid out of whack, stick to a regular eating schedule and try to eat breakfast within the first hour after you wake up. Focus on foods that offer a combination of fiber and protein, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and grains.
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