What The Heck Is Thyroid?

Thyroid 101: What the Heck is It?

Let’s talk about your thyroid—this tiny, butterfly-shaped gland chilling in the front of your neck. It might not get much credit, but it’s basically running the show when it comes to your energy, metabolism, and how your body uses food.

This little guy pumps out hormones—mainly T4 and T3 (no need to remember the names)—that act like your body’s thermostat. They decide how fast or slow things move, like your heart rate or how efficiently you burn calories. When your thyroid’s working well, you feel good—balanced, energized, and ready to tackle whatever’s on your plate. But when it’s slacking? That’s when fatigue, mood swings, weird weight changes, and even hair loss can creep in. Definitely not ideal.

Ever feel like no matter what you do, your body just won’t cooperate? Your thyroid might be the reason.

Thyroid and Women: What You Should Know

Here’s the thing—women get the short end of the stick when it comes to thyroid issues. They’re five to eight times more likely to have problems than men. Why? Hormones. Between pregnancy, menopause, and monthly cycles, women’s bodies go through a ton of hormonal changes, and sometimes those shifts drag the thyroid into the chaos, too.

The tricky part? Thyroid symptoms—like feeling tired, gaining weight, or mood swings—can look a lot like other hormonal stuff, so it’s easy to miss. If any of this sounds familiar, don’t brush it off. Check in with your doctor to catch any issues early and start tackling the root cause.

Why Your Thyroid Loves Good Food

Let’s be real: your thyroid thrives when it gets the right nutrients. Iodine is like the MVP for thyroid hormone production. Without it, your thyroid’s basically saying, “I’m out.”

What to eat?

• Iodine-rich foods like iodized salt (a sprinkle is enough, no need to dump it on), fish, and dairy.

• Selenium: Found in Brazil nuts (you only need one or two a day), whole grains, and legumes.

• Zinc: Think lean proteins like chicken and turkey or whole grains.

Fun fact: About 2 billion people worldwide are low on iodine. That’s a ton of thyroids struggling to keep up. Don’t let yours be one of them. (Hint: just eating a balanced diet can make a huge difference.)

Lift Heavy, Feel Amazing: The Power of Strength Training

If you needed another reason to hit the weights, here it is: your thyroid loves strength training. Lifting isn’t just about building muscle—it’s about boosting your metabolism and helping your hormones work better, including thyroid hormones.

When you strength train, your body gets more insulin-sensitive (a good thing!) and cranks up thyroid hormone activity. Bonus: studies show lifting weights can boost your metabolism by up to 15%. That means you’re burning more calories even while binge-watching your favorite show later.

Oh, and let’s not forget mental health. If you’ve ever dealt with thyroid-related anxiety or mood swings, strength training can be a serious game-changer. Nothing like a good sweat session to clear your head.

Cardio & Crash Diets: Not Thyroid’s BFFs

Here’s the deal: too much cardio and super low-calorie diets can mess with your thyroid.

• Excessive cardio: It jacks up your cortisol (stress hormone), which can mess with how your thyroid produces and uses hormones, leaving you feeling run-down.

• Low-calorie diets: Your body basically panics and slows your metabolism way down.

The fix? Balance. Stick to a couple of moderate cardio sessions a week and prioritize strength training. Your thyroid—and your energy levels—will thank you.

Your Thyroid’s Game Plan: Nutrition + Training

Want to keep your thyroid happy? Here’s your cheat sheet:

• Balance Your Plate: Whole foods, lean protein, and colorful veggies are your thyroid’s best friends. Make sure you’re getting enough iodine, selenium, and zinc.

• Strength Train 2-3 Times a Week: Focus on big moves like squats, deadlifts, and presses.

• Limit High-Intensity Cardio: Keep it to 2-3 sessions a week max to avoid overdoing it.

• Stay Hydrated: Drink water like it’s your job. (Don’t forget electrolytes—adding a pinch of salt or eating foods like bananas and avocados can help keep your hydration on point.)

• Listen to Your Body: Tired? Take a rest day. Recovery is just as important as the workout (but don’t use it as an excuse to skip out entirely—consistency is key).

• Monitor Your Progress: If something feels off, don’t guess. Get your thyroid checked.

Invest in Your Thyroid, Reap the Rewards

Your thyroid might be small, but it’s a big deal. It keeps your metabolism, energy, and mood in check—basically all the stuff that makes you feel like you.

So, treat it right. Lift weights, eat well, and keep an eye on how you’re feeling. It’s not just about looking good; it’s about feeling good and staying healthy for the long haul.

If this post gave you a lightbulb moment or helped connect the dots for you, I’d love to hear about it. And if you’re ready to take your health and fitness to the next level, check out my 8-week training program—designed to help you build strength, boost energy, and feel like the best version of yourself. Your thyroid will thank you for it.p you build strength, boost energy, and feel like the best version of yourself. Your thyroid will thank you for it.