Thyroid gland - is an endocrine gland that secret hormones. Which influence the body metabolic rate, protein synthesis, growth and development in children.
Hypothyroidism - it is an underactive thyroid gland function, in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. It can cause a number of symptoms, such as poor ability to tolerate cold, a feeling of tiredness, and weight gain.
Too little iodine in the diet is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. In countries with enough iodine in the diet, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is the autoimmune condition Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Nutritional Considerations
Iodine supplement - thyroid hormones are made from iodine. 600 mcg/per day.
Note: goitrogenic foods (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kale, watercress, arugula, maca, radishes. Preferably eaten cooked to breakdown they ‘binding’) should not be eaten in excess, as they combine with iodine, making it unavailable for thyroid.
Vitamins & Minerals
Zinc (Zn), selenium (Se), vitamin E function together to manufacture and synthesize thyroid hormone. Zinc: 25mg per day. Vitamin E: 400 IU per day. Selenium: 200 mcg per day.
Vitamin C (antioxidant + increase thyroid function) 1-3g per day.
Diet
Low in goitrogens. Organic foods are richer in trace minerals needed for thyroids hormone production and activation.
Food source for iodine: sea fish, sea vegetable (kelp, dulse, nori, wakame, Japanese food).
Food source of zinc: seafood, oatmeal, eggs, yeast, beans, nuts, seeds.
Exercise, physical therapy, lifestyle
Invigorating water sport, cold therapy can stimulate thyroid function.
Moderate physical activity on a daily base, will keep basal homeostasis rate balanced.
Note: keep monitor your basal body temperature, it is the most sensitive functional test of thyroid function.
Low Basal Body Temperature = Poor Thyroid Function
Normal body temperature in a healthy human being is 37 degrees Celsius. If the average basal body temperature reading is below 36.5 degrees Celsius, then this is regarded as - not an absolute – but definitely a good indication, along with a thorough consideration of a person's symptom profile, that they have an underactive thyroid. The more the average temperature is below 36.5 degrees Celsius, the more the thyroid is under-functioning.
Temperature should be taken when waking up in the morning, for 5 consecutive days, and then make the average.