An overactive or underactive thyroid gland can result in a number of troublesome symptoms that require attention. Fortunately, while you find out what is the most apropriate treatment for you, you may start including foods that help the thyroid gland; they support thyroid function mostly by providing a source of the mineral iodine, which is crucial to a healthy thyroid, plus other key nutrients that support thyroid hormone production.
The thyroid gland, which is located in the neck, produces hormones that affect a variety of metabolic processes in the body. If the body does not produce sufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone T4, symptoms of underactive thyroid result. Among these symptoms are fatigue, depression, weight gain, hair loss, feeling cold often, constipation, brittle or splitting nails, memory problems, and dry skin. Since iodine is required to produce thyroid hormones, certain foods that are rich in this important mineral may play a key role.
Iodine-rich Foods that Help the Thyroid Gland
Thyroid activity involves several hormones, most notably T4, T3, and TSH. When levels of T4 are low, symptoms of an underactive thyroid gland will become apparent unless hormone levels are regulated. Under normal circumstances, this regulation takes place when the pituitary gland produces TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone). TSH stimulates the thyroid gland to extract more iodine from the blood. The iodine is used to produce enough T4 to restore adequate hormone levels in the blood.
There is usually 20 to 30 mg of iodine stored in the body, mostly in the thyroid gland, though some iodine is also stored in the lining of the stomach, salivary glands and in the blood. If iodine stores become depleted, the body will not be able to make enough thyroid hormone. In such cases, and as long as you are not experiencing heavy metals overload (mercury displaces iodine), certain foods to be considered to replenish iodine levels include:
- seaweeds like lato, kelp, nori, gamet, dulse and balbalulang
- yogurt
- cow's milk
- seafood
Foods You Should Avoid and/or Limit
It is also important to note that in addition to foods that help the thyroid gland naturally, there are also foods that inhibit the production of thyroid hormones. These foods, known as goitrogens, contain compounds that interfere with iodine absorption.
Goitrogen-containing foods include cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, soy, pine nuts, peanuts, strawberries and millet.
While many people can eat goitrogenic foods without adverse effects, people with underactive thyroid glands should limit the consumption of these foods. However, it appears that cooking these foods reduces their potentially adverse affects, therefore, eating limited amounts cooked, once or twice a week max, rather than avoiding them completely is well advised since the health benefits of vegetables like broccoli, kale and spinach may significantly outweigh the risks to those with underactive thyroid glands.
Here is another piece of advice... Follow your intuition and do what feels right for you. Pay attention to your body's responses and become aware of the foods that are beneficial to you, or not. Your body has an innate wisdom that can take you to much higher levels of well being... if tapped into it!
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