Thyroid: Four things you can do every morning to benefit the gland

2023-07-18 08:17:00, Shëndeti CNA

An endocrinologist suggests four simple movements we can do every morning for the benefit of the thyroid, the most valuable gland in the body.

From controlling metabolism to breathing, digestion, brain development and fertility, the small but powerful thyroid gland plays an important role in more body functions than we think.

This is why its proper functioning is so important for overall health. The best way to start in this direction is to open our eyes.

Dr. Deena Adimoolam, an endocrinologist and internist based in New York City, shares four simple morning habits that support healthy thyroid function.

Add dairy in the morning

Thyroid health also depends on the foods you put on your plate. In this regard, dairy products, such as milk and yogurt, contain a number of minerals that support the thyroid gland, such as selenium, iodine and zinc.

In addition to milk, you can add other foods rich in these nutrients, such as an omelet, as selenium and iodine are found in eggs.

Manage stress

The thyroid is not unaffected by the stress that appears in the body anyway. Specifically regarding thyroid function, stress can worsen conditions such as Graves' disease or Hashimoto's thyroiditis by causing increased thyroid hormone levels and decreased thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.

To combat stress, you can incorporate a yoga or meditation practice into your morning routine.

exercising

Both stress and thyroid health are regulated through exercise. Physical activity lowers stress hormones, such as adrenaline and cortisol, and increases endorphins, mood-boosting brain chemicals. And as we mentioned above, stress management is considered essential for healthy thyroid function.

Use cosmetics without chemicals that disrupt the endocrine system

Some of the personal care products we use in our morning routine, such as creams, shampoos, deodorants, cosmetics and perfumes, are considered an "invisible" threat to thyroid balance. This is because overexposure to 'endocrine disruptors' can disrupt the proper functioning of the thyroid.

Indeed, substances such as parabens and phthalates, which are commonly found in the above products, can enter the body through the skin. Therefore, be sure to choose personal care products without these compounds, but also without synthetic fragrances.