The thyroid gland tends to weaken with age. However, a nutritionally sound diet will help keep your thyroid healthy.

If your nutritional analysis indicates a possible thyroid imbalance (a very common hormonal imbalance, especially among 40+ women, and a common cause of unexplained weight gain) be sure to try the self test described in the box below. It's a very good indicator of thyroid function and sometimes detects a mild imbalance which might not show up on the blood test.

While many symptoms of hypothyroidism are vague and tend to be similar to other imbalances (for example, underactive thyroid symptoms resemble many symptoms of anemia), low body temperature almost always indicates sluggish thyroid function. A mild imbalance may correct itself with diet changes and supplements, but if your underarm temperature is consistently low, you should tell your doctor. While your thyroid needs iodine to produce hormones, it's best to get it from food sources. Too much iodine can actually suppress thyroid function. If you are taking a prescription synthetic thyroid hormone, you should ask your doctor about the advisibility of eating foods very high in iodine.

If you have many of the symptoms of an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), a number of the symptoms you have checked could also relate to other imbalances. A blood test from your doctor will more accurately measure your thyroid's health. However, mild forms of hypothyroidism (the most common) can go undetected by a blood test, and yet even mild hypothyroidism should be treated.

A simple method for testing thyroid function is to place an old-fashioned analog thermometer (not a digital thermometer) under your arm for ten minutes before getting out of bed in the morning. Shake down the thermometer the night before and leave it beside your bed do that you will not move around before taking your temperature. Normal body temperature ranges for this test are between 97.8 and 98.2 degrees Fahrenheit. A reading below 97.8 may indicate an underactive thyroid. A reading above 98.2 may indicate an overactive thyroid. Do the test four of five times in a row for accuracy. If you are menstruating do not take your temperature on the first day of your period.

The underarm temperature test can often detect a mild (sub-clinical) imbalance which might not show up on a blood test.

Many experts believe that if people with slightly low thyroid hormone make an effort to correct any nutritional imbalances as well as supplement with other important nutrients, they might avoid needing the synthetic hormone, at least until much later in life.

As well as correcting any nutrient deficiencies/imbalances, it would be wise to take a flax oil capsule (3 x daily with meals). Sea vegetables such as arame, bladder wrack, dulse, hijiki, kelp, kombu, nori, sea palm and wakame are one of the best sources of the minerals (including iodine) and B vitamins essential for a healthy thyroid. Since they are a food-source supplement, their nutrients are more easily assimilated than those from a pill. They can be chopped in the food processor or blender and sprinkled over food, or added to soup after it is cooked.

Some foods that are particularly good for thyroid/adrenal health: seafood (especially cold water fish), sea vegetables (listed above), legumes such as black beans and lentils, yams, raw sesame and pumpkin seeds, brown rice, fresh figs and raisins.

Food such as cabbage, turnip, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cassava root, soybeans, peanuts and millet contain a substance (called goitrogens) which blocks the absorption of iodine in the the body and, when eaten raw, can suppress thyroid function. Since cooking deactivates the goitrogens, it's best to eat these foods lightly steamed. Thyroid activity may also be slowed down by too much caffeine, alcohol, sugar or drugs. Many over-the-counter diet pills can cause thyroid imbalance if taken for too long a time.

A sluggish thyroid is a common and often overlooked cause of weight gain, especially among women. There are a number of things you can do to help boost a sluggish metabolism, due to poor thyroid function:

When you are exposed to varying temperatures, your thyroid is exercised because it has to work to maintain your body's metabolic rate. Some doctors believe that the typical modern (ie, constant 72 degree) temperature environment we live in deprives the thyroid of exercise and contributes to the causes of a sluggish thyroid. Consider stimulating your thyroid by getting out to enjoy the winter weather and sleep with your window open year round, even when it is cold outside (within reason)
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Early morning exercise can boost circulation, metabolism and promote deep sleep. Early morning sunlight is also very beneficial -- a daily walk is ideal. Even your liver depends on a steady supply of oxygen to function well.

Glandular imbalances, such as thyroid imbalance, are often accompanied by blood sugar problems which make weight loss difficult. Slow-burning complex carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, brown rice, legumes, etc.) which are also high in fiber will help to stabilize blood sugar levels. Try to eat 5-6 servings (half cup each) of fresh vegetables daily (especially broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, winter squash and leafy greens like kale, collards, beet greens and salad greens) -- steamed, raw, stir-fried and in soups, casseroles, pastas, etc. Eat brown rice often, as well as some whole grain pastas, breads, cereals and legumes (small portions of whole grains if you are trying to lose weight). These foods are, in a sense, fat-burning foods since they raise metabolism by burning 25% of their calories before storing calories, unlike fats and sugars which burn only about 2% of their calories before storing them.

Following a hypoglycemia diet, which is designed to stabilize blood sugar levels, is one of the best ways to help rebalance thyroid and adrenal glands. Blood sugar swings and food cravings are also likely your undoing when trying to follow a healthy diet and lose weight, so you might want to do some more reading about blood sugar disturbances and try following a diet for hypoglycemia for 2 to 3 months. If it's the right diet for you, you will feel better and begin to lose weight naturally. In a few months (if you follow the diet carefully) your blood sugar levels will have stabilized and you can vary the diet more while still sticking to the basic guidelines. This is a very healthy diet which includes plenty of nutrient-dense foods. It's not a weight-loss diet, but a diet to help get your body back in balance -- and as this happens you will lose weight and have more energy. Look for a book in your health food store, as they are likely to carry one that includes menus with lots of vegetables.

If you eat fruit, eat it first thing in the morning and wait 20 to 30 minutes before eating the rest of your breakfast. If you eat fruit (raw) during the day, eat it only between meals or on an empty stomach -- never with or right after a meal, as it interferes with digestion.

Don't skip meals, especially breakfast, as it slows down metabolism.

Try to take in most of your calories earlier in the day, and keep your evening meal light. It's best not to eat after about 8 in the evening.

There are some very effective, safe herbal compounds which can help rebalance glands, boost metabolism and speed up weight loss, but I think they should be prescribed by a naturopath or other holistic doctor.