Last year, my life was all over the place.
I had just moved into a new flat, only to discover it had a mouse infestation. As well as the general terror about going home to one of my worst fears every night, it meant I was constantly couch-surfing at friends’ places during the week and travelling back to Scotland to stay with family on weekends while looking for a new rodent-free home in London.
On top of that, I was working two editorial jobs while training three hours a day for my bodybuilding shows. I was also trying to keep up with a social life and an attempt at a relationship, which left me stretched to my absolute limit.
But I’ve always had the mindset that I need to be doing more. If I’m not constantly busy, I feel like I’m being lazy. Also, having ADHD means I thrive on last-minute pressure, but that level of stress was pushing me to my limit. I was always rushing, panicking while running late, and relying on caffeine to keep me going.
At first, I told myself this was just part of the fast-paced London lifestyle. But then my body started giving up on me. My hair was thinning, my skin was flaring up badly, and there were days when I was so exhausted I physically couldn’t move. My brain felt foggy, I was forgetting things, and I was becoming more emotional over things that wouldn’t normally bother me.
When I went to see Dr Mayoni Gooneratne, founder of Human Health, she didn’t just run a blood test and send me on my way. She took the time to dig deeper, looking at past traumas and how they had shaped the way I pushed myself.
My test results didn’t show anything majorly wrong with my health or fitness, apart from a few minor deficiencies, but one thing stood out: my thyroid and cortisol levels were at extreme levels. If I didn’t start making changes, I was setting myself up for long-term health problems.
The role of the thyroid in overall health
“The thyroid plays a huge role in how the body functions, affecting energy levels, metabolism, and mood. When it isn’t working properly, the effects can be widespread,” says Dr Gooneratne.
Signs that something might be wrong
Thyroid problems are easy to overlook because the symptoms can be subtle and often mistaken for other issues. Some signs include:
An underactive thyroid can slow everything down, making you feel sluggish and leading to weight gain, while an overactive thyroid can speed things up too much, causing sudden weight loss and feelings of nervousness or restlessness.
Why thyroid problems are often ignored
“Because symptoms appear gradually and can seem unrelated, many people don’t realise their thyroid might be the issue. There’s also a general lack of awareness about how important the thyroid is for overall well-being,” says Dr Gooneratne.
How stress affects thyroid health
Long-term stress can seriously affect how the thyroid functions. According to Dr Gooneratne, when stress levels are high, the body produces more cortisol, which can interfere with thyroid hormones and throw everything out of balance.
She says, “Finding ways to manage stress, whether through yoga, meditation, or making time for things you enjoy, can help keep your thyroid working properly.”
Ways to support the thyroid naturally
Dr Mayoni recommends simple lifestyle changes to help keep the thyroid in good shape:
Why are women more at risk?
Dr Gooneratne says, “Women are much more likely to develop thyroid problems than men, particularly during pregnancy and after giving birth. Hormonal shifts can put extra strain on the thyroid, making it even more important to pay attention to any changes in energy, weight, or mood.”
Looking after your thyroid isn’t just about one aspect of health. It’s linked to everything from energy levels to how well your body handles stress. By taking small steps to support it, you can avoid long-term issues and start feeling better overall.
Read on for more.
Supplement Needs Thyroid Stack
As someone who struggles with high-stress levels, I use this Thyroid Stack from Supplement Needs, formulated by Dr St Mart. Designed to support normal thyroid hormone production and function, it also helps with fat metabolism - an important consideration for those with ADHD, as stress and hormonal imbalances can impact both mood and focus.
The formula includes tyrosine, four key minerals (iodine, selenium, copper, and molybdenum), plus folinic acid and methylcobalamin (B12).
Buy now £34.99, Supplement Needs
Cytoplan Thyroid Support
The Cytoplan Thyroid Support makes its intention clear from its name - it was created to encourage the production of the thyroid hormone that controls the body’s metabolism.
This is achieved through a trademarked ingredient dubbed Seagreens, a form of organic kelp that is not only sustainable but brimming with nutrients like iodine (which also supports cognitive function!).
Buy now £14.84, Healf
Thorne Thyrocsin Thyroid Cofactors, 120 Capsules
Take two of these dietary add-ons to regulate your metabolism. The thyrocsin thyroid cofactors included in this supercharged supplement from Thorne will combat deficiencies, which can impact heart rate, metabolic rate and respiratory rate and lead to fatigue, that feeling of being constantly cold, and weight gain.
The brand uses iodine for this as well as Ayurvedic botanical ashwagandha, vitamin B12 and vitamins C and E.
Buy now £29.39, iHerb
Thyro Max Thyroid Support Supplement
Natures Zest Thyro Max provides a potent blend of 17 active ingredients designed to support energy, metabolism and cognitive function. This UK-made supplement combines iodine-rich kelp, L-tyrosine, ashwagandha root, B12, zinc, and selenium, giving a balanced approach to thyroid health.
Schisandra berry extract and cayenne pepper further enhance the formula, helping to maintain optimal hormone production.
Buy now £24.27, Amazon
Nutri Advanced Thyro Complex
At its core, 250mg of L-tyrosine provides the essential building block for thyroid hormones T3 and T4, ensuring your body has the raw materials it needs. Kelp, a natural source of iodine, further supports hormone production, while selenium aids in the crucial conversion of T4 into its active T3 form. Zinc and vitamin A enhance this process, ensuring thyroid hormones can be effectively utilised.
What sets this apart is its adaptogenic support from liquorice root, which helps regulate adrenal function—a key factor in managing energy levels, particularly for those with thyroid imbalances. Plus, B vitamins, magnesium, calcium and manganese provide additional energy and metabolic support, addressing the fatigue commonly associated with thyroid issues.
Buy now £22.94, Proactive Healthcare
A. Vogel Kelp Tablets
For those looking to naturally support their thyroid, A.Vogel Kelp Tablets offer a simple yet effective solution. Kelp is one of the richest natural sources of iodine, a mineral essential for maintaining normal thyroid function and a healthy metabolism. Without sufficient iodine, the thyroid struggles to produce hormones, leading to sluggish energy levels and imbalances in overall wellbeing.
What makes A.Vogel’s formulation stand out is its commitment to quality. Sourced from Pacific Sea Kelp, these tablets contain naturally occurring iodine in a highly bioavailable form, ensuring optimal absorption. Unlike synthetic iodine supplements, this whole-food source provides additional trace minerals that further support thyroid health and energy production.
Buy now £9.49, Amazon
Marie Reynolds London Evolve
For those looking to support their thyroid naturally, Marie Reynolds London Evolve offers a unique blend of nutrient-dense ingredients sourced from both land and sea.
This organic, alkalising formula combines iodine-rich seagreens with powerful botanicals like artichoke, chlorella, green tea leaf, spirulina, ashwagandha root and cayenne, creating a comprehensive support system for metabolism, cognitive function, and overall vitality.
Buy now £29.06, Marie Reynolds London
