Do you know that the state of your thyroid is often attributed to how healthy your skin is and vice versa? A healthy looking skin normally means a well-balanced thyroid. The thyroid is located in the neck and it’s essential in balancing your metabolism. An imbalance would affect the state of your skin.
Overactive thyroid or hyperthyroidism means too much T3 and T4 are produced. When this happens, side effects like uneven skin tone, flushing, clamminess and uncontrolled sweating occur. People suffering from hyperthyroidism often have red and blotchy skin. They also suffer from weight loss, heart palpitation, and heat sensitivity.
Hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid often means dry and flaky skin. It also causes the early appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Puffy skin is one of the effects of fluid retention. Nails become brittle and peel easily. Thinning or shedding of hair also happens. Other effects include: always feeling cold, tiredness and even weight gain.
Go to your doctor once you suspect that you have the thyroid imbalance. A blood test will be performed to check this. Your T3, T4 and TSH will be measured.
How To Take Care of Your Thyroid:
- Correct diet will help resolve mild imbalances.
- Ensure your diet includes the proper amount of iodine. You can get this by adding salt to your food. Seafood is also rich in iodine so include fish, shrimps, seaweeds, squid and even crabs to your diet.
- Include in your diet, food rich in other nutrients like zinc, iron and B vitamins.
- Avoid food that inhibits iodine uptake (or goitrogenic food) like soy products, raw cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage.
- If fond of kale, cook that instead of using it for salads and smoothies.
- Take time to exercise. Yoga is ideal for people with the thyroid imbalance.
- Take supplements rich in iodine, selenium, B minerals, Vitamin A, Vitamin D, and zinc.
Adopting a healthy diet means a healthier you. And remember that prevention is always better than cure.