7 habits to help keep your thyroid healthy

Thyroid disease is more common in women than men, the most common are hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s disease, goiter… Although there is no guaranteed way to avoid thyroid disease, but Several lifestyle changes contribute to reducing the risk of disease.

Eat less sugar and processed foods

Diets high in sugar and processed foods are linked to a higher risk of thyroid disease. This food group can disrupt thyroid hormone production, change thyroid hormone levels, making hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism difficult to control.

Refined sugar and highly processed foods easily lead to changes in intestinal microflora, causing inflammation and tissue damage, allowing toxins and other substances to enter the body. From there, symptoms of Graves’ disease and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis begin.

Do exercise

Exercising every day can improve thyroid function, prevent thyroid disease, boost immunity and overall health. Everyone should try to exercise 150 minutes a week or more.

Reduce stress

Stress causes the body to secrete more cortisol, reducing the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), affecting the activity of thyroid hormones, increasing the risk of hypothyroidism. Control stress in daily life by getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, and doing mind-body therapies such as meditation, yoga, tai chi, and deep breathing exercises.

Enhance beneficial bacteria

Probiotics are good bacteria (good bacteria) that can improve digestive health and are good for thyroid health. Because thyroid and intestinal diseases are closely related. Probiotics are often found in fermented foods such as yogurt, kimchi, sauerkraut, miso…

Quit smoking

Cigarette smoke contains toxins that can affect the thyroid gland. One of them is the compound thiocyanate, which can disrupt the absorption of iodine, blocking the production of thyroid hormones. Smokers are more likely to get Graves’ disease. This is the cause of hyperthyroidism. Smoking also increases the risk of developing eye complications of Graves’ disease, called Graves’ orbitopathy.

Provide vitamin D

Vitamin D is necessary for the normal function of many organs, including the thyroid gland. This is because vitamin D stimulates the production of the enzyme deiodinase type 2 (Dio2) necessary for the conversion of T4 to T3. The thyroid gland secretes two important hormones including thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). Vitamin D deficiency may increase the risk of hypothyroidism in certain groups of people (children, adolescents, and obese people).

Reduce vitamin D deficiency by taking supplements as prescribed by your doctor or increasing your intake of foods such as milk, liver, eggs, fatty fish, cereals…

Regular health check-ups

Regular health checks help detect the risk of thyroid disease early, thereby providing appropriate prevention methods. Any thyroid disease, including thyroid cancer, if detected early and treated promptly, has a higher chance of cure.