The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, but its impact on the body is significant.
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Thyroid function regulates numerous processes that influence metabolism and maintenance of homeostasis.
Its dysfunction can adversely affect multiple clinical parameters. Notably, thyroid disorders have been correlated with metabolic changes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease.
In both cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone interrupts insulin sensitivity and adipocyte metabolism, leading to abnormal glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and cardiometabolic health.
Ayurveda expert Dimple Jangda highlighted 3 best foods for thyroid health.
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland located in the neck, but its impact on the body is significant. It produces hormones that can regulate metabolism, energy production, body temperature, heart rate, and several other key functions. To function effectively and properly, the thyroid requires a steady supply of nutrients, especially, selenium, iodine, zinc, magnesium, and other trace minerals. While no food can cure thyroid disorders, certain nutrient-dense foods can help support healthy thyroid function and hormone production.
According to a study featured in National Library of Medicine, “Thyroid function regulates numerous processes that influence metabolism and maintenance of homeostasis. Its dysfunction can adversely affect multiple clinical parameters. Notably, thyroid disorders have been correlated with metabolic changes and increased risk of cardiovascular disease. In both cases of hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone interrupts insulin sensitivity and adipocyte metabolism, leading to abnormal glucose metabolism, lipid profile, and cardiometabolic health.” 1
Recently, leading Ayurveda expert Dimple Jangda took to her Instagram account and highlighted 3 best foods for thyroid health. She said, “Did you know your thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your throat, but it controls your metabolism, digestion, and energy levels. Even if yours has been removed, these tips can still support your hormone balance.” 2
She said thyroid is one of the smallest organs in the throat that controls your metabolism, digestion, and the way you use your energy levels as well. Thyroid is like a butterfly shaped organ that is responsible for so many functions in your body. You simple can not do without it. A lot of people unfortunately have the thyroid removed, but they can still follow these remedies and health tips given below:
1. Selenium: She said, “you need selenium in your diet. Have two Brazil nuts in your diet every single day. Soak it overnight and next morning consume it. This helps in improving your thyroid function.”
2. Iodine: Make sure you have iodine in your diet. You can get it from iodized salt which is widely available in India. We have Tata Namak. It is a great way to get your iodine in. And, you can also have a bowl of strawberries every day. It is great for thyroid health. You can also have seaweed, Nori, kelp. This is also a great way to get your iodine levels up. Iodine helps in improving the function of the thyroid.
As long as your thyroid is healthy, you will be able to stay away without medication. But the minute you get on medication, your thyroid starts getting dependent on the medication and does not heal itself. That’s the problem with being over medicated.
3. Zinc, Magnesium & Micro-Minerals: Dimple Jangda revealed that “you need to also improve your intake of zinc, magnesium, and other micro minerals that help in improving the absorption of minerals from other foods as well. Make sure to have a bowl of pistachios every day.”
She recommended to have one teaspoon of pumpkin seeds, one teaspoon of flax seeds, sunflower and sesame seeds. Sesame seeds are also a great source of calcium which is great for women’s health. Sesame seeds improve bone density and prevents loss of calcium. You can also have good fat butter in your diet. That is clarified butter or ghee. They contain butyric acid that helps in lubricating your GI tract and colon and ensuring you have smooth evacuation of waste.
Because the number one problem that thyroid patients face is constipation. You do not want to get constipated. Constipation only makes the thyroid hormone become weaker. So, you need to make sure that you are evacuating waste on a daily basis. One teaspoon of ghee in a glass of warm water in the morning or milk with ghee at bedtime. You can also have cashew butter in your diet.
Dimple Jangda said, “Ensure to stay away from cruciferous vegetables like cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli because they contain gitrogen which weakens the thyroid gland.” If you already have thyroid symptoms, make sure to cook them really well and consume them.
The health expert also urged to not have juices of raw cucumber, raw broccoli, or raw cauliflower. They are only going to make an excess of gitrogen overload in your body and weaken the thyroid hormone.
Also, stay away from soya-based products. If you have thyroid impairement, soya-based products like soya milk, tofu are not good, added Jangda.
FAQs
How do selenium-rich foods benefit thyroid function?
Selenium supports thyroid health by aiding hormone production and improving gland function. Consuming selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts daily, as recommended by Ayurveda expert Dimple Jangda, can help optimize thyroid performance and regulate metabolism.
Why is iodine important for thyroid health and which foods provide it?
Iodine is critical for thyroid hormone synthesis. Adequate iodine intake from sources like iodized salt, strawberries, seaweed, nori, and kelp helps maintain healthy thyroid function and prevents hormone imbalances linked to hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism.
What role do zinc, magnesium, and other trace minerals play in thyroid support?
Zinc, magnesium, and other trace minerals improve the absorption of essential nutrients necessary for thyroid hormone production. Including foods like pistachios, pumpkin seeds, flax seeds, sunflower seeds, and sesame seeds can enhance thyroid health and overall metabolic balance.
Are there specific foods thyroid patients should avoid to prevent weakening the gland?
Yes, thyroid patients should avoid raw cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, cabbage, and broccoli due to their goitrogen content, which can impair thyroid function. It’s better to cook these vegetables thoroughly and avoid soya-based products like soya milk and tofu.
Can adding clarified butter (ghee) benefit thyroid patients?
Yes, ghee contains butyric acid that helps lubricate the gastrointestinal tract, aiding in smooth waste evacuation. Since constipation can weaken thyroid hormone effects, consuming a teaspoon of ghee daily, either in warm water or milk, supports digestive health important for thyroid function.
National Library of Medicine|Thyroid Disorders and Their Impact on Metabolic Syndrome and Cardiovascular Risk: A Narrative Review
Ayurveda expert Dimple Jangda via Instagram|Top 3 foods for thyroid health
Disclaimer: This content is for general informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with any questions about your health or treatment options.
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