Foods that Boost Thyroid Function

The onset of hypothyroidism marks the disrupted functioning of the thyroid gland causing weight gain and constant lack of energy. Read through the list of nutrient-rich foods, which you can include in  your diet to promote normal thyroid function. Apart from paying attention to your diet, you will also have to take medications as prescribed by your doctor.

[Read: 4 Ways to Boost Thyroid Function]

Iodine-rich Foods

Your body needs sufficient amount of iodine for optimal thyroid function. Iodine enables the thyroid gland to produce its key hormones— T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) that are responsible for several bodily process such as regulation of metabolism and heat generation in the body. Iodine deficiency in the body interrupts production of the thyroid hormones and may trigger hypothyroidism. Besides this, it may also cause developmental brain disorders and severe goitre. For undisrupted functioning of the thyroid gland, a thyroid patient must include enough sources of iodine such as iodised salt, dairy products, such as milk and yoghurt in his diet. The recommended amount of iodine for an adult is 150 mcg per day. Seafoods such as prawns, shellfishes and shrimps also increases iodine level in the body.

[Read: How do Thyroid Problems affect the Body?]

Whole Grain Foods

The whole grain foods contain germ, bran and endosperm that are found missing in the processed foods. The removal of bran and germs from the whole grain foods washes away other important nutrients from the food. Therefore to promote thyroid function include whole grains in your diet. Wheat germs that whole grains contain have antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. These antioxidants help to regulate thyroid function. Also, vitamin B found in whole grain foods along with magnesium, iron and folic acid help to maintain optimal thyroid production.  For improved thyroid function, it is recommended to include whole grains such as rye, oatmeal and quinoa along with nuts and seeds such as cashews and sesame seeds except peanuts.

[Read: Best Foods for Hypothyroidism]

Foods containing Vitamins

For optimum secretion of thyroid hormones your body requires enough amounts of vitamin B6, vitamin B2, vitamins C and E. To get the required amount of vitamins, you can eat strawberries and oranges garlic, onion and mushroom, fish such as salmon and tuna, nuts, sunflower seeds, almonds and cashews, turkey, pork and milk.

Iron Rich Foods

Iron is essential to produce protein haemoglobin, which contains heme group responsible for activating thyroid peroxidase. The peroxidase is an enzyme that enables the smooth production of the thyroid hormones. Tuna and salmon,meat, chicken and turkey are the recommended foods to increase the production of thyroid hormones. Vegetarians may eat dried beans, peas, spinach and raisins to increase their iron levels.

The general advice for better functioning of thyroid gland remains so: avoid processed foods, refined sugar, reducing alcohol and caffeine intake and tailor your sedentary lifestyle and try to exercise regularly.

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