Hypothyroidism and Diet

Hypothyroidism is a debilitating condition in which the thyroid gland does not secrete sufficient thyroid hormone. Natural treatments can help to boost the body’s physiological mechanisms to cope with a malfunctioning thyroid.

Natural treatments for thyroid can help in increasing the production of the thyroid hormone and also increase the efficacy of the thyroid hormones. Making certain changes in the diet to include fruits and vegetables has positive effects on the thyroid.

People with hypothyroidism should increase the intake of oatmeal, banana, potato, spinach, beetroot, kelp, radish and fish. They should make it a point to drink plenty of water. Foods like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, sweet potato, maize, fats, sugars, red meat, eggs and caffeine affect the thyroid negatively and hence these food items should be avoided.

Including iodine rich food like bananas, parsley and seafood like sushi, seaweed and saltwater fish will prove to be useful for producing the thyroid hormone.

Adding supplements to your diet may be a good idea. Selenium should be included in your diet. This trace mineral is an antioxidant. It is necessary for converting the thyroid hormone T4 into its active form, T3. Brazil nuts, tuna, salmon, brown rice and lean meat are good sources of selenium.

Hypothyroidism and unintentional weight gain go hand in hand. To control this weight gain, increase your fiber intake. Beans, rice and other grains are good sources of fiber. Prefer whole grains over refined grains.  

When the thyroid hormones are within normal levels, the metabolism increases and the feeling of sluggishness and tiredness will disappear.