Prevent Thyroid Problems

I've just been diagnosed with an underactive thyroid. How can I boost it?

An underactive thyroid--also known as hypothyroidism--typically requires treatment with prescription thyroid replacement hormone, but if you make some easy changes, you may be able to lower your dose.

The thyroid gland regulates metabolism--and as you're probably all too aware, when it's sluggish, you can experience fatigue, weight gain, depression, constipation, and intolerance to cold. Most physicians prescribe levothyroxine (brand name: Synthroid)--a synthetic form of the main hormone your thyroid produces, called T4. But I prefer medications such as Thyrolar. Like levothyroxine, it's a prescription drug, but it contains two thyroid hormones--T3 and T4--a combination that is closer to what your body normally produces. My patients say it does a better job of controlling their symptoms, particularly effects on mood.

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You can also try diet and lifestyle approaches. Certain foods known as goitrogens may interfere with thyroid hormone production and make symptoms worse. These include cruciferous vegetables (such as cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts), peanuts, and soy. Enjoy reasonable amounts of these, but don't go overboard.

Exercise can also help, especially yoga; visualizing your thyroid producing more hormones during the poses may help. Finally, you could try acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicineâ€”some of my patients have had good results from these therapies.

Chronic stress may decrease thyroid hormone production. If you have hypothyroidism, practice a relaxation technique.


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