Thyroid Foods To Eat & Avoid WIth Necessary Precautionary Tips

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in the front of the neck, just below Adam’s apple. This gland uses dietary iodine to make thyroid hormones, which in turn affect growth and help regulate the body’s metabolism. Proper diet, exercising, and daily yoga for thyroid will keep your thyroid balanced.

Hypothyroidism:

Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone to meet the body’s needs. Hence, it slows down the body’s functions.

Causes Of Hypothyroidism:

• Hashimoto’s disease
• Thyroid inflammation
• Hypothyroidism that is present at birth
• Surgical removal of a part of the entire thyroid gland
• Radiation treatment of the thyroid
• Prescribed medications

Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Facial puffiness
• Intolerance to cold
• Muscle and joint pain
• Constipation
• Dry hair and thinning of hair
• Dry skin
• Decreased sweating
• Heavy or irregular periods and impaired fertility
• Depression
• Slow heart rate

Hypothyroidism Foods:

• Coconut Oil, especially the extra virgin cold-pressed variety.
• Vitamins A, C, E & B neutralize the oxidative stress that may damage the thyroid.
• Zinc, Copper & Iron from the liver, spinach, mushrooms, beef, lamb, turkey, almonds, walnuts, ginger and turnip greens, etc.
• Omega-3 Fats from fish and fish oils.
• Iodine especially from sea vegetables like seaweed, kelp, kombu, nori, and seafood like shrimp, clams, oysters, sardines, salmon, etc. iodized salt is heavily processed and should be sparingly used.
• Excess iodine can trigger thyroid problems and worsen symptoms. Other sources which contain iodine include eggs, asparagus, spinach, sesame seeds, garlic, Swiss chard, squash, sunflower seeds, etc.

Thyroid Foods To Avoid:

Aspartame can trigger Graves’s disease and other auto-immune disorders in some people. Non – Fermented Soy is high in isoflavones, which are goitrogens or foods that interfere with the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. Consuming large amounts of soybean oil may lead to decreased thyroid function.

Types of nonfermented Soy: Soy milk, Soy burgers, Mock meat, Tofu, Soy flour, and Processed soy foods.

However, fermented soy products like miso, natto, tempeh, and traditionally brewed soy sauce are safe to eat, as the fermentation process reduces the goitrogenic activity of the isoflavones.

Gluten is a potential goitrogen and can also trigger autoimmune responses in people who are sensitive. Gluten is found in wheat, rye, barley, and most processed foods.

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland creates excess thyroid hormone. This leads to an overactive thyroid.

Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:

• Excessive sweating
• Heightened bowel movements
• Tremors
• Anxiety
• Irregular heart rate
• Weight loss
• Low concentration
• Irregular periods
• Brittle or fine hair

Who Is More Likely To Develop Hyperthyroidism?

Women are 2 to 10 times more likely than men. People may need more regular testing if they have had a thyroid problem before such as:

• Goiter or thyroid surgery
• A family history of thyroid disease
• Pernicious anemia, a B12 deficiency
• Type 1 diabetes
• Primary adrenal insufficiency
• A hormonal disorder 
• Those who eat a large amount of iodine-rich food like kelp
• Those who use iodine-containing medications
• Those who are older than age 60
• Those who have recently delivered a baby

Treatment & Prevention:

All thyroid diseases can be treated, resulting in normal thyroid function. However, this health condition frequently requires being on medication to maintain a normal thyroid level. Regular testing of your TSH levels, following a healthy diet, and including exercise is very essential once you have been diagnosed with a thyroid ailment. By taking care of yourself, you can avoid other ailments from arising.