Contributed by: Healthians Team
Introduction
Your thyroid requires specific nutrients to function effectively, so eating the right meals will essentially provide it with fuel to increase hormone production. (You should also avoid certain meals to safeguard your thyroid, which we’ll cover in another story shortly!)
In the second article of our series on thyroid diet, we will cover more information on how you can help bolster thyroid function by eating a well-balanced diet.
The next time you’re at the grocery store, look for these seven nutrient-rich foods to restore your thyroid hormone levels and take control of your symptoms. Here are some superfoods to get you started.
Check out the first part of the article in the series about the thyroid diet.
Yoghurt
Dairy products, particularly yoghurt, are one of the finest foods for the thyroid gland.
Yoghurt is rich in many minerals, especially iodine. It has already been established that iodine is required for the thyroid gland to function properly.
It is also loaded with Vitamin D which helps with the thyroid. Additionally, you’ll also benefit from gut health benefits because it’s a probiotic superfood.
To ensure adequate iodine levels, consume a low-fat serving of frozen yoghurt.
Fruits
Apples, pears, plums, and citrus fruits are considered thyroid health-supporting superfoods. These fruits are linked to several emerging health benefits as they are high in pectins.
Pectin is a type of soluble fibre which aids in increased excretion of mercury, one of the most dangerous metals linked to thyroid issues.
Nuts and seeds
Nuts and seeds like cashews, almonds, pumpkin seeds, chia seeds, squash seeds, and sesame seeds are not only a good source of iron, but they’re also rich in selenium, another mineral that supports your thyroid.
They also contain copper and zinc which are both essential for optimal thyroid function and hormone production.
To refill your body with zinc, add them to salads or keep them as handy snacks.
Legumes and beans
Beans and legumes like peas, lentils, and chickpeas are a healthy addition to a thyroid-healing diet as these are high in fibre and zinc.
These nutrients help to regulate the digestive system, namely bowel movement and prevent constipation.
Tyrosine is abundant in legumes. The thyroid gland uses this amino acid to create T3 and T4. If you have thyroid problems, chickpeas are one of the greatest meals to eat.
Green tea
Green tea is well-known as a potent metabolic stimulant all over the world.
On a general note, research has shown that green tea includes catechins, which are antioxidants that encourage fat cells to release fat and help the liver burn fat.
Avocado
Avocado is practically modern nutrition’s “miracle food.” Avocado, which is high in antioxidants, healthy fats, fibre, and critical nutrients, is a requirement for people who have an underactive thyroid.
Upping the avocado intake is the best way to boost your thyroid gland.
Amla
We all know that amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a nutrient-dense fruit that is great for our health.
This fruit is very beneficial for thyroid patients. Given that it has eight times the Vitamin C content of an orange and 17 times that of a pomegranate, it can play a key role in keeping your thyroid healthy.
Coconut
Coconut is the best food for thyroid patients. Some researchers have established that its regular consumption can improve slow or sluggish metabolism as it is rich in medium-chain fatty acids (MCFAs) and medium-chain triglycerides (MCTs), both of which aid metabolism.
Thyroid suffers can greatly benefit from eating coconuts as it helps in soothing the signs and symptoms and pushing the glands to be back on track. Coconut oil may also help return thyroid hormone levels to normal.
Final thoughts
Add any of these foods to your diet and will notice a considerable improvement in your thyroid gland function over a period.
Consider creating a thyroid diet chart to keep track of 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.
If you’re concerned about your thyroid function, make an appointment with an endocrinologist.
Thyroid disease might manifest itself in the form of mild anxiety, irritability and nervousness. The cause of these symptoms can be discovered with a simple blood test.
