The thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland found in our neck with a big role in how well our body works. It produces a hormone that regulates blood pressure, body temperature, heart rate, energy levels, mood, and metabolism. Once this gland is not properly working, a person may experience various symptoms including palpitations, nervousness, irritability, changes in bowel habits, constipation, heat intolerance, increase appetite, and sweating.
To deal with thyroid problems including Hashimotos’s disease (the most common cause of hypothyroidism or a thyroid deficiency), we need to have lifestyle changes. Have a regular diet that can help relieve symptoms of thyroid-related issues such as the leaky gut. Our gut is the key to good health. We need to take good care of it especially if we have thyroid problems.
Luckily, there are certain foods that can help us deal with these issues. In the book cookbook Hashimoto’s Food Pharmacology authored by Izabella Wentz, a recipe that can help improve thyroid health and immune system was shared. Ginger, carrots, and pears were the main ingredients of the recipe.
Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties that help protect against inflammation-related thyroid disorder. Aside from this, it is also packed with essential nutrients that help the body function at its best. It has magnesium that helps in controlling thyroid disease and muscle relaxation as well as in preventing irregular heartbeat. Moreover, its potassium content is essential in regulating fluids in the body.
Carrots may have a big impact on thyroid health. It has a higher level of beta-carotene, a micronutrient that the body can convert into either retinol or an antioxidant. There is a positive correlation between people with high levels of beta-carotene and people with healthy thyroids, according to a study in Cancer. Moreover, carrots can also help lower the body’s stress response drivers – serotonin, cortisol estrogen, prolactin, and bacterial endotoxin. In the case of hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, these drivers can all be (and often are) over-produced.
Pears are rich in pectin, a gelatinous fiber that can help maintain a healthy gut bacteria and clear the body from heavy metals (such as mercury) which has been associated with lower levels of thyroid hormone in those people with higher exposure.
Here’s how to make this delicious soup recipe for optimum thyroid health.
Heat oil on medium in a soup pot and add the carrots and onion. Cook for about 10 minutes or until onions turns translucent.
Add the pear and cook until if soften and then add the bone broth. Bring to boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until carrots are tender.
Add the grated ginger and blend in a blender (ensure that the top of the blender is vented to let the steam out) in batches and then return to the pot. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve warm. Add a dollop of coconut milk.