Foods can't cure or prevent hypothyroidism, but making healthy food choices help ease hyperthyroidism symptoms. A stringent approach is essential to prevent inflammation in the intestines, leaky gut and autoimmune flare-ups.
The diet has to be simple, but must ensure that immune triggers are removed from your diet to promote yeast overgrowth in the gut and intestinal permeability. The foods containing goitrogens (a naturally occurring substance) interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland, which must be avoided when suffering from hypothyroidism.
[Read: Tips to Prevent Hypothyroidism]
Foods for Hypothyroid Patients
Variety of Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
According to a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating fresh foods and vegetables help lessen the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Most of the foods contain high amounts of antioxidants that help body absorb thyroxine by fighting the harmful free radicals.
A whole range of vegetables including broccoli, cabbage, carrots, cauliflower, cucumbers, garlic, kale, lettuce, onions, spinach and sweet potatoes impair the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone, to have a positive effect on thyroid function.
Foods High in Vitamins and Minerals
A variety of vitamins and minerals not just boost thyroid function but also makes a balanced diet, essential for nourishing the thyroid. Zinc, vitamins B2, B3, B6, B12, and the antioxidants vitamins A, C, and E help improve thyroid function.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids – According to a study at the University of Maryland Medical Center, omega-3 fatty acids in fish and walnuts help reduce the inflammation of the thyroid gland. Fish such as steam, bake or broil tuna, salmon, herrings, sardines and mackerel are excellent sources of omega-3 fatty acids.
Iodine – Iodine is an essential element to prevent low thyroid function, which combines amino acid tyrosine for the production of thyroid hormones. Land-grown foods and seafood are among other reliable options to get iodine in plenty. The best iodine sources for hypothyroid patients include fish, dairy, oats, sesame seeds, bananas, avocados and almonds.
Iodised salt should be avoided as it can irritate the thyroid gland owing to the sugar and aluminium present in it, which is difficult to metabolise. It must be substituted with unrefined salts or any top-grade sea salt.
The aforementioned eating options relieve patient’s symptoms by controlling their sluggish metabolism, fat accumulation and low energy.
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