Our exposure to the environmental pollution and toxic food supplies makes us prone to a familiar health disorder called Thyroid. It is important to know and understand the thyroid problem if you are among the millions who are suffering from a thyroid problem. The thyroid is a large ductless gland in the neck which secretes hormones regulating growth and development through the rate of metabolism. If there is a problem with the gland, it can be cured by using a proper thyroid diet. If you are overweight, this diet may also solve your weight issues simultaneously.
This diet can be segregated into two types according to the conditions of their occurrence. Namely, Hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism diet. The former concentrates on the diet when there is excessive production of thyroid hormone due to an overactive thyroid gland. Symptoms include increased heart rate, depression, weight loss and cognitive slowing. The latter concentrates on the diet when there is the production of thyroid hormone below the normal level. It commonly results in a gain of weight.
The list given below points out the foods which are to be eaten or avoided while considering a diet for thyroid.
Thyroid diet – Foods to eat:
Iodine rich foods
Foods like iodized salt and seafood feature on top of any thyroid diet chart. Iodine is an element that is needed for the production of thyroid hormone. The body does not make iodine, so it is an essential part of your diet especially while having this disorder. Sea-foods are rich source of iodine.
Foods rich in antioxidants and vitamin C
The presence of excess oxidative stress and a deteriorated antioxidant defense system in thyroid conditions. Foods such as tomatoes, cherries, squash and bell peppers should be taken for vitamin C and antioxidant.
Skimmed dairy products
Consumption of whole milk is not good for hyperthyroidism. So try to avoid whole milk. Consume skimmed milk which are healthy and easy to digest.
Vitamin B and iron
Foods like whole grains, sea vegetables, and lean meat are rich in vitamin b and iron. All the B vitamins are vital for good thyroid function. Many people with hyperthyroid disorder become anemic, which means that your body doesn’t have enough iron to make red blood cells. Vitamins or mineral supplements particularly iron may be taken after consulting your physician.
Beans and nuts
Grains, beans, nuts, and seeds are all seeds. Rich in complex carbohydrates and fiber, they form the base of most healthy food pyramids. These are mainly used to gain protein. for example Apricots and Walnuts.
Fish, eggs, and mushrooms
These foods should be taken for a boost of omega 3.
Olive oil and Honey
Use olive oil for cooking and honey as a sweetening agent.
Whole wheat
Whole grains are recommended for the thyroid diet because they are known to be free from gluten which is one component that contributes to thyroid diseases.
Thyroid diet – Foods to avoid:
Soy products and soybeans
The phytoestrogens present in soybean and soy-rich foods inhibit the functions of the enzyme that forms the thyroid hormone. This is to be mainly avoided if you have hypothyroidism. The worst thing is that the goitrogenic activity of soy is not destroyed even by cooking.
Raw foods
Foods like cabbage, broccoli, mustard beans, kale, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, pears, peaches, strawberries, radishes, spinach, turnip, peanuts, millets, etc., should be eaten cooked in small quantities.
Red meat
It has high levels of cholesterol or saturated fat. Reducing red meat intake can reduce the symptom of hyperthyroidism.
Whole milk or heavy cream
Sometimes it happens that some people hyperthyroidism causes lactose intolerance or the inability to digest milk or milk products. So whole milk or heavy cream would only add to their woes.
Excess butter and sugar
They affect the body’s metabolism and causes it to slow down resulting in weight gain. So a person with hypothyroidism should be really careful about fatty and sugary foods. Foods containing concentrated sweeteners, sugar, sugarcane, corn syrup, soft drinks and chocolate are some of the examples.
Alcohol and caffeine
Caffeine damages the healing properties of the thyroid medicines by preventing its absorption in the intestine. Alcohol suppresses the effect of thyroid medicines.
Just a proper thyroid diet food list can cure your disorder.
