Join Whats App Channel There is the best food for thyroid. But first, we have to know about what is thyroid, its function, types, symptoms and treatment. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland present in the throat, just below the Adam’s Apple. It plays an important role in controlling various metabolic processes in the body by producing thyroid hormones.
Table of Contents
Function of Thyroid
1. Controlling of Metabolism
The two hormones that the thyroid primarily produces to control the rate of metabolism in the body are triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). By managing the body’s energy consumption rate, these hormones affect energy levels, weight control, and overall metabolic processes.
2. Growth and Development
Primarily in youngsters, thyroid hormones are critical for healthy growth and development. They impact how the brain and nervous system develop, and how bones grow.
3. Temperature Control
The thyroid controls the metabolic rate, which aids in preserving body temperature. Increased heat production from a faster metabolism makes the body warmer.
4. Mood and Mental health
Thyroid hormone levels must be enough to maintain mood stability and mental abilities. Several symptoms, including anxiety, depression, and difficulty focusing can result from imbalances.
5. Reproductive health
Thyroid function in women affects fertility, menstrual periods, and general reproductive health. Pregnancy issues and irregular periods might result from thyroid abnormalities.
Types of Thyroid
The two main types of thyroid are:
1. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is also called underactive thyroid. It is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough amount of thyroid hormones in your bloodstream and your metabolism slows down.
When your thyroid levels are very low they cause Myxedema.
Several factors can cause hypothyroidism:
- The most common form of autoimmune condition is Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
- Hormone production can be reduced or prevented by completely or partially removing the thyroid gland.
- Thyroid gland damage could occur from head and neck cancer treatment.
- Some medications may have an impact on the production of thyroid hormones.
- Some kids are born without a thyroid gland or with thyroid problems.
- The production of thyroid hormone needs iodine. Because of iodine-fortified meals, deficiencies are rare in developed nations.
2. Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is also called overactive thyroid. It is a condition where the thyroid gland produces a high amount of thyroid hormones in your bloodstream and makes your metabolism speed up.
Several factors can cause hyperthyroidism:
- Graves disease is an inflammatory disease that attacks the thyroid gland.
- A lump or cell growth in your thyroid gland is referred to as a thyroid nodule. More hormones than your body needs can be generated by them. Rarely can thyroid nodules develop into cancer.
- Your thyroid gland may become swollen with thyroiditis, which can cause either pain or silence. It might happen a year after giving birth.
- Consumption of too much iodine can cause your thyroid to produce more thyroid hormones. Amiodarone, a medication that contains a high amount of iodine, may also cause hyperthyroidism.
Best food for Thyroid
Maintaining a healthy thyroid function is essential for general health, and food is a major factor. The following foods are:
1. Iodine-rich food
Iodine is an essential mineral that is the best food for thyroid. Iodine is very important for the production of thyroid hormones.
| Seaweed | Kelp, Nori and Dulse are the best sources. |
| Iodized Salt | A good way to ensure you’re receiving sufficient amounts of iodine is to consume iodized salt. |
| Fish | Cod, Tuna, and Shrimp are rich in iodine. |
2. Selenium-rich food
Thyroid hormone activation is made easier by selenium. You can obtain selenium through your diet by eating the best food as follows:
| Brazil nuts | Take 6 to 8 Brazil nuts a few times a week to avoid selenium toxicity. |
| Sunflower seeds | Excellent plant-based source. |
| Fish and Shellfish | Tuna, sardines and Shrimp are high in selenium. |
3. Zinc-rich food
The synthesis and transformation of thyroid hormones depend on zinc.
| Legumes | Chickpeas, lentils and beans provide Zinc. |
| Nuts and Seeds | Pumpkin seeds and cashews contain Zinc. |
| Meat | Chicken and Lamb is an excellent source. |
4. Iron-rich food
Iron is an important nutrient, you can only obtain it through diet. Thankfully, you can get all the iron you need each day from a wide variety of nutritious meals. Iron best food are:
| Leafy Greens | Spinach and Swiss card are rich in Iron. |
| Legumes | Chickpeas and lentils |
5. Antioxidant-rich food
The body produces antioxidants, which are chemicals contained in food that help protect cells against free radicals, which can lead to oxidative stress and increase the risk of developing a range of chronic diseases.
| Berries | Strawberry, Rasberry and Blueberry are full of antioxidants. |
| Cruciferous vegetables | Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, and broccoli (in small amounts, especially cooked; too much raw may interfere with thyroid function). |
| Vitamin C-rich foods | Oranges, bell peppers and kiwi. |
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Symptoms of thyroid
There are many symptoms you could face if you are suffering from thyroid disease. However, symptoms of thyroid disease are very similar to other medical conditions. It can be difficult to understand that your symptoms are related to thyroid disease or an alternative completely.
Therefore, symptoms of thyroid are divided into two parts:
Treatment of thyroid
Treatment of thyroid disease depends on the type of thyroid. The aim is to get your thyroid hormone levels back into a healthy range.
| Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism |
| The most used thyroid hormone replacement is levothyroxine. It is usually taken once a day to replace the hormone T4 that is missing. | Methylthiouracil and methimazole are antithyroid medicines that prevent your thyroid from producing hormones. |
| To ensure the right dosage, routine blood tests are required. TSH levels should be checked every 6–8 weeks until they are maintained, and then once a year after that. | Radioiodine therapy, also known as radioactive iodine therapy, causes damage to thyroid cells, which prevents the thyroid gland from generating high amounts of thyroid hormone. |
