More than 12 percent of Americans will develop a thyroid disorder at some point in their life. Women are up to 10 times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. These health conditions can wreak havoc on your life, leading to extreme weight loss or weight gain, vision problems, sleep disturbances, irritability, and depression. They also affect your energy levels and cognitive function.

The causes of thyroid disorders are not known. Some experts blame stress and lifestyle habits. Others say that genetics are the culprit. Either way, you can heal your thyroid naturally through diet and lifestyle changes through these simple steps.

Step 1: Eat Thyroid-Boosting Foods

Supercharge your thyroid by eating the right foods! Seaweed, oysters, Brazil nuts, fatty fish, sesame seeds, kelp, and garlic can restore thyroid function and balance your hormones. Your diet should provide foods rich in selenium, iron, copper, protein, and essential fats.

These nutrients boost thyroid function and support hormone production. For instance, sea vegetables contain iodine, which helps your thyroid produce thyroxin. Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, a mineral that fights oxidative stress and regulates hormone synthesis. High-protein foods aid in weight management and maintain thyroid hormone levels within a healthy range.

Step 2: Avoid Goitrogens

Certain foods contain goitrogens, which affect thyroid function by disrupting iodine uptake in this gland. These natural compounds have been linked to an increased risk of goiters, hypothyroidism, and other disorders. They are found in cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, mustard greens, rapeseed oil, soy, radishes, bok choy, and peanuts. Even though these foods are healthy, they can harm your thyroid gland. Thus, it’s recommended to avoid them in order to heal your thyroid.

Step 3: Stick to an Autoimmune Diet

Gluten, lactose, soy, sugar, refined oils, and processed foods may trigger autoimmune diseases that involve the thyroid gland, such as Hashimotos. Once you remove them from your diet, you’ll have more energy, sleep better, and maintain your weight. Steer clear of dairy, nightshades, nuts, seeds, and grains. Consume more fish, coconut oil, leafy green vegetables, spirulina, and hemp seeds. If you really love cereals, stick to pseudo-grains like quinoa, buckwheat, amaranth, wild rice, and sorghum.

Step 4: Relax and Unwind

Any health professional can tell you that stress affects thyroid function. This factor messes up your health, causing hypothyroidism, poor immunity, digestive problems, mood swings, weight gain, and chronic inflammation. Adrenal stress is one of the primary factors responsible for thyroid disease. Weak adrenals can interfere with hormone production, making your thyroid go haywire.

Limiting stress in your life can help boost thyroid function and overall health. Regardless of what problems you have in your personal and professional life, there are ways to relax and minimize their impact. Avoid toxic relationships, meditate daily, and get enough rest. Plan a weekend getaway every two weeks or so. Spend more time outdoors and find time to exercise. Pilates, yoga, and deep breathing will calm your mind and body, leading to improved thyroid function.

Take these steps to heal your thyroid and live a longer, happier life! Use organic products as much as possible, avoid endocrine-disrupting chemicals, and eat whole foods. Find time for yourself and make health your number one priority!