Your Winter Wellness Message To Safeguard Thyroid Health

When you are dealing with a thyroid health issue it can make you more susceptible to colds, and flu. For this reason, as the days get chilly it’s the ideal time to take steps to safeguard your winter wellness.

You may already know your thyroid is a key player in regulating many aspects of your health.

In effect, your thyroid hormones fuel your body to ensure it keeps working in tip-top shape. These hormones help your body generate energy, stay well, keep warm and ensure your brain, heart, muscles, digestion, and immune system keep working properly.

Maintaining Your Winter Wellness

With colder weather on the way, it’s now the ideal time to take steps to safeguard your winter health.

+ Work with your body by layering up on chilly days to prevent the cold seeping in which puts more pressure on your thyroid.

+ Emphasize nutritious foods that create warmth within your body. Think casseroles, risottos, freshly made soups and stewed fruit for dessert.

+ If you have been following a predominantly raw food diet over summer you may want to consider eating less raw foods as they are cooling to the body.

+ For smokers it’s now the time to find effective strategies to quit. The reason? Those who smoke are more likely to take longer to recover from cold and flu symptoms.

+ Reduce your risk of getting sick by not allowing yourself to get run down, and ensure you get plenty of sleep. You may already know rest, and relaxation is vital to maintain your resistance to colds and flus.

Safeguard Your Winter Wellness With These Top 6 Natural Remedies

When the days get colder and darker it’s even more important to safeguard your thyroid health. Here are my top six natural remedies to help you stay well all winter long.

Andrographis paniculata (Andrographis)

This herb has traditionally been used to help reduce the symptoms associated with the common cold, such as fever, sore throats and coughs.

Echinacea augustifolia (Echinacea)

This herb is traditionally used for the symptomatic relief of coughs and colds. If those around you are sick it can also be taken to help prevent infections.

Olea europaea (Olive Leaf)

Olive Leaf extract is derived from the leaves of the Olive tree and contains a variety of bioactive compounds with antioxidant, and immune enhancing properties. Olive Leaf extract is traditionally used in Western herbal medicine for the symptomatic relief of colds and flu.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that supports healthy immune system function. Studies show this vitamin can help reduce the severity, and duration of symptoms of the common cold.

Vitamin D3

D3 is one nutrient that plays an important role in keeping you well all winter long. In fact, research shows a drop in vitamin D3 levels during the winter months can make you more likely to catch a cold or flu. D3 supplements are relatively easy to buy and are a cost effective way to ensure your D3 levels stay in a healthy range all winter long.

Zinc

Zinc is found in virtually every cell of your body as this mineral supports multiple functions throughout the body. Zinc is often recommended during winter as it helps maintain a healthy immune response.

References

Kim TH, Kim KW, Ahn HY, Choi HS, et al. Effect of seasonal changes on the transition between subclinical hypothyroid and euthyroid status. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Aug;98(8):3420-9. PubMed

Medline Plus. US National Library of Medicine. Cold Intolerance. Update date 5/11/2014. Link