Your thyroid is the gland responsible for producing hormones that regulate your metabolism that is, the rate at which your body processes food and uses it as fuel, says The Diet Channel. Thyroid problems can arise for many reasons, including food allergies and vitamin and mineral deficiencies, so choosing the right foods for your condition can help to reduce symptoms and improve the functioning of this gland.
About Your Thyroid
Your thyroid is a small gland in the front of your neck, which produces a hormone called thyroxin, says Natural Ways to Health website. This hormone plays a part in most of your body's functions, from stabilizing your metabolism and energy levels, to managing your weight and body temperature. Thyroid problems occur when the gland produces either too much or too little of the hormone.
Symptoms of Thyroid Dysfunction
If you have an overactive thyroid, known as hyperthyroidism, your metabolism tends to speed up, your appetite may increase and you are likely to feel hyperactive and may lose or gain weight rapidly, says the NHS Choices website for England's National Health Service. The opposite is true of an underactive thyroid, which can cause symptoms including weight gain, fatigue and muscle aches, says the Diet Channel website.
Thyroid-friendly Foods
Certain vitamins and minerals are particularly important for the healthy functioning of your thyroid. These include selenium, zinc, Omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, Vitamin A and Vitamin D, says the Diet Channel website. Foods that are high in selenium include Brazil nuts, meat, eggs and fish, says the Food Standards Agency website. Good sources of iodine are fish and sea vegetables, such as kelp; while zinc is found in beef, seafood, oatmeal, spinach and nuts, says the Natural Ways to Health website. To ensure you get enough Vitamin A, include plenty of yellow and dark green vegetables in your diet and for Vitamin D, spend a few minutes each day in the sun.
Foods to Avoid
Thyroid problems can be caused by allergies to certain foods, such as those containing gluten, says The Diet Channel website. Other foods that can affect your thyroid are cauliflower, broccoli and Brussels sprouts, says the Natural Thyroid Treatments website. This is because they contain substances called goitrogens, which are harmless to people with healthy thyroids, but should be avoided if you have a thyroid problem as they can further disrupt its function, at least until your symptoms have decreased.
Precautions
If left untreated, thyroid dysfunction can cause heart problems and weak and brittle bones, says the NHS Choices website. So, if you think you may have a thyroid problem it is important to see your doctor for a proper diagnosis and treatment plan.
Member Comments