• It’s a Cookbook
    It’s a Philosophy
    It’s a Resource
logologologologo
  • FoodTrients 101 –
  • News –
      • Age Gracefully with Grace O
      • Ginger Hultin, Nutrition
      • Mark Rosenberg, MD
      • Robert Tostado, MD
      • Anti-Aging –
      • Beauty –
      • Food –
      • Health –
      • Exercise –
      • Celiac –
      • Life Extension
      • Books We Love –
      • FoodTrients Guides –
      • Newsletter –
      • capsule full of good foodAre Supplements Safe for You?
      • woman doing yogaSecrets of the Lymphatic System
      • woman fanning herselfWomen, Food, and Hormones: A Plan
      • "collagen" written on a chalkboardSave Your Eyes with Collagen
  • Recipes –
    • SEARCH BY:

      • Category:

      • Starters –
      • Soups –
      • Salads –
      • Main Dishes –
      • Sides –
      • Desserts –
      • Drinks –
      • Extras –
      • Spice Mixes –
      • All Recipes –
      • Or Search By:

      • Anti-inflammatory –
      • Antioxidant –
      • Beauty –
      • Detox –
      • Disease Prevention –
      • Gut Health –
      • Immunity Booster –
      • Mind –
      • Strength –
      • buffalo meat slidersBuffalo Sliders with Cranberries
      • exotic fruit and granolaExotic Fruit Salad with Granola
      • chocolate mousseDark Chocolate Mousse
      • Green Tea NoodlesGreen Tea Noodles with Edamame
  • Resources –
  • About –
  • Shop –
  • Media –
  • Home Page
  • News
    • Age Gracefully
    • Anti-Aging
    • Beauty
    • Food
    • Ginger Hultin, MS RDN CSO
    • Health
    • Newsletter
  • Recipes
    • Starters
    • Soups
    • Salads
    • Main Dishes
    • Sides
    • Desserts
    • Drinks
    • Extras
    • Spice Mixes
  • Resources
    • Anti-Aging Resources
    • Health
    • Eating Well
    • Books We Love
  • About
    • About Grace O
    • Experts and Advisors
    • Contact Us
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • YouTube
    • Pinterest
  • Shop
  • Media
    • In the Media
    • Press Releases
    • Videos
            No results See all results
            ✕
                      No results See all results

                      A Healthy Thyroid Is Important

                      Published by Life Extension

                      Woman thyroid gland control

                      You probably don’t spend a lot of time thinking about the butterfly-shaped gland in your neck that helps regulate metabolism, heart rate, energy levels and body temperature. But thyroid disorders are very common. It’s estimated that 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, and as many as 60 percent of those with thyroid disease are unaware of their condition.

                      Thyroid disorders can mimic several other health conditions, making them more difficult to diagnose. If you even suspect you might have a thyroid problem, consult with your primary care physician or endocrinologist as soon as possible.

                      The most common thyroid conditions are known as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

                      > Hypothyroidism indicates an underactive thyroid gland,  the most common thyroid disorder in older adults. Symptoms will vary, but they often include fatigue, unexplained weight gain, increased cold sensitivity, constipation, joint and muscle pain, dry skin and depression.

                      > Hyperthyroidism indicates an overactive thyroid gland, which is more common in people under age 50. Symptoms can include rapid heart rate, anxiety, insomnia, increased appetite, weight loss, diarrhea and excessive perspiration.

                      Thyroid disorders are not just a matter of discomfort and quality of life. Too much thyroid hormone can cause atrial fibrillation, affect blood pressure and decrease bone density, which can lead to osteoporosis. Pregnant women with untreated hypothyroidism have an increased risk of miscarriage, preterm delivery and developmental problems in their children.

                      Many thyroid disorders are hereditary, or they are caused by factors such as autoimmune disorders and certain medications. However, there is clear evidence that lifestyle factors can play a significant part.

                      Here are some tips to help protect your thyroid health.

                      > Anti-inflammatory diet. At least 70 percent of autoimmune activity happens in the gut, as a direct result of inflammation. Avoid sugar and processed foods and instead eat a Mediterranean diet emphasizing fruits and vegetables, whole grains, beans and nuts, use healthy fats such as olive and canola oils, and season with herbs and spices instead of salt to reduce your risk of a damaged thyroid. Also, avoid eating broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and other cruciferous vegetables when they’re raw, as they contain substances that can interfere with the thyroid hormone.

