When you have hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland, symptoms like fatigue, depression and constipation can be experienced. Fortunately, alongside your meds, there are certain foods that can help you cope with the symptoms of hypothyroidism
When you have hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid gland, symptoms like fatigue, depression and constipation can be experienced. Fortunately, alongside your meds, there are certain foods that can help you cope with the symptoms of hypothyroidism and even boost the effectiveness of the thyroid gland itself.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate several processes in the body like mood, metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, body temperature and blood pressure. Hypothyroidism happens when your thyroid gland is not producing enough hormones. Luckily you can improve the function of your thyroid by eating a balanced diet that is rich in all nutrients and protein.
1- Fatty Fish.
The omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish like wild salmon, sardines and herring is highly important for patients with hypothyroidism.
With hypothyroidism, there is a risk of heart diseases as a result to high levels of LDL cholesterol and elevated blood pressure. Omega-3 helps to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and combat inflammation that is caused by high levels of cholesterol, it also helps to reduce the risks of heart diseases.
An extra benefit of omega-3 fatty acids is its content of selenium which is mainly concentrated in the body in the thyroid gland and it also helps to reduce inflammation.
2- Whole Grains.
Whole grain foods like brown rice, whole cereal, pasta, bread and crackers contain several nutrients in addition to fibers which helps in coping with the common symptom of hypothyroidism constipation. However, whole grains can interference with the thyroid hormones meds so make sure to eat your serving of whole grains for the day at least thee hours before or after you take your meds.
3- Fresh Fruits and Vegetables.
For patients with under active thyroid gland, having a serving of fresh fruits and vegetables with each meal is highly recommended for two main reasons. First reason is to control the main symptoms that comes along with hypothyroidism which is wait gain and second reason is to have a good supply of fiber to combat constipation and antioxidants to lower the risk of heart diseases.
However it is recommended that people with hypothyroidism avoid cruciferous like cauliflower and cabbage because they can interfere with the thyroid’s ability to absorb iodine which is essential for a proper thyroid function.
Seaweed is of the richest sources of iodine which is the responsible agent for the production of thyroid hormones. Other extra benefits seaweed provide is calcium, fiber, vitamins A, B, C, E and K.
If