The thyroid is responsible for distributing many different hormones throughout the body.
A short list of the thyroid’s responsibilities includes regulating: fat and carbohydrate metabolism, respiration, body temperature, brain development, cholesterol levels, the heart and nervous system, blood calcium levels, menstrual cycles, and skin integrity. With a list like that, it’s easy to see why keeping your thyroid healthy is important.
The most common thyroid condition is hypothyroidism, which results from an under-active thyroid. Symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and hair, and difficulty concentrating.
Hyperthyroidism is also a dangerous condition, resulting from an overactive thyroid. Symptoms include weight loss, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and a rapid heartbeat.
Common treatments for hyperthyroidism include medications, surgery, or oral radioactive iodine. It is difficult to target these treatments to the thyroid and may cause the thyroid to secrete inadequate amounts of certain hormones, and reduce thyroid function. Here’s a natural remedy that will help boost your thyroid function to a healthy level.
In general though – whether you deal with hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism – consuming foods that can help boost your thyroid health and regulate its hormones can do wonders for your health.
This recipe is a great example of that (though note, due to its stimulating factor, it may be more effective for those with an under-active thyroid, or hypothyroidism). If you ever have a concern about natural treatments for your own individual thyroid health though, always be sure to consult your doctor.
How Will This Recipe Help Your Thyroid?
Cranberries are a natural food source for iodine. (Thyroid hormones are made of iodine, making it vital for thyroid health).
Vitamin C from the orange and lemon juice are filled with antioxidant that keeps your thyroid healthy.
Ginger contains magnesium which has been shown to be a critical way of controlling thyroid disease.
Cinnamon reduces inflammation to reduce the risk for hypothyroidism.
You should make and drink this recipe once a week for maximum boosting benefits. While stimulating your thyroid gland, you’re also getting a huge vitamin boost.
Cranberry Thyroid-Boosting Juice
Ingredients:
7 cups spring or filtered water
1 cup 100% cranberry juice
1/4 tbsp. dry ginger
1/2 tbsp. Ceylon cinnamon
1/4 tbsp. nutmeg
3/4 tbsp. freshly squeezed orange juice
1/4 tbsp. freshly squeezed lemon juice
Method:
Heat water until almost boiling and add cranberry juice and spices. Simmer for 20 minutes and remove from heat.
Once completely cooled, add orange and lemon juice. Drink entire batch in one day.
For an added boost, look into increasing your intake of vitamin D, selenium (found in brazil nuts, seafood, and fish), vitamin B12, goitrogens (found in broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage), and make sure to get a lot of exercises every week.
Eat well, keep moving, and enjoy your healthy holistic living!