Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland becomes sluggish and stops making enough thyroid hormones. Fortunately, there are foods for thyroid and specific diets for thyroid that can take care of this.

The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling the metabolic processes in the human body. In addition to that, it also produces several hormones that regulate biological functions like growth and cell repair. In some cases when the normal functioning of the thyroid gland gets affected it may lead to overactive thyroid or underactive thyroid which is also known as hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroidism may experience fatigue, hair loss and weight gain among other symptoms.

Basic problems with the thyroid gland can be solved through specific food for thyroid. While not all problems of hypothyroidism can be cured by food alone, a balance of the right nutrients and medication can help restore a healthy thyroid and help it achieve a state of equilibrium. There are various components in our daily diet which, if taken in the right amounts can positively affect the thyroid gland.

8 Best Foods For Healthy Thyroid

#1 – Legumes and Seeds:

A reduction of the levels of zinc in the body can lead to problems with the thyroid. So it is important to maintain a balanced zinc level. Sunflower seeds, pumpkin seeds and nuts are rich sources of zinc. Additionally, legumes, oysters and fortified cereals are known to be rich sources of zinc which can be included in the diet. Some of these can be consumed as snacks at regular intervals to replenish the zinc levels in your body. Seeds are also an excellent source of fibre, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals which have other additional health benefits.

#2 – Nuts:

Selenium is an important nutrient that helps in the production of thyroid hormones and also plays the role of an antioxidant. Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is an effective way to boost selenium levels in your body. Cashew, Brazil nuts, tuna, eggs, oatmeal are foods which contain selenium and can help your thyroid.

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#3 – Meat:

Meat is another food which is a rich source of zinc. Including unprocessed red meat like lamb and pork in the diet can help with the problems of the thyroid. They are also a great source of iron.

#4 – Dairy Products:

Dairy foods like milk and cheese are an excellent source of various healthy nutrients. Among these, yoghurt is considered as one of the best foods for the thyroid gland. It acts as a protective shield for your thyroid gland. Dairy products are also a good source of bioavailable zinc which means most of the zinc content in these foods can be easily absorbed by your body. Moreover, they contain other nutrients important for bone health, including protein, calcium and vitamin D.

#5 – Green Tea:

One common effect of hypothyroid is it makes your metabolism slow down which reduces the number of calories your body burns and this results in weight gain. Consumption of green tea increases your metabolic rate which means it makes you burn more calories. Green tea has been found to contain a compound called catechin which has antioxidant properties. This helps in breaking down excess fat while increasing the amount of energy the body uses.

Also Read: Healthy Diet Plan for Diabetic Person to Control Sugar Level

#6 – Whole Grains:

Whole grains are a good source of important nutrients like fibre, magnesium, iron, phosphorous and selenium. Whole grains like rice, quinoa and oats can be made a part of your diet so your body can receive these nutrients and keep the thyroid in check. These foods also kickstart your metabolism as they make your body work harder to digest them. Eating whole grains has also been linked with longer life.

#7 – Apples and Pears:

Apples, plums, pears and other citrus fruits contain a detoxifying agent called pectin which flushes out the mercury levels in your body. Heavy metals like mercury can take up valuable space in your body which your thyroid could be using for the minerals it needs. Eating pectin-rich foods can help your body detoxify naturally. This gelatin-like fibre sticks to the toxic compounds in the blood and flushes them out of the body through urine.

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#8 – Dark Chocolate:

Research has proven that small amounts of high-quality dark chocolate help regulate the metabolism of your body. The chemicals in cocoa lower the stress-hormone levels in the body. Stress can negatively affect your metabolism and can be a reason for weight gain. However, thoughtful consumption of dark chocolate can keep your stress hormones in check and can help your body maintain a healthy metabolism. Just don’t go wild when you hear chocolate.

Those were some foods that you can include in your regular diet to improve the functioning of your thyroid gland. Consult professional dietician Priyatama Srivastava for more advice on the matter and to understand how you can improve your diet for thyroid and various other diseases. Get professional tips for weight loss or just maintaining a healthy and fit body.