Can Walnuts Help In Managing Thyroid? Know From a Dietitian

Taking care of thyroid health is more important than you think it is. The butterfly-shaped gland located in your lower neck, is involved in many body process and functions. The gland’s foremost function is production of triodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) hormones that control metabolism. Among other things, the thyroid hormones are also responsible for regulating body temperature, blood calcium levels and brain development. Irregular thyroid functions are caused in underactive and overactive thyroid gland. These cannot be treated but only managed. Eating walnuts is found to aid thyroid but how? Find out in this article.

How Walnuts Boost Thyroid Health?

Diet has a key role in the health of your thyroid. Most people do not know that there is iodine deficiency in thyroid that needs to be addressed in order to manage thyroid condition. According to renowned dietitian Swati Bathwal, to replenish iodine levels, one must include selenium to their diet. Selenium would help in restoring bodily functions that get hampered due to iodine deficiency. Walnut is a rich source of selenium and so, it can help in boosting thyroid functions.

Walnut, sometimes referred to as the healthiest of all the nuts, is an excellent source of selenium that supplies body walnut with the trace mineral to keep thyroid in balance. Over the years, it has been found that selenium concentration is higher in the thyroid gland than in any other organ in the body. Just like iodine, selenium has important functions in thyroid hormone synthesis and metabolism.

Also Read: Why Soaked Walnuts Deserve A Place in Your Diet? Nutritionist Answers

Selenium and Thyroid

According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, low selenium levels have been linked to hypothyroidism and may be a causal factor for this condition (particularly when combined with low iodine levels). Moreover, the sufficient levels of selenium may also reduce your risk for swelling of the thyroid or goitre.

Talking about selenium, Brazil nuts are richest selenium sources of all the existing fruits and vegetables.1 Brazil nut a day or 3 Brazil nuts a week can help overcome this but it shouldn’t be consumed in excess, says Swati Bathwal.

Also Read: 7 Things To Know Before Having Brazil Nut Every Day

Walnut reduces inflammation

Another reason why walnuts are helpful in managing thyroid is because they have omega 3 which reduces inflammation. The rate of inflammation is high in thyroid and to combat that, walnuts can help. Healthy fats specially from nuts and plant-based sources are the key for restoring thyroid function and so, consuming walnuts in a regulated amount can tackle thyroid inflammation.

However, it should not be considered the sole food to boost thyroid function. You should also consume other foods that improve TSH levels such as kalonji.

Conclusion

Walnuts can be an important part of any healthy diet, being a good source of healthy fat, protein and antioxidants. If you have a thyroid condition, you should see a doctor to know about the role your diet plays in your overall health. If you are on medication, ask your doctor if you can take medicines and walnuts together or not. Like other high-fibre foods, walnuts are not easy to be absorbed by the body. Moreover, high intakes of selenium can have negative effects that you must know. Thyroid can be managed if you know what to eat and what to avoid. You must follow the right diet guide for hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, whatever condition you have. This would make your thyroid levels balanced and prevent them from becoming unmanageable.