The thryoid gland is responsible for regulating the body's metabolism and the production and utilization of important hormones in the body. Poor nutrition, frequent dieting and some genetic aspects can cause the thyroid gland to begin to function poorly, making weight loss a challenging task. Support your thyroid function and your energy metabolism using targeted nutritional strategies to help jump-start your weight loss attempts safely and healthfully.
Fortify your thryoid function with healthy fats
Step 1
Stir 1 to 2 tablespoons of coconut oil into a cup of hot water 20 minutes before eating and drink the mixture. Coconut oil, which is mostly a saturated fat, has been demonstrated to have power in speeding up thyroid function and metabolism says nutrition expert, Charles Poliquin.
Step 2
Eat a handful of Brazil nuts, almonds, or cashews each day. These nuts contain high levels of magnesium--a necessary nutrient for a speedy thyroid gland--that functions as a precursor to thyroid hormone. Brazil nuts also have lots of selenium, a nutrient that helps rid the body of toxins that are associated with sluggish thyroid function, says the researchers at the Life Extension Foundation.
Step 3
Take 4 to 10 grams of fish oil each day. Fish oil can help improve the activity of thyroid hormone receptors responsible for stimulating fat loss, according to research by the Life Extension Foundation's Fort Lauderdale Laboratory.
Support Your Thyroid With Green Vegetables
Step 1
Eat plenty of spinach and other green leafy vegetables, which are loaded with magnesium and manganese necessary for efficient thyroid function.
Step 2
Eat seaweed several times a week. Seaweed contains high levels of iodine, a nutrient essential to thyroid hormone production, and has been associated with increased metabolism in those with slow thyroid glands says Dr. Jonny Bowden, a clinical nutrition expert.
Step 3
Consume cooked asparagus frequently. Asparagus is high in selenium, a mineral demonstrated to support thyroid function. It also contains high levels of antioxidant-rich phytochemicals that reduce the effect of stress on the thyroid gland, says Bowden.
Things You'll Need
- Coconut oil
- Fish oil
- Mixed nuts
- Seaweed
- Spinach
- Mushrooms
References
- "The Freshman 15 and What to Do About It"; Charles Poliquin; December, 2008
- "Disease Prevention and Treatment"; Life Extension Foundation; 2004
- "150 Healthiest Foods on Earth"; Jonny Bowden, PhD; 2007
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