The thyroid is the most delicate gland in our body. It only takes a moment for it to go wrong and disturb the subtle balance that governs our metabolism. Of course, it is not possible to guard against all the pollutants that disrupt its functioning (particles in the air or cloud of radioactivity for example). But it can be protected from many unnecessary attacks in order to ward off the specter of the disease.
Stress, an insidious impact on the thyroid
Many scientific studies have shown that a stressful event often precedes the onset of hyperthyroidism . The thyroid is indeed controlled remotely by the pituitary gland, a region of the brain that sends instructions through a regulating hormone, TSH. But the pituitary is also involved in the receptivity to stress .
It is she who orders the adrenal glands to produce cortisol, the stress hormone. By being too stressed, it may end up less balance the thyroid and induce dysfunction. In addition, cortisol is essential for the activity of thyroid hormones. So get relaxed, yoga or meditation to pamper your thyroid.
Thyroid: proven misdeeds of tobacco
The many toxins contained in cigarette smoke (thiocyanates, pyridines, benzopyrene ...) disrupt the activity of the thyroid. They slow down the uptake of iodine, an essential element for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and disrupt the transport of hormones in the blood.
As a result, " smokers are five times more likely to suffer from a problem with the thyroid gland than non-smokers," says Dr. Philippe Veroli, author of Thyroid Natural Solutions (Edited by Thierry Souccar). In addition, the consequences of hyper- or hypothyroidism are greater in smokers. Banishing tobacco is one of the best gifts for your thyroid.
Heavy metals, troublemakers to dismiss
Like a sponge, the thyroid absorbs easily lead and mercury , toxic metals found in gasoline, paints, dental amalgam ... When they are stored in large quantities, the body seeks to evacuate them by synthesizing antibodies against them. These attack the thyroid, which then deteriorates gradually.
By decreasing our exposure to heavy metals, we keep our intact thyroid longer. How? By already avoiding consuming the big carnivorous fish (tuna, swordfish or halibut), which accumulate the heavy metals of the oceans. And by asking your dentist to use ceramic to fill your cavities, rather than a filling.
Beware of endocrine disruptors
In order to keep these thyroid enemies at bay (pesticides, PCBs, bisphenol A ...), ban plastic food packaging, non-stick pans, textiles treated with flame retardants, as well as liquid soaps and toothpastes that contain triclosan. And focus on organic fruits and vegetables.
Beware of goitrogenic foods
Some plants contain sulfur compounds that ultimately harm the thyroid. This is the case of cabbages, broccoli, horseradish, rapeseed, rutabaga, spinach, turnip or radish. Consuming them raw at high doses may be a problem for budding hypothyroid patients. But once cooked, their misdeeds are almost destroyed.
