Having dealt with thyroid problems many years ago, I think it would be great to share what I learned with you. Before I list the 9 toxins you may be exposing yourself to, I’d like to show you what the symptoms are because many times people don’t even know they have this issue! The symptoms may run under the radar!
Here is a vital guide I’ve crafted from years of research, personal insight, and professional experience. In the journey toward thyroid wellness, understanding the subtle nuances of our daily choices becomes crucial in order to overcome thyroid problems. Today, we will be delving deep into a 9-step strategy designed to minimize histamine levels, toxic exposures, peroxide and more.
My goal is to help you alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism, whether that is due to Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or something else. This article will also provide tips and helpful advice for people with unrelated autoimmune conditions. Each step you take is a building block toward a healthier, more vibrant you. Let’s embark on this journey together, exploring not just the ‘what,’ but the ‘why’ behind each recommendation.
If you have a brand new autoimmune disease post covid, you might be interested in another article I wrote, Long COVID: Natural Solutions And Autoimmune Insights.
Vaping Can Cause Thyroid Problems
1. Escape from Second-Hand Smoke and E-Cigarettes: The toxins in tobacco smoke, including nicotine, are “thyroid bombs” that can skew thyroid hormone levels, masking underlying conditions. Nicotine impacts the delicate balance of serum TSH, Free T4, and Free T3 levels, complicating the diagnosis and management of thyroid problems. Avoiding these exposures protects your thyroid and ensures a clearer path to accurate diagnosis and treatment.
New Cars Off-Gas Bromine
2. Choose Older Vehicles Over Brand New: The allure of a brand-new car comes with a hidden cost – the emission of bromide from off-gassing materials. Bromide directly competes with iodine, a crucial element for thyroid hormone production, leading to potential hypothyroidism. By selecting older vehicles, you reduce your exposure to these harmful gases, safeguarding your thyroid health and avoiding symptoms like brain fog and weight changes.
Even this PAPER from the Journal of Clinical Pathology states in the conclusion that bromine could have “an increase in plasma TSH concentration, probably as a consequence of a minor inhibitory effect on thyroid activity.”
Cellular Peroxide is a Thyroid Problem
3. Limit Hydrogen Peroxide Exposure: Our bodies produce hydrogen peroxide, but in excess, it becomes a harmful oxidizer, contributing to pain, fatigue, and even premature graying. It can cause all kinds of thyroid problems, just because it causes cellular rusting. You make catalase in your liver, so you don’t need to buy it as a supplement, however it is something I carry, and it is popular as an antioxidant.*
By incorporating supplements like CATALASE and glutathione, the peroxide compound is neutralized, promoting healthier skin, shiny colorful hair, and overall antioxidant health due to reduced reactive oxygen species being formed.* This catalase approach also offers potential relief from autoimmune-driven conditions by reducing oxidative stress.
We just have to hope you make enough in your liver, and if not, consider a supplement (there’s no way to test). They say looking in the mirror is one way –> are you starting to ‘rust’ and lose hair vibrancy?
4. Be Cautious with Swimming Pools and Jacuzzis: Chlorine in pools and jacuzzis compete with iodine for uptake by the thyroid gland, risking iodine deficiency and subsequent thyroid problems and hormonal challenges. A simple preventive measure like taking an iodine supplement can help maintain your iodine levels, keeping your thyroid function in check even as you enjoy your swim.
Toothpaste Might Add to a Thyroid Problem
5. Switch to Fluoride-Free Toothpaste: Like chlorine and bromine, fluoride competes with iodine at the thyroid gland, potentially inhibiting thyroid hormone production. This is a big thyroid problem that is rarely ever talked about because absorption is limited, but is it? Over a lifetime? Opting for fluoride-free toothpaste reduces this risk, ensuring that your thyroid can properly utilize iodine and maintain hormone balance.
6. Pause Fermented Foods Consumption: Though beneficial in moderation, fermented foods can prompt excessive histamine release or contain high histamine levels themselves, triggering autoimmune symptoms. Steering clear of these foods temporarily can help manage histamine levels and reduce autoimmune flare-ups, especially in susceptible individuals with pre-existing thyroid problems.
7. Eliminate Candy and Soda from Your Diet: The high sugar content in candy and soda leads to blood sugar and insulin imbalances, which can exacerbate autoimmune conditions and contribute to a cycle of fatigue and weight gain. Cutting out these sweets supports hormonal balance and reduces the risk of associated health issues and thyroid problems.
8. Minimize Goitrogenic Foods and Beverages: Goitrogens, found in certain raw vegetables and superfood powders, can interfere with iodine absorption and thyroid function. Cooking these foods or choosing goitrogen-free alternatives, like my Thyroid Greens, helps maintain iodine levels and supports thyroid and reproductive health.
9. Prioritize Food Digestion: Inadequate digestion leads to partial breakdown of food, stressing the immune system and potentially triggering autoimmune responses and all kinds of physical discomfort, especially as it pertains to thyroid problems.
Supplementing with digestive enzymes like pancreatin, pepsin, and bromelain ensures complete digestion, reducing the risk of autoimmune reactions. You might be interested to know there is a complete set of digestive enzymes in my patented formula HashiScript® which promotes healthy thyroid function, TPO levels and immune balancing.* There’s more I could share but if you read the reviews for this product, you’ll see how it can address all kinds of digestive, brain and thyroid problems.*
Summary
Embarking on a wellness journey requires a multifaceted approach, where even the smallest lifestyle changes can make a significant difference if you have any thyroid problems. This 9-step guide should empower you with the knowledge to make informed decisions that support your thyroid health and manage autoimmune conditions more effectively.
Remember, the path to wellness is not just about the steps you take but understanding the ‘why’ behind each one. Together, let’s embrace a lifestyle that nurtures our bodies, minds, and spirits.
Suzy Cohen, has been a licensed pharmacist for over 30 years and believes the best approach to chronic illness is a combination of natural medicine and conventional. She founded her own dietary supplement company specializing in custom-formulas, some of which have patents. With a special focus on functional medicine, thyroid health and drug nutrient depletion, Suzy is the author of several related books including Thyroid Healthy, Drug Muggers, Diabetes Without Drugs, and a nationally syndicated column.
