What Foods Are Good for Hypothyroidism? Understanding its Role in General Health
What Foods Benefit the Thyroid? Understanding its Role in General HealthIf you’ve ever wondered what foods are good for hypothyroidism, here’s a list for you. Continue reading …
These foods maintain proper hormone levels. After all, if the thyroid is not functioning properly, hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism can occur. We don’t want these problems to ruin your life!
Understanding Hypothyroidism
Or as we sometimes call it, lazy thyroid, happens when your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormones to keep your body going. This often goes hand in hand with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, a condition where the immune system, mischievously, decides to attack and damage the thyroid. This is where the problems begin and it is necessary to start adjusting our diet with medical supervision.
What Foods Are Good for Hypothyroidism: Top Picks to Boost Energy and Wellness
Omega-3 fights inflammation
Seaweed oil, flaxseed, hemp seeds and Brussels sprouts are good sources of omega-3. So are wild salmon, tuna, trout and sardines. Fish provides selenium, a key mineral for reducing thyroid inflammation.
Omega-3 deficiency increases the risk of heart disease. This happens because it raises levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), which is called bad cholesterol. Omega-3 fatty acids are very popular for strengthening the immune system, reducing inflammation and reducing the risk of heart disease.
Nuts help to improve thyroid function
Did you know that selenium is an essential nutrient for people with hypothyroidism? It targets the thyroid and helps reduce inflammation. Nuts such as Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts and hazelnuts are also good sources of selenium. Brazil nuts, in particular, contain up to 96 mcg of selenium per unit, exceeding the recommended daily intake (55 mg).
It is essential to control the size of the portions of nuts consumed, as they are also quite rich in fat. One or two Brazil nuts are sufficient.
A small handful of nuts is enough to cover your daily nutritional needs. Also, avoid consuming nuts near medication (levothyroxine), as they may interfere with its absorption. It is recommended to wait at least 4 hours in between.
Gluten-Free cereals
Celiac disease, an autoimmune condition that induces the body to respond to gluten, is more common in people with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. This is a major contributing factor to the development of hypothyroidism.
Avoiding gluten in the diet may alleviate some symptoms associated with Hashimoto’s disease. You can add gluten-free cereals such as quinoa, kasha, rice, millet or buckwheat.
Whole grains, such as oatmeal and brown rice, are helpful. They help with constipation, which is common in hypothyroidism. However, they should be eaten at least 4 hours before or after medication. This prevents them from interfering with its absorption.
Fresh fruits and vegetables
Weight gain is a symptom of hypothyroidism. It is essential to control it. Nutritionists recommend incorporating foods that are low in calories but high in nutrition. These foods are critical to any successful weight loss program.
Fresh fruits and vegetables are low in calories, but rich in nutrients, so it is essential to include them in your meals. Consider adding options such as blueberries, cherries, sweet potatoes and green peppers.
These foods are packed with antioxidants and essential nutrients, which helps reduce the risk of heart disease. It is also important to consider which vegetables you eat and how much.
Limit cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, to 145 g cooked per day. This is because raw vegetables can block iodine absorption. Iodine is a key mineral for thyroid function.
Seaweeds
Iodine is an essential nutrient for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It acts as a precursor in the production of thyroid hormones. That is why it is crucial.
What foods can they provide? Seaweed is a good source of iodine. They also have nutrients such as calcium, fiber and vitamins A, B, C, E and K.
There are different types of seaweed. Some of them are kombu, nori, dulse and wakame.
However, avoid kelp and iodine supplements if you already take levothyroxine. They can make hypothyroidism worse. This happens because they interfere with treatment or cause an excess of iodine in the body.
It is important to check if you are iodine deficient before eating food or taking iodine supplements. Too much iodine can worsen thyroid disease. Did you know that the recommended daily intake for adults is 150 micrograms per day?
Non-dairy foods
Thyroid experts recommend avoiding dairy products such as milk, butter, yogurt and cheese, as they can trigger the immune response. Instead, consider incorporating non-dairy options such as kombucha, water, kefir and vinegar to improve gut health.
However, if lactose intolerance is not present, fortified dairy is a good source of vitamin D and calcium. These nutrients are important for managing Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. Consult with your doctor before making changes to your diet.
Grains: Energy and fiber with caution
Beans and lentils are inexpensive sources of protein, iron and fiber, ideal for combating constipation and fatigue. However, exceeding 35 g of fiber/day may interfere with medication. Maintain a 4-hour interval between their consumption and levothyroxine.
The best drinks to maintain your hypothyroidism
When your thyroid does not produce enough thyroid hormones, your metabolism naturally slows down. You won’t burn enough calories, which causes weight gain.
Simply add green tea to your diet. It will improve your metabolism and allow you to burn more calories.
In addition, you can enjoy natural orange juice. Also spring water and lemon water with chia.
You can try hibiscus tea and herbal teas with cinnamon and ginger. Also water mixed with apple cider vinegar is good.
Ginger tea (2 x 500 mg/day) may relieve some symptoms of hypothyroidism, although its evidence is still limited, so it is recommended to try it under medical supervision. Alcohol and coffee are not good for the thyroid, so it is best to give them up.
Unsweetened dark chocolate
Unsweetened dark chocolate is an excellent superfood to add to the diet of those suffering from thyroid problems. It is made with between 70% and 85% cocoa. Don’t confuse it with cocoa.
Toxins and stress produce an excess of free radicals that cause cell damage. The cocoa in unsweetened dark chocolate contains substantial amounts of antioxidants, fiber, magnesium, copper, calcium and potassium. These antioxidants and nutrients help prevent and treat cell damage caused by excessive free radical formation.
What Foods Benefit the Thyroid and How to Combine Them with Healthy Habits to Boost Thyroid Function
These superfoods can help restore thyroid hormone levels. However, it is important to remember that diet alone cannot cure this medical condition. An effective approach includes a combination of vital nutrients, thyroid medications and a healthy lifestyle for optimal control.
No supplement is a substitute for medication. Always consult with your physician before making any changes to your diet or supplementation.
It would be excellent to include exercise in your routine. It will help you adopt restful sleep habits. In addition, exercise and stress management can improve sleep quality and help restore thyroid function.
