Thyroid disorders arise when the thyroid gland produces too much or too little of its hormones. A simple thyroid blood test can show whether your thyroid gland is in good condition.
Thyroid disease is a term that encompasses different thyroid issues. While some disorders are autoimmune, the two main thyroid conditions are:
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your body produces too much thyroid hormone, resulting in faster energy use, making you feel easily tired. In addition, it can raise your heart rate and make you lose weight unintentionally.
Hypothyroidism, however, happens when your thyroid makes you gain weight unexpectedly because it slows down your body’s metabolism. This condition can also make you sensitive to cold temperatures.
Including certain nutrients in your diet can support proper thyroid functions.
Diet for Hyperthyroidism
Avoiding too much iodine in your diet is vital because it increases thyroid hormone production. Caffeine can also make your symptoms worse. On the other Calcium and Vitamin D is essential for your bone health.
What to eat
· Non-iodized salt
· Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, kale, arugula, bok choy, cauliflower and broccoli
· Food which contains selenium, such as brazil nuts, rice, oatmeal, spinach and egg whites
· Food rich in iron like raisins, dark chocolate, spinach, chicken
· Include foods that contain calcium, such as milk once a day, broccoli, kale and bok choy
· Spices like turmeric and green chillies
What to avoid
· Foods rich in iodine such as iodized salt, fish, selfish, seaweeds, egg yolks
· Food containing soy like soy milk, soy sauce, soybean oil, tofu, edamame beans
· Caffeinated beverages like coffee, black tea, chocolate, certain sodas and energy drinks
Diet for Hyperthyroidism
Food rich in iodine, zinc and selenium is essential to your diet.
What to eat
· Iodine-rich food such as cheese, milk, iodized salt, seaweed, whole eggs, saltwater fish
· Foods with selenium like Brazil nuts, oats, brown rice, tuna, shrimp, chicken
· Foods containing zinc like legumes, pumpkin seeds, yoghurt, oysters, crab, chicken
What to avoid
· Cruciferous vegetables in large amounts
· Soy products
· Processed food to manage weight
If you are experiencing thyroid disorder symptoms, book an appointment with Anna Pharmacy for a thyroid blood test and begin your journey to better well-being with proper diet and medication.