We’ve always been encouraged to eat healthily, going all the way back to the time when mum and dad insisted we eat our greens. And while we’ll always be better off with a healthy diet, there are some cases where a healthy diet could keep us from a lifetime of ill health. This is especially apparent for people suffering from hypothyroidism. Though you probably have a good idea of the do’s and don’t’s of healthy eating, we intend to fill you in on the specifics to follow diet-wise to keep hypothyroidism in check.
Medications
Before we begin, hypothyroidism is like any condition in that it needs medicating regularly. To do this, you need to stock up on manufactured thyroid hormones to substitute the ones not being made by your thyroid gland. You can maintain a healthy flow of manufactured T3 and T4 in the form of liothyronine and levothyroxine. Now, on to the food…
Iodine
Iodine is a key ingredient in the production of thyroid hormones. However, because the body cannot naturally produce iodine, the supply must be found in certain foods. Strong sources of iodine include dairy products like cheese and milk. You can also find iodine in seaweed, saltwater fish and whole eggs. For those of you who love salt on your food, iodized table salt can provide an ample amount.
Selenium
Thyroid tissue is naturally made from selenium, so it stands to reason that selenium should be a part of your diet. Foods containing this micronutrient include Brazil nuts, tuna, shrimp, beef, turkey and chicken.
Zinc
Zinc can be found in food like oysters, shellfish, beef, and chicken. Research has shown it plays a pivotal role in the thyroid gland, regulating the hormone TSH, which instructs the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.
Foods to avoid
Of course, for every item of food you should eat, there’s always going to be one that you shouldn’t eat. Some of these foods can hinder the healing process and others can be outright harmful. These are the foods you need to steer clear of:
Goitrogens
Goitrogens are a harmful compound that can interfere with the thyroid gland’s normal functions. This can be a major health concern to people who suffer from an iodine deficiency
And several foods that include goitrogens include soy foods like tofu. And despite what your parents tell you about eating your vegetables, some of them are to be avoided like cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, and broccoli. Nuts and seeds should also be avoided, especially peanuts.
Other foods that should be avoided are high-processed foods like hot dogs, cakes and cookies. And while you may depend on iodine and selenium supplements, too much of them can be harmful to your health.
Now that you know some of the key foods that can stave off hypothyroidism, you need to work them into a tailored diet plan. With these elements, the condition will soon feel like a formality you can easily deal with.
