Your thyroid is part of your first line of defense against illness. Harmful oxidants creep into your body. Those small but significant elements slow your metabolism & will be lurking everywhere as we get into the holiday season.
Don’t let its tender-looking butterfly shape fool you. That organ that wraps itself around both sides of your throat is the sentry that protects you from the elements that will deprive you of enjoying good health. It influencesthe way your body handlesits calorie count, digeststhe foodthat enters it, buildsits muscles, and the way that external stimuli communicates informationto the brain.
And like all good guardians, it has to be taken care of – in the same way, if not more so, than your loyal pet dog or your alarm system. Your devoted dachshund keeps your home safe – but your thyroid keeps your body alive, well, and functioning.
Here are the top 3 truths to keep in mind about your Thyroid:
Your thyroid is the engine that speeds up or slows down your metabolism. Because of this, the degree to which your thyroid is active affects your mood – and with that, your performance at work, your relationship with your loved ones, and even the way you enjoy your leisure time. An under-active thyroid causes hypothyroidism, while an overactive one leads to hyperthyroidism. Both conditions impair your capacity to function fully, bringing a host of conditions like susceptibility to cold, depression, and weight change.
The key to all this is balance. Your thyroid and its metabolism-related processes must be maintained in harmonywith a nutritious diet, consistent exercise, and possibly a vice-free lifestyle (no alcohol). Think of how you see to it that your car is always in excellent, running condition. Push it to its limit, race it over rocky ground, expose it to harsh weather, and it will break down. Or park it in your garage for ages, neglect its monthly tune-up, and dismiss the signs of wear and tear on its engine – and the various parts that make it work will erode.
The same thing happens with your thyroid. Nourish it, nurture it, and see to it that it keeps your metabolism running in equilibrium.
Your Thyroid gland affects your efforts to lose weight. That’s why some people who do their exercise regularly and eat healthy still have a hard time losing those unwanted pounds more than a seemingly lucky few who still maintain a slender form without spending time on the treadmill. Many of us just attribute that to genetic make-up, but our thyroid plays a very important part.
Remember what we said about thyroid’s influence on your metabolism. A slow metabolism tends to make the body burn a lesser number of calories. More calories mean more fat and an increase in weight gain. A sluggish thyroid also makes you feel weakand unmotivated to exercise. Very little or no physical activity also adds to weight gain.
Your thyroid must have the following substances to function well: iodine, tyrosine, vitamins A, vitamins B, and zinc. Make sure you have a daily dose of these in your diet.
