As an expecting mother, it’s essential to keep your THYROID GLAND in check. Supporting your thyroid naturally during PREGNANCY is crucial for both the mother and the baby. The thyroid is an important gland that regulates METABOLISM and HORMONE production, which is essential for a HEALTHY PREGNANCY. However, pregnancy is an emotional and biochemical STRESS that can take a toll on the thyroid gland, and it is important to take steps to support it naturally.
Fortunately, there are natural ways to support your thyroid during pregnancy. In this article, we will discuss how to safely and effectively support your thyroid during pregnancy.
Understanding Thyroid Health
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck, responsible for producing hormones that regulate metabolism and various bodily functions. These hormones affect the heart rate, body temperature, and calorie burning. An OVERACTIVE (HYPERTHYROID) or UNDERACTIVE (HYPOTHYROID) gland can result in a wide range of health issues.
The Importance of Thyroid Health During Pregnancy
The thyroid gland is crucial for the development of the FETUS’S BRAIN and NERVOUS. Thyroid hormones play a significant role in the baby’s growth, bone formation, and cognitive development. Therefore, it’s essential to maintain thyroid health throughout pregnancy.
Signs of an Unhealthy Thyroid During Pregnancy
An unhealthy thyroid can cause various symptoms, such as FATIGUE, WEIGHTCHANGES, MOOD swings, and TEMPERATURE SENSITIVITY. In severe cases, it can result in MISCARRIAGE or PREMATURE BIRTH. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider about your thyroid function.
Tips for Supporting Your Thyroid Naturally
Consume a Nutritious, Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is crucial for a healthy pregnancy and supporting the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland NEEDS IODINE to produce hormones, and pregnant women need more iodine than usual. Include iodine-rich foods in your diet such as sea vegetables, fish, and dairy products. However, make sure to consume these foods in moderation to avoid overconsumption of iodine, which can also be harmful. Additionally, include foods that are rich in SELENIUM, ZINC and IRON such as nuts, seeds, whole grains, and legumes. These MINERALS support the thyroid function and promote a healthy pregnancy.
Avoid Goitrogens
GOITROGENS are naturally occurring substances that can interfere with thyroid function. They are found in foods such as cruciferous vegetables, soy products, and millet. While these foods are generally healthy, it is important to consume them in moderation during pregnancy.
Iodine Supplementation
IODINE is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. However, some women may not get enough iodine from their diet. Talk to your healthcare provider about taking an IODINE SUPPLEMENT during pregnancy.
Selenium Supplementation
SELENIUM is crucial for thyroid function and can help reduce inflammation. Selenium supplements can be beneficial for people with thyroid disorders.
Vitamin D Supplementation
VITAMIN D is essential for bone health and can also help regulate thyroid function. VITAMIN D DEFICIENCY is common during pregnancy and can negatively impact thyroid function. It is important to get enough sunlight exposure or take a vitamin D supplement to support thyroid health.
Ask your healthcare provider about taking a vitamin D supplement during pregnancy.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 fatty acids are ANTI-INFLAMMATORY and can help support thyroid health. Include foods rich in omega-3s, such as fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds, in your diet.
Ashwagandha
This ADAPTOGENIC HERB has been shown to improve thyroid function and reduce stress levels. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider before taking ASHWAGHANDA during pregnancy.
Exercise Regularly
REGULAR EXERCISE promotes a healthy pregnancy and supports the thyroid gland. Exercise can also help to reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise regimen during pregnancy.
Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is crucial for overall health, including thyroid function. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep per night.
Stress Management
STRESS can negatively impact thyroid function, so it’s essential to manage stress levels during pregnancy. Engage in relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises.
Practice Self-Care
Practicing SELF-CARE during pregnancy is essential for overall well-being and supporting thyroid function. Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as taking a warm bath, reading a book, or spending time in nature. Take breaks when needed and prioritize self-care activities to reduce stress levels and promote overall health.
Acupuncture
ACUPUNCTURE is an alternative therapy that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body. It can help reduce INFLAMMATION and promote thyroid health.
Chiropractic Care
CHIROPRACTIC care can help reduce stress on the neck and promote proper alignment. Proper neck alignment can help support thyroid function. Avoid wearing tight necklaces or scarves that can put pressure on the neck. Also, avoid activities that require you to HYPEREXTEND your neck, such as looking up for extended periods.
Avoid Environmental Toxins
ENVIRONMENTAL CHEMICAL TOXICITY is a potentially hazardous condition from TOXINS IN OUR ENVIRONMENT.
Environmental Toxins are synthetic chemicals that disrupt our biology. They often mimic our hormones, our ENDOCRINE SYSTEM, acting as endocrine disruptors.
They have been linked to cancer and the development of other CHRONIC diseases.
This includes the increased prevalence of Autism, Alzheimer’s and other extremely debilitating neurological disorders.
Even though they have NEVER been fully evaluated for long-term safety, they have the potential to wreak havoc on the body.
Some types are more destructive than others, but all do some degree of harm.
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS ARE EVERYWHERE!
They saturate the soil, water, air, household products, cosmetics AND our food chain. MANY of the products that fill the shelves of your local grocery store and FULL of all kinds of environmental TOXINS.
They have been called ‘FOREVER CHEMICALS’, because they can persist in the environment for years without breaking down.
The REAL problem is…
ENVIRONMENTAL TOXINS such as PESTICIDES, CHEMICALS and HEAVY METALS can negatively impact thyroid function. It is important to avoid exposure to these toxins, including smoking and second-hand smoke, as much as possible during pregnancy. Choose ORGANIC PRODUCE, avoid household chemicals and products with harsh ingredients, and avoid exposure to LEAD and MERCURY.
Limit Caffeine Intake
CAFFEINE is a hormone disruptor. It can affect ADRENAL HORMONES and increase stress, which can be harmful to thyroid health. Limit or eliminate your caffeine intake during pregnancy.
Monitor Thyroid Function
It is important to monitor thyroid function regularly during pregnancy to ensure that it is functioning properly. Your Functional Medicine healthcare provider may REGULAR BLOOD TESTS to monitor thyroid hormone levels.
Seek Support
Pregnancy can be a challenging time, and it is critically important to seek support when needed. Talk to friends, family, or a healthcare provider for support and guidance. Joining a SUPPORT GROUP or seeking PROFESSIONAL COUNSELING can also be helpful in managing stress and promoting overall well-being.
Conclusion
In conclusion, supporting your thyroid naturally during pregnancy is essential for a healthy pregnancy and the growth and development of the baby. Consuming a balanced diet, avoiding goitrogens, managing stress, exercising regularly, getting enough sleep, monitoring thyroid function, avoiding environmental toxins, practicing self-care, and seeking support, are all important steps to support thyroid health during pregnancy.
Consult with a FUNCTIONAL MEDICINE healthcare provider for personalized recommendations and support.
Dr. Bob was born and raised in Florham Park, New Jersey.
He loved the philosophy of vitalism, which teaches about the incredible, innate intelligence of our bodies and its power to self-heal when given the opportunity.
0 Comments