Thyroid gland is present in the neck region and it produces thyroid hormones that regulates metabolism, energy levels etc is well known to us. In some persons, thyroid gland would produce insufficient amounts of thyroid hormones and this is called hypothyroidism. These persons would show some symptoms like weight gain, dry skin, fatigue, hair loss, sensitivity to cold etc. Not only taking medicines would provide a solution for hypothyroidism issues in us but also making some diet based changes also. Thyroid health would be normal by consuming nutrient rich foods consisting of selenium, iodine and zinc etc.
To balance the thyroid hormones, we must make these dietary changes without fail.
Increase in iodine consumption:
Our iodine levels would get boosted by consuming iodine rich foods like seaweeds, iodised salts and dairy products etc. This could be effective for those persons with iodine related hypothyroidism. Intake of excess amounts of iodine must be avoided.
By consume selenium rich foods:
It must be noted that selenium would activate thyroid hormones in us. Hence, we must consume selenium rich foods such as Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tuna fish etc. By this, our overall thyroid health would get better.
By consuming zinc rich foods:
For thyroid hormone synthesis and activation, zinc rich foods are necessary. It is important to eat zinc rich foods like chickpeas, pumpkin seeds, lean meats etc. By this, our thyroid hormone production would be improved.
By adding omega 3 fatty acids:
Inflammation would get reduced and overall thyroid function would be boosted by intake of omega 3 fatty acids based foods. Omega 3 fatty acids are present in high amounts in foods like flaxseeds, chia seeds etc.
By avoiding goitrogens in excess:
There are compounds that would interfere with thyroid hormone production and these are goitrogens. It must be noted that foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy products and certain legumes etc have goitrogens. The Goitrogenic effect would be lowered by cooking these vegetables. These can be consumed in moderation.
By choosing fibre rich foods:
One common symptom of hypothyroidism is constipation. It would be possible to manage constipation in us by consuming whole grains likeke wheat, quinoa and fibre rich fruits and vegetables etc. Intake of fibre rich foods would also balance our blood sugar levels well and this would be important for our overall thyroid health.
By staying hydrated:
As dehydration could slow down metabolic processes in us, proper hydration is essential for thyroid health. By drinking lots of water, herbal teas etc, our digestion would be supported, fatigue would be reduced and body`s balance would be maintained.
By limiting the intake of processed foods etc:
It is true that intake of processed foods would lead to weight gain, inflammation, and imbalanced blood sugar levels etc in us. These would exacerbate the hypothyroid symptoms. It is necessary that we must opt for whole nutrient dense foods instead of processed foods etc. By this, there would be a healthier thyroid balance in us.
