14 Ways to Reclaim Your Thyroid Health

The past few years have been a challenge for many of us – and its certainly taken a toll on our health. Those who live with chronic health conditions have been particularly affected by this past year. Some of us didn’t see our doctor regularly or did not have access to the right diet or exercise. Besides physical health, many of us are also struggling with mental health concerns, particularly anxiety and depression.

As you wind down from another wild year and begin to think about what might be in store for the coming year, keep your thyroid in mind. Remember, this small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of your neck is responsible for producing hormones that regulate your metabolism.

When your thyroid hormone production drops, your body processes slow down and change, affecting virtually every system in your body. An underactive thyroid can cause a whole host of symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, weight issues, and digestive issues. Ahead, suggestions to help make your thyroid health a priority as you make your lists and resolutions for the new year.

14 ways to reclaim your thyroid health in 2022

1. Schedule your doctor’s appointments in advance.

Think ahead to the preventative exams you will require this year and get them scheduled. Having them on the books helps ensure you have an appointment slot and prevents you from pushing it off another year. Virtual appointments are an excellent option for accessing comprehensive care that doesn’t need to happen in person.

2. Create a timeline for your health goals.

Setting a realistic deadline on your health goals can make them more achievable. If you want to achieve a certain weight or successfully sleep eight hours each night, give yourself a deadline for meeting those goals. Then, create a plan of action accordingly.

3. Check your thyroid function.

You should check your thyroid function regularly based on your doctor’s recommendation. If you have been feeling off or some time has passed since your last thyroid function test, it is time to test again.

4. Ditch endocrine disruptors.

Human-made endocrine disruptors are often found in everyday products we use and ingest, like plastic bottles, detergents, food, toys, cosmetics, and pesticides. This year, replace personal care products with natural or homemade varieties, use glass containers instead of plastic, and buy or make natural cleaning products.

5. Invest in water filtration.

Water fluoridation is the controlled adjustment of fluoride to a public water supply to reduce tooth decay and cavities. However, studies show that elevated fluoride levels in drinking water can impact thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and thyroid hormones. A water filtration system can help remove fluoride that may interfere with thyroid function.

6. Strive for a more balance diet.

Almost all of us make big plans for adopting a new way of eating in the new year. No more cookies, we swear, yet we often fall short because diets focus on the short-term results. We know nutrition plays a significant role in thyroid function. So this year, turn your focus to a balanced diet. The Curves Nutrition & Weight Management Program is a healthy, balanced and sustainable weight loss program. Curves three phase approach to weight loss will help build healthy eating and exercise habits for life. The focus is on permanent weight loss results without permanent dieting by increasing metabolism and protecting muscle mass. Plus, you’ll meet with a Curves Coach, online or in-club, once a week to review what you have learned and help answer any questions you may have.

7. Try an anti-inflammatory diet.

This year, fuel your body with nutrient-dense foods. Refined sugars can spike blood sugar and cause it to crash, increasing your stress levels. Instead, reach for foods full of healthy fats like avocados, eggs, and nuts to support satiety, mood regulation, sleep, and energy.

8. Learn how to understand food labels.

Reading nutrition labels can be quite confusing, but knowing what’s in your food matters. Knowing how to understand food labels can help you avoid thyroid-unhealthy ingredients in processed foods. If you don’t want to understand what the labels mean, feel free to avoid all foods with a label—these foods are the least processed and are often the healthiest (think: meat, fruit, vegetables).

9. Take your vitamins.

The thyroid needs nutrients like iodine and tyrosine to make thyroid hormones. Minerals like selenium, iron, and zinc help convert T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active hormone.) Selenium can help reduce TPO antibodies, which, when elevated, cause damage to the thyroid. Make sure you are getting these nutrients by taking a daily thyroid supplement.

10. Understand your thyroid medication.

There are many different thyroid medications, brands, combinations, dosage levels, etc. There is no one-size-fits-all, so work with a doctor who you trust to find the best thyroid hormone replacement medication for you. Learn how your medicine works, how best to take it, and what not to do.

11. Make sleep a priority.

Getting a good (or bad) night of sleep affects everything from how your body processes food to how it regulates blood sugar, remembers information, controls inflammation, and more. Consider your sleep environment, your wind-down routine, and schedule a bedtime.

12. Find ways to s l o w d o w n and relax.

Like any other system in your body, the endocrine system is sensitive to stress. When the body is stressed, the adrenal glands produce cortisol. Studies suggest that elevated levels of thyroid-stimulating hormone are associated with high levels of cortisol. Find ways to slow down and relax this year like meditating, eating mindfully, practicing gratitude, finding a hobby, sleeping well, or making time for friends and family.

13. Find movement you enjoy.

A common symptom of hypothyroidism is weak, achy, or stiff muscles or joints. It can make working out feel even more unappealing. Too much movement, we flare. Too little, our health suffers. Don’t overcomplicate this one. A short workout at home is all you need to soak in some benefits. MyCurves On Demand offers 30-minute workouts on demand to help you improve your health and fitness at your own pace. Remember, progress is progress, even if it’s slow.

14. Limit your notifications and screen time.

Thyroid disease can affect your mood—primarily causing feelings of anxiety or depression. Research shows that, in addition to vision disturbance and weight gain, screen time is a significant risk factor for mental disorders among adults. This year, curb your usage to feel better mentally and physically! Instead, find a creative outlet that you enjoy.

If you are struggling with symptoms of hypothyroidism, talk with a trustworthy thyroid doctor to make 2022 your healthiest, happiest yet.

To find out more about how you can informed lifestyle and health choices, visit our blog under the ‘Live’ category! You can also learn more about how the Curves Circuit can benefit your lifestyle here.