One in eight women will experience a thyroid disorder at some point in their lives. But many of us don't know the symptoms - or what to do if we do experience them. Discover the most common symptoms and the solutions from Dr. Mehmet Oz.
Your thyroid plays two key roles in your health: Controlling your metabolism and your use of energy. However, as we age, our thyroids typically become less efficient, explains Dr. Oz. In addition, your thyroid might become larger, which is a symptom of hypothyroidism. When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid has problems converting fat cells into energy. The resulting symptoms typically include:
- weight gain, typically ranging from 10 to 15 pounds in the last two years
- constant fatigue
- brittle or coarse hair
- dry skin
What to do: Talk with your doctor about your symptoms. In addition, Dr. Oz has created what he calls a "Thyroid Power Combo" that consists of iodized salt and foods that contain selenium. Iodine is essential for healthy thyroid hormone production, while selenium may reduce the inflammation resulting in thyroid concerns. Incorporate these solutions in your diet:
- Use iodized table salt to season your food.
- Eat foods high in selenium such as Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, salmon and other fish, shellfish such as shrimp, chicken and turkey and whole grains, such as wheat germ.
Comments