Your thyroid gland plays a very important role in your body, and while no precise food or supplement can treat a thyroid disorder, there are a few things worth saying that can optimise it’s function.
The thyroid gland is at the front of the neck and controls your metabolism, cholesterol and calcium levels in your blood, your body temperature, you brain development and the heart and nervous system.
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, ensues when the thyroid does not generate and release enough thyroid hormones. It can slow down your metabolism, causing unwanted weight gain, hair loss, fatigue, concentration problems, dry skin, lowered libido, menstrual disturbances and low moods.
Hyperthyroidism, or an overactive thyroid, ensues when the thyroid generates too much thyroid hormones. This can quicken your body’s metabolism, causing inadvertent weight loss and a rapid or uneven heartbeat.
It is vital to follow a healthy balanced diet that restricts processed foods, and is rich in fruit and vegetables, protein, pulses, wholegrains, fluids and healthy fats.
Below are some nutrients that can assist you in keeping your thyroid glands healthy.
Iodine
Iodine is crucial for standard thyroid function, as thyroid hormones are made out of iodine.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for calcium absorption and bone health. Vitamin D sources include oily fish, eggs, UV treated mushrooms and invigorated foods.
Selenium
Selenium is needed for normal thyroid function. A selenium supplement is not often required and can be damaging to health. Selenium sources include brazil nuts, cashew nuts, lentils, mackerel, tuna, crab, lobster, turkey, mushrooms, white pasta and brown bread (1, 3).
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is indispensable for metabolism, normal red blood cell production and nerve function. Sources include, meat, fish, dairy, fortified foods and nutritional yeast.
Zinc
Zinc is tangled in normal thyroid hormone formation and function. Zinc sources include seeds and cashew nuts, crustaceans, meat and poultry, and dairy.
Goitrogens
Goitrogens are ordinary compounds found in some foods that can decrease the function of thyroid hormones. Vegetables such as kale, spinach, millet, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and sweet potato contain goitrogens, but heating or cooking these vegetables can reduce the effect of goitrogens.
If you are looking for healthy eating plans, contact Michelle Mina today.
