Overactive Thyroid? Include these 5 foods in your diet!
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Thyroid gland is an important part of your endocrine system. Located in the front portion of the neck, this gland utilizes the iodine supplied by your diet to produce two very important hormones called thyroxine and triiodothyronine.
These hormones help you in..
‣ Controlling how your body uses energy
‣ Proper functioning of your brain, heart, and other organs
‣ Balance body temperature
Having an overactive thyroid means that your body is producing too much thyroid hormone.
Common symptoms of an overactive include: sudden weight loss, increased appetite, irritability and nervousness, fatigue, muscle weakness, feeling hot and sweating! It is advisable to get your thyroid checked immediately the moment you notice any of the above-mentioned symptoms.
And if your thyroid gland is not functioning properly, then you should immediately get on with proper medication and start practicing a healthy lifestyle which includes a healthy thyroid diet.
Here are 5 food suggestions that should definitely be a part of your thyroid diet plan:
- 1.Low-iodine foods
As already stated above, the thyroid gland utilizes the iodine mineral to produce the thyroid hormones, eating food with low-iodine content can help you treat an overactive thyroid.
These include non-iodized salt, egg whites, oats, potatoes and so on!
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2. Cruciferous vegetables
These kinds of vegetables contain special compounds that help decrease the production of thyroid hormones in the body and may reduce the iodine uptake by the thyroid. These types of vegetables include brussels sprouts, collard greens, mustard greens, turnip roots, cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage.
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3. Iron-rich foods
Iron is an important nutrient that ensures normal bodily processes and can impact thyroid health. Iron helps the body make the RBCs which carry oxygen to other cells in the body.
Examples of iron-rich foods include raisins, oysters and fish, beef, chicken, turkey, pork, lentils, spinach, tofu, and chickpeas. -
4. Selenium rich foods
Selenium is a micronutrient that your body needs for the metabolism of thyroid hormones. Selenium-rich foods include brazil nuts, tuna, ham, shrimp, cottage cheese, baked beans, oatmeal, and eggs.
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5. Foods containing calcium and Vitamin D
People with an active thyroid generally tend to have a decreased bone density. Including calcium-rich food like milk, cheese, yogurt, sardines, broccoli, and kale in your diet can help strengthen the bones.
For vitamin D, it is advisable to sit under the sun for some time and get your body to soak the sunshine vitamin.
Apart from these foods, adding turmeric to your thyroid diet can also help you in achieving normal thyroid levels. It has anti-inflammatory properties and contains curcumin, a potent antioxidant that can be helpful in controlling the rising levels of thyroid hormones in your body!
If this is looking like too much of a trouble to remember and follow, then you can also have a look at andMe’s thyroid tea!
It comes packed with all the thyroid-friendly ingredients like selenium, zinc, guggul, ashwagandha, and so on! Additionally, it is advisable to avoid alcohol, smoking, tea, coffee, colas, and chocolates.
Apart from taking all these dietary measures, don’t forget to maintain a healthy lifestyle which includes less stress, proper sleep, and routine exercises!
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