Five Foods For A Healthy Thyroid
While most people know they have a thyroid gland, many aren’t exactly sure what a healthy thyroid is and what tasks it performs.
Most people have no idea how important this gland is until they are confronted with a disorder that affects the functioning of the gland. Your thyroid is the most important gland for your physical health. The thyroid’s job is to secrete hormones and regulate your metabolism.
Millions of people around the world suffer from thyroid problems. However, most of them are not aware of the symptoms that various thyroid disorders can cause. Women are pre-eminently affected by thyroid disorders, especially as they mature.
So it’s important to be well-informed about thyroid disorders and to know which habits can help you maintain a healthy thyroid.
In this article we therefore share important information about this gland, the various disorders that exist and which foods can help to ensure that the gland remains healthy.
What does the thyroid gland do and how is the gland affected?
The thyroid usually requires no attention until a disorder develops, such as hypothyroidism.
However, what everyone should know is that the thyroid plays a very important role in affecting your overall health in two ways. The thyroid gland regulates your metabolism and produces hormones that are responsible for the development of proteins.
When you have a problem with this gland or when your general health is at stake, the functioning of the thyroid gland can be compromised, causing disease and deteriorating your quality of life.
The two most common disorders are:
Hypothyroidism
We speak of hypothyroidism when someone suffers from a slow thyroid gland that does not produce enough thyroxine. Thyroxine is a hormone that must ensure that your metabolism continues to function optimally.
When this condition is present, you will experience the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Weight gain
- Dry skin
- hair loss
- Cold intolerance
Hyperthyroidism
In this case, almost the complete opposite happens. The thyroid then secretes too much hormone and thus ensures that the metabolism is accelerated. This can cause a lot of damage if the body is not examined.
The symptoms include:
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Heat intolerance
- weight loss
- palpitations
- Vibrations
- Weakness
What Are the Best Foods for a Healthy Thyroid?
To avoid thyroid problems, especially the most common problem (hypothyroidism), try eating a diet rich in the following nutrients. These foods support the functioning of this gland.
1. Food rich in iodine
An iodine deficiency can lead to thyroid problems that are difficult to control.
By eating more products that contain iodine, you can ensure a healthy thyroid gland and stimulate thyroxine production. Some good sources of iodine are:
- Eggs
- Swiss chard
- Pumpkin
- sesame seeds
- shellfish
- Mussels
- Tuna
- salmon
- mushrooms
- Table salt enriched with iodine
2. Foods Rich in Fiber
Fiber is essential to regulate metabolism and prevent obesity, which is often related to hypothyroidism. Fiber improves digestion, regulates blood sugar and makes you feel full.
The following foods are rich in fiber:
- Oats
- brown rice
- Broccoli
- apples
- Maize
- beans
- Avocado
- lentils
- pears
3. Lean Meat
Eating lean meats can be an excellent addition to most diets, especially for those who suffer from thyroid problems.
Some thyroid healthy options to choose from include:
- Chicken
- Veal
- Turkey
- Rabbit
- blue fish
4. Foods Rich in Vitamins
Vitamins not only strengthen the functioning of the thyroid gland, but are especially important for your overall health. If you suffer from a thyroid disorder, it is recommended to consume enough foods rich in vitamins A, C, E, B2, B3 and B6
Some of these foods are:
- Citrus fruits
- Cereals
- Whole grains and seeds
- brewer’s yeast
- Rice
- Bran
- peanuts
- mushrooms
5. Foods Rich in Zinc
When your thyroid produces too much thyroid hormone, it can affect the zinc levels in your body. Therefore, it is wise to consume foods that will help counteract this thyroid problem.
Zinc is mainly found in the following foods:
- oysters
- wheat germ
- Bran
- Lamb
- Ginger
- nuts
- Green peas
All the foods we discussed in this article can have a positive impact on the health of your thyroid. However, if you suspect you may be suffering from a thyroid disorder, it’s best to see your doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
If you want to make your thyroid function better, you will have to change your lifestyle.
