The thyroid gland produces hormones that control the body’s mood, metabolism, energy levels, temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure. Hypothyroidism is a serious affliction wherein the body’s thyroid gland does not reach normal levels of activity. Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones to maintain the body’s regular levels of activity needed. There are certain types of food that can help boost the activity level of your thyroid gland. Take a quick read through this list brought to you by Walk-In Lab so that the next time you go grocery shopping, you know what foods to get for your diet!
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish such as wild salmon, trout, tuna, or sardines make this food an excellent choice for lunch or dinner, says Virginia Turner, MS, RD, LDN, clinical nutrition manager at The University of Tennessee Medical Center in Knoxville. If Hypothyroidism if left unattended, it can increase a person’s risk for heart disease as a result of the higher levels of the bad cholesterol known as low-density lipoprotein (LDL). “Omega-3s are known to decrease inflammation, help with immunity, and lower the risk for heart disease,” she adds
The nutrient Selenium is one of the most important nutrients needed for regular Thyroid activity since Selenium is mostly concentrated in the Thyroid gland. Selenium can also help with the reduction of the inflammation of the Thyroid. Nuts are a great and handy source for Selenium. Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are some the types of nuts that particularly have high Selenium content with Brazil nuts being the topmost nut for high Selenium per nut content. Just be careful not to consumer too much as nuts are known to be a bit fatty if taken in large amounts.
Constipation is one of the more common symptoms of Hypothyroidism. To combat this, a wide selection of whole grain foods such as cereals, pasta, rice, and bread can be taken to increase fiber content in the body which can help regularize the body’s bowel movement. Just be careful not to mix synthetic thyroid hormone medication with fiber rich foods as they have been known to clash inside the body.
In order to combat the weight gain caused by Hypothyroidism, fruits and vegetables should automatically added to one’s diet meal plan. Fruits and vegetables are well known to have very high nutrient content while being light on the stomach.
Seaweed, despite being light and delicious, has very high concentrations of Iodine. Iodine is the most important nutrient needed in the Thyroid gland as this nutrient is what is needed for the production of Thyroid hormones. “Iodine is the precursor for the production of thyroid hormone,” says Gregory B. Dodell, MD, an endocrinologist in New York City. Besides its high Iodine content, seaweed also has other nutritional benefits such as fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
Fortified milk contains Vitamin D, calcium, protein, and iodine. All of which are useful nutrients that the body can use to boost Thyroid hormone production.
Beans are a great on the go source of energy. This can be really helpful since having Hypothyroidism can have detrimental effects to the body’s regular energy levels. Beans also contain protein, antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and plenty of vitamins and minerals.
Make sure to take note of these Thyroid boosting superfoods so that you can get your Thyroid hormone levels back on track in no time! 🙂
