5 Bad Habits That Make Thyroid Problems Worse

Do you know people with thyroid problems? Well, it’s more likely than you may think. Actually, according to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12% of the U.S. population will develop some form of thyroid disease in their lifetime. (1)

The effects of thyroid problems can be quite pervasive. For example, hypothyroidism, meaning an underactive thyroid, can disrupt sleep, affect mood, and slow metabolism, among other things. An overactive thyroid may have its own set of concerns. (2)

All this considered, a thyroid disease does not have to be a black cloud hanging over your head. With careful planning and lifestyle changes, you can manage your condition.

Today, we’re going to focus on 5 habits anyone with a thyroid condition should squash as soon as possible.

Thyroid Problems? Five Habits to Release Now

Habit #1 – Letting Stress Boil Over

One study, published in the journal Behavioral Brain Research, reports that stress and a thyroid condition can combine to produce symptoms like long-term memory impairment. (3)

According to EverydayHealth.com, this is because of the way stress suppresses the thyroid and its hormone secretion – which are already under attack in patients with a form of thyroid disease. (4)

That, in a nutshell, is why you absolutely need to take care of stress when you suffer from such a condition. In addition to lifestyle changes, consider adding some adaptogen herbs to your diet to help fight stress daily.

Habit #2 – Smoking

In 1995, researchers discovered that smoking increases the severity of thyroid problems. This is largely due to the presence of cyanide in tobacco smoke. Cyanide is an anti-thyroid agent that stops the gland from synthesizing hormones that bond to their receptors. (5)

This can damage your liver, among other organs.

Of course, ditching a cigarette habit is no easy feat. Luckily, nature has a few compounds that can help. Check out this post to learn about using the stevia leaf to reduce cravings.

Habit #3 – Using Soy

Everybody should stop eating soy – especially people with a thyroid condition. As Dr. Mercola reports, soy contains a whole host of components that negatively affect the butterfly-shaped gland. This includes goitrogens, which prevent the thyroid from synthesizing hormones and metabolizing iodine. Soy may also inhibits the effectiveness of various thyroid treatments. (6)

Habit #4 – Over-Consumption Of Raw Cruciferous Vegetables

According to the Oregon State University, high intake of veggies like cabbage and turnips can impair thyroid function in those with an iodine deficiency. This is all because of the glucosinolates in such vegetables, which the human body converts to goitrin – a compound that hampers hormone secretion. (7)

Now, you can still eat cruciferous vegetables – just take it easy. And lightly steaming will help your body handle them better.

Habit #5 – Avoiding Input From A Healthcare Professional

I get it – life is busy and seeing a healthcare professional isn’t always pleasant. But if you’ve got a form of thyroid disease, you need to remember that your condition can cause serious damage if not treated properly.

Seek the help of a registered naturopath or dietician who will be able to look at your condition on a personal basis and provide recommendations. And the right tests analyzed properly can help you on the road to recovery or prevention. (8)