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The thyroid gland is small – but it’s one of the most important glands in your body that supports crucial body functions like metabolism and heartbeat. When balanced, it promotes good health. But an imbalance can wreck havoc in your system. In hypothyroidism, this gland is under-active, which results in lack of the thyroid hormone. This leads to things like weight gain, depression, and fatigue. In hyperthyroidism, there’s too much of it, leading to things like sudden weight loss, anxiety, overheating, and a racing heartbeat. Ayurveda believes that eating right can go a long way in restoring balance in your body and mind. So, here’s the best food for thyroid health.
The Best Food For Thyroid Health
1. Nuts
First on our list of foods for thyroid is nuts. They support thyroid health since they contain selenium. Brazil nuts and hazelnuts have pretty high amounts of it. Studies have found that selenium is crucial for proper thyroid function. It helps you body synthesise iodine, another vital nutrient for thyroid that we will discuss soon. It regulates the secretion of the thyroid hormone and protects the gland from oxidative damage. Soybeans and mushrooms are two other rich sources of selenium.
2. Coconut oil
Coconut oil is a valued Ayurvedic medicine and one of the best foods for hypothyroidism. It is popular among the health conscious since it contains medium-chain fatty acids like lauric acid. These substances boost immunity and energy levels while reduce fatigue. They’re also quite good for metabolism – which can often suffer as a result of thyroid imbalance. Moreover, coconut oil lowers the amount of inflammation in the body. Here’s more about its health benefits.
3. Seaweed
Your body cannot produce iodine by itself, so you need to get enough of it from your diet. Iodine deficiency is commonly linked to hypothyroidism since your body needs it to generate the thyroid hormone. Seaweed is also among the best foods for thyroid, since it is a rich source of iodine. Get medically checked for iodine deficiency and then ask your doctor if you can increase your iodine levels safely with seaweed. This food is a much healthier option than iodised table salt, which puts you at risk of serious conditions.
4. Berries
Berries are not just thyroid healthy foods – they’re great for overall health. As you may already know, immunity often suffers when your thyroid is off balance. So loading up on foods high in antioxidants is wise and will give your immune system a much-needed strength boost. Berries are super high in antioxidants that fight free radical damage. This is specifically beneficial for those with hypothyroidism.
5. Cruciferous Veggies
Some examples of cruciferous vegetables are broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, bok choy, and kale. These veggies contain compounds that may reduce the amounts of the thyroid hormone in your body – which can be beneficial if you have hyperthyroidism. They may also decrease the absorption of iodine. However, we need more evidence on the effects of cruciferous veggies on thyroid. It’s best to speak with your doctor about them.
This article is solely for the purpose of imparting information. Please do not substitute it for professional medical advice. For your own safety, remember to always consult your doctor before using food for thyroid health.
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