If you have hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, most likely you are taking a replacement such as Synthroid or a more natural alternative such as Armour. There are 2 thyroid hormones, T4 and T3. T3 is the active form that your body utilizes, so T4 needs to be converted to T3, the active form. If you are on Synthroid, it is all T4, so you must rely on your body for this conversion. But here are some things that you may be using or doing or not doing on a daily basis that can affect your body’s ability to convert of T4 into T3.
5 Things You Need to Avoid Doing If You Have Hypothyroidism:
- B vitamin deficiency– Not only should you be taking a B-complex daily but you should also check for the genetic mutation, MTHFR (Methylene tetrahydrofolate reductase). If you test positive for this you are unable to methylate and break down folic acid. This methylation helps repair cells, your DNA, assists with detoxification, regulates immunity, and keeps inflammation in check. If you do test positive, you need to supplement with methylated folate and methylated B vitamins. If you are vegan or vegetarian, you will need to make sure you do not have a B vitamin deficiency especially since you do not consume animal protein.
- Medications: Certain medications will affect this super important conversion. These include birth control pills, beta blockers, estrogen, steroids and theophylline. Of course, I am not suggesting you come off these medications but you need to be aware that you may not feel as energized as you could be because this conversion is just not happening.
- Toxins: Fluoride and mercury toxins also prevent your body from this precious conversion. Stop using fluoride toothpaste! I can’t remember the last time I bought that, I use this one. Also get tested for mercury toxicity, you can easily ask for this the next time you ge
- Triclosan: This is in antibacterial hand sanitizers and it’s a big time endocrine disrupter! I prefer you wash your hands 50x a day, if you work in a hospital, than to expose your body to this hourly.
- Pools/ Hot tubs: Ok, I don’t want to take away all your fun, but you must know that these contain chlorine and bromine( in hot tubs) which are halides, very similar in structure to iodine. When you spend lots of time bathing in either one or both, it attaches to receptors that are meant for iodine and you can develop worsening of your thyroid issue.
The next post will be part 2, on what you need to help your thyroid thrive! What tips have you used that has helped your thyroid? Any you can share?
Have a beautiful week,