                      > Optimize vitamin D. Adequate vitamin D levels are critical for regulating the body’s immune system and keeping inflammation at bay. Have your doctor test your vitamin D levels periodically to ensure they are within a healthy range.

                      > Avoid environmental toxins. Long-term exposure to endocrine disruptors in the environment might trigger thyroid problems. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences, a few problems to be aware of are perfluorinated chemicals (PFCs) in some carpets, flame-resistant and waterproof clothing and nonstick cookware. A 2011 study also revealed the exposure to phthalates, found in fragranced products and soft plastics, and bisphenol-A still found in some hard plastics and food cans, can cause disruptions in thyroid hormones. Many experts also recommend avoiding antibacterial soaps that contain triclosan, an ingredient proven to alter hormone levels in animals.

                      This tiny gland plays a powerful role in your overall health and well-being, and groundbreaking work is being done every year to better understand how to protect it and to more effectively screen for problems. Most thyroid diseases are lifelong conditions that can be managed effectively with regular screening, lifestyle adjustments and medications. As you add thyroid health to your family’s list of priorities, choose fresh or frozen foods over canned, store food in porcelain or glass rather than plastics, and keep your home well-ventilated.

                      Share
                      Life Extension
                      Life Extension
                      Life Extensionists are people who believe in taking advantage of documented scientific therapies to help maintain optimal health and slow aging. The medical literature contains thousands of references on the use of antioxidant vitamins, weight loss supplements, and hormones that have been shown to improve the quality and quantity of life. Life Extensionists attempt to take advantage of this scientific information to enhance their chances of living longer in good health.

                      Sign Up to get our
                      NEWSLETTER FREE

                      Select list(s) to subscribe to


                      By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: FoodTrients, 14011 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA, 91423, http://www.foodtrients.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

                      Latest Articles

                      • 0
                        Beneficial Saffron Is the ‘Queen of Spices’
                        August 17, 2022
                      • Walking May Help Reshape Damaged Heart Tissue
                        August 16, 2022
                      • Meloniscious! How To Pick (and Eat) Perfect Melons
                        August 15, 2022
                      • Top Ten Foods to Help Prevent Breast Cancer
                        August 15, 2022
                      • Ramp Up the Flavor with Wild Boar Kebabs
                        August 15, 2022

                      SEE MORE

                      ABOUT

                      • Grace O
                      • Our Experts
                      • FoodTrients
                      • Board of Advisors
                      • FAQs

                      EXPLORE

                      • Age Gracefully by Grace O
                      • News
                      • Recipes
                      • Our Guides
                      • Resources
                      • Shop
                      • Media

                      CONNECT

                      • Contact Us
                      • Subscribe
                      • Facebook
                      • Pinterest
                      • Instagram
                      • Twitter
                      • YouTube

                      SIGN UP for our NEWSLETTER

                      Nourish your week! Get the latest wellness news and delicious recipes to help you age better.

                      Select list(s) to subscribe to


                      By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive marketing emails from: FoodTrients, 14011 Ventura Blvd., Sherman Oaks, CA, 91423, http://www.foodtrients.com. You can revoke your consent to receive emails at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact

                      FoodTrients Trademark™ and copyright © 2011-2022 Triple G Enterprises. I Terms and Conditions I Privacy

                      This website is for informational and entertainment purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. FoodTrients – A Recipe for Aging Beautifully Grace O, author and creator of FoodTrients® -- a philosophy, a cookbook and a resource -- has a new cookbook dedicated to age-defying and delicious recipes, The Age Beautifully Cookbook: Easy and Exotic Longevity Secrets from Around the World, which provides one hundred-plus recipes that promote health and well-being. The recipes are built on foundations of modern scientific research and ancient knowledge of medicinal herbs and natural ingredients from around the world. Since the publication of her first anti-aging book, The Age GRACEfully Cookbook, Grace O has identified eight categories of FoodTrients benefits (Anti-inflammatory, Antioxidant, Immune Booster, Disease Prevention, Beauty, Strength, Mind, and Weight Loss) that are essential to fighting aging, which show how specific foods, herbs, and spices in the recipes help keep skin looking younger, prevent the diseases of aging, and increase energy and vitality. Grace O combines more exotic ingredients that add age-fighting benefits to familiar recipe favorites.

                                No results See all results