Food to Eat and Avoid For Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism happens when the thyroid gland becomes incapable of producing enough thyroid hormones. This thyroid disorder is more common in older women. Eating a healthy diet can help to manage the symptoms of hypothyroidism. On the other hand, eating certain foods can worsen the symptoms. Listed below are foods that you should eat and ones that you should avoid to reduce the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Foods You Should Eat:

Food Loaded with Selenium

Selenium promotes the production of thyroid hormones. It converts thyroid hormone thyroxine or T4 into triiodothyronine or T3. This is extremely essential for proper metabolism. Wheat germ, brown rice, tuna, and Brazil nuts are some good selenium rich food.

Foods Rich in Iodine

Iodine helps to stimulate the production of thyroid hormones. Sea foods like seaweeds, fresh fish, and kelp are the richest sources of iodine. Although iodized salt is a very rich source of iron, you should have it in moderation as too much of it can cause high blood pressure.

Protein Rich Food

Eating a diet that contains good amounts of high quality lean protein is necessary for proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Meat, fish, and poultry products are some good protein rich foods.

Foods Packed with Vitamins

Your daily diet should contain plenty of vitamin rich food. Vitamin C and vitamin B complex are essential for keeping the thyroid hormones under control. Some good sourced of these vitamins include whole grains, carrots, fish, bananas, and oranges.

Eating fiber rich foods is also a good way of reducing the effects of hypothyroidism. Fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, and whole grains are excellent sources of fibers and should be included in your daily diet.

Water Consumption

Drinking adequate amounts of water every day to enhance the metabolism plays a crucial role in treating hypothyroidism.

Foods You Should Avoid:

Besides eating the healthy foods mentioned above, you should avoid certain foods that disturb the functioning of your thyroid gland. Some such foods include radish, pear, peach, mustard, strawberry, sweet potato, cauliflower, broccoli, rapeseed, etc. You should avoid alcohol consumption and stay away from junk foods as well as foods that are high in sugar, fat, and starch.

Increasing the intake of thyroid-healthy foods and avoiding the consumption of the unhealthy ones is the most effective way of easing the symptoms of hypothyroidism.