Foods To Improve Thyroid Health
A healthy thyroid is important to maintain proper metabolism and other bodily functions. Eat iodine-rich foods for robust functioning of the thyroid gland.
The thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones that play a significant role in the metabolism, growth and development of the human body. Thyroid problems are not uncommon, often women have thyroid issues that affect their everyday health. It can lead to weight gain, depression, menstrual cycle disorders and fertility issues, etc. To avoid these health problems we must include iodine-rich foods in our diet to help thyroid function.
The foods we eat can also have an impact on thyroid medications. They can reduce absorption of medicines by the body. For example, iron and calcium can interrupt with thyroid medications and cause it to stop working. A person having thyroid issues must know what to eat and what to not.
Let us learn about foods that are beneficial to thyroid health.
The foods beneficial for thyroid gland are:
Greek yogurt
Curd or yogurt is one of the best foods for the thyroid gland. Dairy products, particularly yogurt, are high in nutrients and help the body meet its iodine requirements to maintain proper thyroid function.
Fruits
Eating fresh fruits such as apples, pears, and citrus is a good idea as they are high in pectin. These fruits aid in the detoxification of mercury (a dangerous metal linked to thyroid problems).
Seeds and nuts
It is beneficial to eat nuts such as sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds, almonds, and cashew nuts because they provide zinc. Issues related to zinc deficiency can manifest similarly.
Beans or legumes
Beans and legumes are high in zinc and fiber, which aid in regulating the digestive system, particularly bowel movements, and preventing constipation. Chickpeas are beneficial foods to eat if you have thyroid issues.
Green tea
Green tea is well-known throughout the world as a proven metabolism booster. Green tea contains catechins, an antioxidant that causes fat cells to release fat and helps the liver burn off excess fat.
Avocado
Avocado is a "wonder food"; it is a phytonutrient-rich fruit. Avocado is high in antioxidants, good fats, fiber, potassium and micronutrients, which aid in the control of blood sugar levels and maintain the hormonal balance for proper thyroid function.
Eggs and chicken
Eggs, mainly pastured eggs, have adequate levels of both selenium and iodine, which are good for thyroid function. Eat the whole egg for the most health benefits, as the yolk contains the most nutrients.
Chicken is an ideal source of lean protein, and it includes zinc, which is required to produce adequate thyroid hormones.
Fish
Fish, including salmon, tuna, shrimp, etc., are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lessen inflammation and help to build immunity. It is considered rich in selenium, a nutrient that regulates the thyroid level.
Conclusion
Don’t forget to add the above-given foods to your diet to have a healthy thyroid.
Consider creating a thyroid diet chart to keep track of all the thyroid-healthy foods you want to include in your diet. You can pin it to your fridge or keep it in a prominent location in your kitchen to ensure you stay on track.
A thyroid profile test can guide in managing thyroid disorders. Whatever said and done, food plays a role in the development of thyroid swelling, absorption of thyroxine tablets and control of thyroid hormonal levels. However, make an appointment with our top endocrinologist if you have thyroid problems or further queries.
