The diet has a very important role in the symptoms of people who suffer from hypothyroidism and there are many foods that help in improving health. Every human body has a small butterfly-like gland in the throat known as the thyroid. When this gland becomes underactive then this gives rise to a condition called hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid.
This causes the gland to produce less hormone needed by the body and this causes weight gain. In this article, we are going to discuss the ten foods that are helpful in improving the underactive thyroid and also improving overall health.
Our thyroid gland helps in storing as well as making thyroid hormone almost in every cell of the body. Thyroid-stimulating hormones send signals to the thyroid gland which helps in releasing thyroid hormone into the bloodstream.
This then sends a signal to the pituitary gland found at the base of the brain whenever there are low levels of thyroid hormone.
Normally the thyroid gland does not release thyroid hormone even if there is too much TSH. Almost 90 percent of people suffer from primary hypothyroidism also known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is an autoimmune disease where the immune system starts to attack its own thyroid gland.
Thyroid glands are very important as it helps in controlling the growth as well as repairing the cells and converting the food into energy.
Nutrients are important for people who have hypothyroidism
1) Selenium
It is one of the essential nutrients for maintaining the healthy function of the thyroid according to the International Journal of Endocrinology because it is helpful in supporting the synthesis of thyroid hormone. It can easily be found in foods like eggs, broccoli, garlic, shiitake, nuts, or mushrooms.
2) Iodine
The thyroid gland needs iodine to function properly and according to the British Thyroid Association, iodine is said essentially for growth as well as the growth of hormones. Fish, dairy, and eggs are rich in iodine.
3) Vitamins
According to the International Journal of Molecular Science deficiency of Vitamin D is directly linked to Hypothyroidism. Lack of Vitamin D can result in brittle, thin as well as misshapen bones.
The National Institute of Health shows that certain types of mushrooms, fatty fish, and egg yolks packed with Vitamin D.
Food to Include In The Diet
Here are certain foods that are helpful in increasing the function of the thyroid and this includes
1) Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids-rich fish like salmon, tuna, trout, and sardines are excellent choices for dinner or lunch. According to the clinical nutrition manager based in Tennessee people who have hypothyroidism have a high risk of developing heart disease. They have the tendency to have higher levels of LDL and bad cholesterol and these fish decrease the risk of inflammation. Fish is one of the best sources for including selenium in the diet.
2) Whole Grains
Constipation is one of the major symptoms seen in a patient who suffers from hypothyroidism. This includes food like pasta, bread, cereal, and rice that are high in fiber and are helpful if eaten regularly. But it is important to balance the intake of the grain; it should not take in high quantities.
3) Fruits
The early signs of hypothyroidism are gaining weight and foods rich in low-calorie but high in density foods are perfect. Foods like cherries, blueberries, green peppers, and sweet potatoes are rich in antioxidants which reduce the risk of heart problems.
4) Seaweed
It is one of the main sources of iodine, especially for people who have deficiencies. As discussed, low iodine in the body will result in the inactivity of thyroid hormone, and including seaweed in the diet is one of the best options.
5) Beans
Beans are one of the versatile as well as inexpensive foods that are great sources of sustaining energy. They are rich in antioxidants, protein, loads of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates. They are also high in fibers which are very effective in reducing constipation and other side effects of hypothyroidism.
7) Nuts
Macadamia nuts, Brazil nuts, and hazelnuts are rich in selenium and one of the necessary nutrients for converting T4 into T3.
8) Fruits
Prunes, cranberries, and dates are great sources of iodine and this is one of the essential sources to produce T3 and T4 hormones. It is suggested to eat half a cup of cranberry daily or add them in the form of smoothies.
9) Herbs
Including herbs like cinnamon, turmeric, ginger, and cilantro are some of the good sources which are helpful in improving metabolism. Most people with underactive thyroid need to include these herbs in order to regulate the function of the thyroid.
10) Probiotics
It is important for regulating the health of gut bacteria at a good level and maintaining it is very important in order to protect them from toxins or parasites.
When the quantity of good and bad bacteria is imbalanced then this leads to fluctuation in the activity of the thyroid. Kefir, Kombucha tea, and sauerkraut are good sources of probiotics.
11) Veggies
Squash, peas, spinach, cabbage, kale, and cauliflower helps boost the function of the thyroid as they packed with zinc. They help in regulating the TSH which in turn regulates the thyroid gland to release the hormone.
Regulating dietary habits and including good foods are very important for people who suffer from hypothyroidism as they have a slow metabolism.
As discussed above, here is the list of healthy foods that should include for people who suffer from the underactive thyroid gland.
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD-Ayurvedic Medicine) is an Expert Ayurveda Consultant in Chandigarh (India). He has vast experience with herbs and their applied uses. He has successfully treated numerous patients suffering from various ailments, throughout the world.
CEO and Founder of Krishna Herbal Company and Planet Ayurveda in Chandigarh, India. He researched age-old formulas from ancient Ayurvedic textbooks to restore health and save human beings from the worst side effects of chemical-based treatments.