January was Thyroid Awareness Month! This month and every month we should stay vigilant about supporting our thyroid as it can affect almost every aspect of our health and wellness.
I started learning more about the thyroid on my own journey with hypothyroidism during this 15 year journey I’ve made many lifestyle changes to support my overall thyroid function.
This launched my passion for living a toxin-free life and has led me to share a few thoughts as we wrap up awareness month.
Why is the Thyroid Important?
The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. It's responsible for producing tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are hormones that are necessary for how cells utilize energy.
The thyroid plays a significant role in metabolism, growth, and body development. It also supports and regulates many body functions by continually releasing thyroid hormones into the bloodstream.
Our bodies are so intelligent! The thyroid knows to do its job when the pituitary gland releases Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) and then tells your thyroid gland to make thyroid hormone - T4. T4 must then be converted into T3, the active form, to be used as needed.
What Affects Thyroid Health?
The more stress you have, the more the stress hormone cortisol is released. Your body is so focused on releasing cortisol that it cannot focus on the conversion of T4 to T3.
2. Gut Health
Your gut is another place for T4 to be converted to T3, so IBS, leaky gut syndrome, and lack of good bacteria in your gut hinder this conversion.
3. Diet
Low-calorie diets will hinder T4 conversion and cause a drop in your metabolism. Ultimately weight loss is not achieved, and the thyroid cannot function as needed.
4. Chemicals in Skincare
Many beauty products contain chemicals to reduce production costs and increase shelf-life. Unfortunately, these chemicals can have an effect on the thyroid, causing it to fail in producing enough hormones.
Be on the lookout for these common toxic ingredients: parabens, synthetic fragrance, oxybenzone (often used in SPF products), and phthalates. Did we mention these ingredients are banned in other countries!?
What You Can do to Support Thyroid Health
Reducing stress is paramount. I know it's easier said than done but find time in your day for meditation, journaling, deep breathing, yoga, or anything that brings you back to a relaxed state.
Also, make sure your gut is healthy, and you eat a healthy diet. This may mean making changes, such as taking digestive enzymes and/or probiotics, finding out your food sensitivities, and eating a diet rich in fiber and low in processed foods.
As for beauty products, read the labels. If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you. Let me say that one more time...If you can't pronounce it, it's most likely not good for you.
One of the main reasons Tori and I started TOMA was to offer results-driven skincare products that are completely toxin-free.
Remember, the more you avoid toxins, the healthier you'll be overall!
In health and wellness,
Marla - Co Founder, TOMA
