The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated on the lower part of the neck. The thyroid gland creates and stores the thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones affect almost all the cells in our body. They help in metabolism, cell repair, and to control growth. The process in which our body converts the food eaten by us into energy is metabolism.

Whenever there is a lack of thyroid hormones in the body, it results in hypothyroidism. Some symptoms of hypothyroidism are cold, weight gain, and tiredness. Women have higher chances of getting affected by hypothyroidism than men.

The thyroid gland receives a signal called TSH. TSH stands for thyroid-stimulating hormone.

When thyroid receives thyroid-stimulating hormone signal, thyroid hormones get released in the bloodstream.

The most common type of hypothyroidism is primary hypothyroidism. It occurs when the thyroid gland has received TSH and does not release thyroid hormones. Secondary hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not receive much thyroid-stimulating hormone.

Let’s now look at some of the Best Foods for Thyroid

Eggs

One of the best foods to avoid hypothyroidism. The egg yolk contains both iodine and selenium, while the egg white is full of proteins. Iodine is essential for our body as it produces thyroid hormones.

Vegetables

The intake of cooked cruciferous vegetables should be moderate. A high intake of cruciferous foods has resulted in hypothyroidism. Cruciferous foods include cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, radishes, kale, and much more.

They contain a good amount of fibre present in them which are useful for controlling sugar level in the body.

Eating cruciferous vegetables is beneficial for a person who is suffering from hypothyroidism. It reduces iodine uptake by the thyroid and also decreases thyroid hormone production.

Fruits

Fruits that are rich in antioxidants can prove to be beneficial for the thyroid gland. This includes berries, bananas, oranges, and many others. They contain Vitamin A, C, and E. These fruits also contain Selenium and Zinc which are very essential for thyroid.

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Gluten-free diet

Seeds and grains like chia seeds, flax seeds, rice, are gluten-free. Wheat, barley, oat, and other grains contain gluten and can cause damage to the small intestine. People who are suffering from hypothyroidism should avoid gluten. Whole grains also contain vitamin B.

Dairy products

Dairy products like milk, cheese, butter contain a lot of iodine in them. Apart from iodine yoghurt also contains zinc. Zinc is beneficial as it helps in increasing the levels of thyroid hormones. Even ice-cream has zinc and iodine present in it.

Meat

Chicken, beef is rich in zinc and selenium. Selenium plays an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. It also has antioxidant activity. One of the benefits of antioxidants is that it can protect the thyroid gland from free radicals.

Fish

Salmon, Shrimp, tuna, sardines, and other seafood are necessary for thyroid. Usually, seafood is rich in iodine. Additionally, tuna, sardines also have selenium in them which is useful for thyroid.

Oysters

Oysters contain both zinc and iron. Even iron is essential for thyroid glands. If not oysters, other shellfishes also have zinc and iron in them

Lentils:

Although inexpensive, we always overlook lentils. Consuming them is the easiest way of having wide varieties of nutrients. They contain protein, B vitamins, magnesium, potassium and zinc.

They are highly rich in protein and fulfils about 25% of our daily requirements, making them an excellent alternative for meat. Besides, they also contain iron, a mineral that most of the vegetarian diet lacks. These nutrients help your thyroid keep in good shape.

Spinach

Do you want more potassium in your diet? Then you need to include spinach in your diet. You will get about 839 milligrams of potassium per cup of cooked spinach.

Besides potassium, it is an excellent source of vitamin K, A in the form of carotenoids, B12, B6, E, C and calcium. It is also a great source of zinc, dietary fibre, phosphorus, Vitamin B1 and choline.

Fortified cereals

Vitamin D deficiency is common in people with hypothyroidism. Fortified cereals are rich in Vitamin D. Another source for Vitamin D is sunlight. Jogging and doing meditation in front of sunlight can increase Vitamin D.

Seaweed

Seaweed contains a high concentration of iodine. It is necessary for people who are suffering from the deficiency of Iodine. It must be clear that iodine, selenium, and zinc are the nutrients required for thyroid. Most of the above foods contain iodine. It is better not to take them in large amounts.

Apart from the best foods for thyroid, the person should also do some meditation. Jogging, rafting, walking can also help in maintaining one’s weight. It can help in coping up with their weight gain.

Following their diet plan is a compulsion for people who have hypothyroidism. The symptoms may improve if there is a change in diet. It is necessary to consult the doctor before making any changes to the diet plan. Checking thyroid levels will help the person to know how good his diet and efforts are working.

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