Your thyroid is a small gland located in the neck. It handles the release of special hormones, which affect how you grow and develop through the process of metabolism. Metabolism is how your body uses energy. The hormones released by this butterfly-shaped gland play a very important role in your body’s well-being.
The thyroid is part of your endocrine system. By using iodine from the foods and supplements you take in, this gland creates two vital hormones. Triiodothyronine, otherwise known as T3 in the medical world, is one of these hormones, and thyroxine, or T4, is the name of the other. These hormones work together to maintain heart rate and determine how quickly your body can process the food you eat. You often will hear how some people have weight problems and cannot lose weight due to a slow metabolism. Hypothyroidism could be why. On the flip side, thyroid problems can cause another condition called hyperthyroidism. Both conditions create difficult situations for those that suffer from them. There are medications you can take that help. There are also a variety of healthy foods you can eat that will help your body, which is what we want to discuss here.
A List Of The Best Foods For Thyroid
1. Spinach
This versatile green is the best dark green leafy green you can eat to promote a healthy thyroid. Many of the leafy greens you consume contain goitrogens. Goitrogens are substances that inhibit iodine absorption. Spinach does not contain these substances, so it is safe to eat.
2. Berries
These delectable fruits are loaded with antioxidants. Antioxidants help destroy free radicals and other harmful substances in your body. This works wonders for that tiny butterfly-shaped gland as well, so stocking up on berries is a good idea.
3. Brazil Nuts
Brazil Nuts are crammed full of selenium. Selenium is an important mineral used by your endocrine system. Without selenium, the change of T4 hormones into T3 will not happen. This will essentially cause the thyroid hormone not to activate. Instead of dealing with a lot of hormone confusion, grab a handful of Brazil nuts and eat those instead.
4. Eggs
These insanely simple yet inexpensive foods provide a treasure trove of endocrine system boosting goodness. Loaded with minerals such as iron, Vitamin D, iodine, zinc, and selenium, you cannot go wrong with including plenty of eggs in your diet.
5. Oysters
Most people either like oysters or hate them. There is rarely any in-between. No matter which side you take, there is no arguing the nutritional value of these mollusks. Oysters have super high levels of zinc in them. This is important for the production of T3. Selenium is also abundantly found in oysters. Oyster lovers, rejoice!
6. Greek Yogurt
This food is one heck of a multi-tasker. Not only is it loaded with amazing probiotics, but it is also surprisingly a great source of iodine. Greek yogurt is a very versatile food. It can be eaten with fruit in a parfait or used in place of sour cream. You can even freeze it with other tasty things like chocolate chips or berries to make an icy cold treat.
The Worst Foods For Thyroid Health
1. Processed Foods
Besides the fact that processed foods are far from being natural and organic, these foods are usually very high in calories. For a person that suffers from hypothyroidism, this could be a recipe for disaster.
2. Soy Products
All this time you may have thought soy was the best thing for a healthy diet. But isoflavones, compounds found in soy, have been thought to interfere with the absorption of certain medications. It may also increase your risk for hypothyroidism.
3. Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like cauliflower or cabbage should be avoided if you are deficient in iodine. They could cause issues with hormone production.
4. Foods That Contain Gluten
If you have hypothyroidism, you may want to stay away from delectable goodies such as bread, pasta, and beer. Besides the fact that people with Celiac disease could get into big trouble from eating foods with gluten, it is also said that gluten can block absorption of hormone replacement medication.
5. Extreme Sources Of Fiber
You need some fiber to help keep your system “cleaned out,” but some say too much fiber can be bad for you. Foods like legumes or beans are delicious and great sources of fiber and protein. Too much fiber in your diet may cause disruption in your hypothyroidism treatments.
You now have a better idea of what you should or shouldn’t eat if you have hypothyroidism. Eating foods for thyroid productivity is important and will help you live a healthy life.
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