Nutrition Tips to Promote Thyroid Health

Nutrients for thyroid health:

Iodine
The thyroid gland absorbs iodine from the food we eat to produce thyroid hormones, iodine levels are often insufficient, which makes the hormones go out of order, negatively affecting the body. Often it is women of childbearing age who suf from iodine deficiency. This deficiency can be helped by adding rich foods to your diet. But be careful with the quantity as excess iodine causes thyroid problems and makes symptoms worse.

Selenium
This mineral is essential for the production and regulation of T3 levels. Include naturally selenium-rich food options such as snapper, tuna, veal liver, mushrooms, shrimp, cod and Brazil nuts.

Zinc, copper and iron
These trace nutrients are needed for the best functioning of the thyroid gland. Low levels of zinc cause low TSH levels. Copper is required to produce thyroid hormones. An iron deficiency leads to a decrease in the efficiency of the thyroid gland. So make sure to include veal liver, mushrooms, Swiss chard, kale and spinach as part of your daily diet.

Fatty acids
These fatty acids help in sensitizing our cells to thyroid hormones. One can get omega-3 fatty acids by consuming fish oil, sardines, salmon, flaxseed, grass-fed beef, halibut, soybeans and shrimp.

Coconut oil
Cooking food in coconut oil increases the metabolic rate and helps you lose weight. The medium chain fatty acids present in coconut oil are responsible for this. Usually, coconut oil is recommended for people with hypothyroidism.

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Antioxidants Vitamins and B vitamins
Vitamins A, C and E are powerful antioxidants that help eliminate oxidative stress that can damage the thyroid gland. Include foods rich in B vitamins. Look to include beef, eggs, chicken, fish, seafood, apples, oranges, apricots, watermelon, carrots, spinach, peas, tomatoes, turnips, dates, potatoes, legumes, nuts, strawberries, citrus fruits and whole grains for vitamins A, C and E. Green leafy vegetables, chicken, eggs, legumes, oysters, liver, wheat germ, almonds, peas, pecans, whole grains and cereals are rich in B vitamins and should be included in your thyroid diet.

Nutrients to avoid:
There are some nutrients that are harmful to the thyroid gland, therefore, you should look to avoid these foods completely.

Aspartame
The use of aspartame as an artificial sweetener has been linked with Graves’ disease and many other autoimmune disorders. The chemical present in aspartame can cause an immune system reaction in the body, leading to the production of thyroid antibodies and inflammation of the thyroid gland.

Fermented soy
Soy contains flavones and these compounds interfere with the thyroid gland’s ability to absorb iodine and function optimally. Avoid foods with soy, including soy burgers, tofu, soy milk, soy sauce, tempeh, miso, and soybean oil, and don’t consume processed foods that contain soy either.

Gluten
Gluten is also the source of peach. Additionally, it can trigger an autoimmune reaction in the body if one is allergic to it. Foods that contain gluten include wheat, barley, rye and more processed foods, so keep them out of your daily diet at all costs.

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Some vegetables
Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contain thiocyanates, which can negatively affect the health and functioning of your thyroid gland.

Nutrients to heal your thyroid:
There are many diets for thyroid patients, and the patient should make a diet plan, but there is no one-size-fits-all plan. Everyone has a unique body that reacts and heals differently. Foods that suit your body may not suit someone else. So, before you go on any diet, make sure you get a proper thyroid test done, and visit your doctor. Let him understand your condition based on your reports and prescribe medication for you. In addition to this, you should consult a nutritionist to create a diet plan for yourself.