Foods to Improve Thyroid Health

Thyroid problems can be recognized with symptoms like feeling extremely tired and stressed out, having weight problems, getting depressed with hair loss, breathing problems and heart beat going faster then it is sure that it is time to pay visit to doctor. Based on the survey it has been found that there are nearly 20 million people who are suffering from thyroid disease which is found in thyroid glands that are located at the front of neck.

These thyroid glands are the ones responsible for production of hormones which controls the energy levels, metabolic rate, weight, body temperature and digestive system apart from which it also has effect on the cholesterol levels, muscles, heart and bones in the body. Thyroxin and triiodothyronine are the important and two different types of hormones which are being produced and thyroid diseases are of two types among which one condition is when production of these hormones increases which is referred to as hyperthyroidism.

While the other condition is hypothyroidism where there is deficiency of these hormones in thyroid glands, anyone suffering with thyroid might face heart and bone problems which when ignored might result in very serious condition. Apart from use of medication to treat thyroid disease there also are various changes in diet which will help in lessening the risk of developing this thyroid disease in the body. In both types of thyroid diseases it is necessary to make careful selection of foods like what has to be eaten and what has to be not eaten.

Goitrogens: These are the most natural substances which are found in most of the food items also holding the ability to increase the thyroid glands size which gives it the name goiter. When it comes to hyperthyroidism condition these goitrogens are known to work like drugs against thyroid also slowing down the process of too much production of the hormones finally resulting in hypothyroidism.

Hence those who are suffering from hyperthyroidism conditions should increase their quota of goitrogen foods but also this is once substance which has to be avoided by those suffering from hypothyroidism. Some of the common sources for goitrogen include broccoli, kale, spinach, cauliflower, turnip, cabbage, peaches, peanuts, strawberry, soy, pine nuts and mustard which are better when taken in their raw form.

1. Coconut oil:

   Any oil which has been commercially produced has negative effect on thyroid, also the unsaturated fats in these oils lessen the response rate of the tissue to those hormones which have been produced by thyroid. Hence it is suggested to go with coconut oil to cook all the meals since it is known to control metabolic rate of body also helping thyroid gland to work better, apart from this 2 tablespoons of oil can also be swallowed or used in cooking or salads.

2. Iodised salt:

   Iodine is necessary for proper functioning of thyroid glands, in order to prevent any deficiency it is suggested to go with table salt of sea salt instead of iodized salt.

3. Foods with high fiber:

   Many of the patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid disease are known to suffer with constipation and possibility to increase body weight for which foods full of fiber have to be consumed like eggplant, beans, carrot, mushrooms, peas, spinach and cabbage, fruits with  higher fiber like apples, berries, orange, guava, prunes and pear.

4. Soy:

   There are various benefits form Soy since it is known to work as goitrogen and constrain the absorption of thyroid hormones, however it is not good to consume too much of soy when it has been processed. But even before deciding on the inclusion of soy in diet it is better to consult a nutritional practitioner for those who are suffering from hyperthyroidism problem.

5. Coffee and orange juice:

   All those who are under thyroid medication are suggested not to take orange juice which is calcium fortified and coffee, reason for this is that they will interfere in absorption of medicines by the body under thyroid conditions. Even if then you cannot kill the urge to drink these beverages it is better to wait for 3 to 4 hours prior to the taking of these medicines.

To be on safe side it is said that any of these foods have to be consulted with the doctor before adding it in diet since there is no assurance that thyroid disease can be completely resolved by including or excluding these foods in the diet however these foods might lessen the thyroid extent in the body.