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and Health
Our environment is filled with toxins and pollutants that can affect our body’s functions, including the delicate balance of hormones that control metabolism and energy. Research shows that environmental toxins can have a direct impact on the health of our thyroid.
What is a thyroid?
A thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located in the front part of the neck. Its job is to help regulate the amount of hormones that are released into the bloodstream. The hormones that are released help to regulate our metabolism, weight, temperature, mood, and energy levels.
How Do Toxins Affect Thyroid Health?
When toxins are present in our environment, it can disrupt the delicate balance of hormones in the body. This often leads to a decrease in hormones that are necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid. When the levels of hormones are out of balance, it can lead to hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of a certain hormone. Symptoms of hyperthyroidism can include sweating, sudden weight loss, and feeling fatigued. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too little of a certain hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism can include feelings of depression, anxiety, and exhaustion.
What are Some Common Sources of Environmental Toxins?
There are a variety of environmental toxins that can affect thyroid health. Some of the most common sources of toxins include industrial pollutants, certain pesticides and herbicides, prescription drugs, chemicals from plastics, and air pollution.
What Can You Do To Help Protect Your Thyroid Health?
The best way to protect your thyroid health is to become aware of the sources of environmental toxins in your environment and take steps to reduce your exposure to them. You can start by avoiding products that contain plastic, and looking for organic, non-GMO foods. Increased intake of iodine can also help support thyroid health. You can find iodine in certain seafood, salt and dairy products. Additionally, it’s important to get regular exercise and enough rest to help your body stay healthy.
Keywords: thyroid health, environmental toxins, hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, industrial pollutants, pesticides, herbicides, prescription drugs, plastics, air pollution, iodine, organic, non-GMO, regular exercise.
