On estimate, 59 million Americans suffer from some sort of thyroid dysfunction (the thyroid gland is located just under the skin, splayed like a butterfly across the windpipe, right below the Adam's apple). I also recently read that while many cancers are on the decline, thyroid cancer numbers are soaring, especially in women. I took a closer look at the thyroid over the last couple of months and have read that fertility issues can stem from thyroid dysfunction as well as  problems during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This month I thought I would share with you a few ways to keep your thyroid healthy!

Step 1: Focus on your diet. This always seems to be the same no matter what the problem is. Selenium is a vital component needed by the thyroid to manage calcium absorption. Foods that are rich in Selenium are seafood, shellfish, eggs, beef liver, beef kidneys, wheat germ, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, mushrooms, garlic & onions. Thiamine deficiency is shown to interfere with metabolism, and can contribute to increased food intake when hormones go unregulated by the thyroid. Foods such as fortified cereals, milk, enriched whole grains are a good way of getting Thiamine into your daily diet. Also while controversial, Iodine is also key in producing healthy hormones from the thyroid gland. The recommended daily intake of iodine for adults is 150 micrograms a day, and for pregnancy 200. Iodine-rich foods are cod, eggs, fish oil, kelp, seaweed, onion, artichoke and pineapple. As a general rule of thumb, refined foods are not good; neither are caffeine and alcohol.

Step 2: Keep your thyroid protected while getting any type of x-rays. Dental x-rays are taken most frequently and around the thyroid area. On most of the aprons used, a flap can be lifted up and wrapped around your neck. Also there is something called a “Thyroid Guard” for use during mammograms.

Step 3: Check your thyroid to make sure that it is healthy. Simple blood tests can check your TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) levels if you suspect a hormone imbalance. Get to know your thyroid a little better by checking it periodically with self-exams. Like a breast exam, doing this self-check allows you to become more familiar with the terrain. If you find a lump—even the size of a tiny pebble—have it checked out by a doctor.

Here’s how to do it:

• Stand in front of a mirror keeping your eye on the thyroid area: just below the Adam's apple and right above the collarbone.
• Drink some water and tilt your head back slightly, just enough to keep your eyes focused on the thyroid area while you swallow
• Look and feel for any bulges and bumps
• Repeat a few times
• Report any findings to your doctor