A Functional Nutrition Guide to Hypothyroidism

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Symptom’s

• fatigue

• elevated blood cholesterol levels

• unexplained weight gain

• stiffness in joints

• thinning hair and/or hair loss

• cold feet and/or hands

• depression & anxiety

• constipation

• dry skin

• puffy face

• muscle weakness

• pain in joints

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Common Causes

• infections

• autoimmune disease (Hashimoto’s)

• stress

• hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause)

• leaky gut

• treatment of hyperthyroidism

• inflammatory foods

• thyroid surgery​

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Food Changes

• ​Seaweed, such as kelp, nori, and wakame, are naturally rich in iodine--a trace element needed for normal thyroid function. Eat seaweed with sushi or get packaged seaweed snacks to toss in salads.

• anti-inflammatory (remove gluten, sugar, dairy)

• foods rich in zinc

• go through an elimination process to identify food sensitivity

• brazil nuts for selenium

• fermented foods

• foods rich in magnesium

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Supplements

• probiotics

• DHA/EPA/Omega-3 oil

• apple cider vinegar - 1 Tbsp in water daily

• magnesium

• selenium

• zinc

• methylated b-complex

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Changes in Lifestyle

• stress management

• exercise, but not too strenuous

• sleep (10pm bed time with a minimum of 8 hours of sleep)

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