Need a Thyroid Boost? Here Are 3 Science-Backed Ways To Restore This Gland

Bogged down by fatigue, brain fog, and added weight? The culprit may be an underactive thyroid. This gland plays a key role in maintaining energy, boosting focus, and burning fat. It also helps regulate your body's temperature so you don't feel too hot or too cold. Because your thyroid impacts so much of your body's function, it's important to maintain healthy levels of thyroid hormones.

Unhealthy levels of thyroid hormones could lead to hypothyroidism — which occurs when the gland is unable to manage bodily functions due to insufficient hormone production. If you're experiencing hypothyroidism and its side effects, these natural remedies may help restore your weary gland and assist in avoiding future thyroid hormone deficiencies.

For Complete Healing: Sip Aloe Vera Juice

Starting your morning with 2 ounces of food-grade aloe vera juice on an empty stomach may boost thyroid function over time, according to research published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology. Of a total 45 female study participants, 30 saw improvements in their thyroid health within three months of consuming the juice every day. The authors credited this benefit to the compounds in aloe converting an inactive thyroid hormone called thyroxine (or T4) into its active form, which is known as triiodothyronine (or T3).

For a Quick Boost: Drink Cranberry Juice

The thyroid relies on a nutrient called iodine to produce its energizing hormones. As such, an iodine deficiency can diminish the thyroid's overall function. To counteract this, consume an iodine-rich diet to help to stabilize iodine levels. Cranberry juice in particular contains approximately 200 micrograms of iodine per 2 ounces. Not a fan of this tart fruit juice? Foods such as eggs, nonfat milk, and Greek yogurt are also good sources of iodine.

For Taming Inflammation: Add a Dash of Black Cumin

Black cumin lends a slightly smoky, peppery flavor to omelets, meats, chicken, roasted vegetables, and rice. It has health benefits, too: Findings in the journal BMC Complementary and Alternative Medicine suggest that consuming half a teaspoon of black cumin each day enhances thyroid function within two months. According to researchers, this is due to a compound in black cumin called thymoquinone, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory properties.

This content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman's World.