13 Foods Beneficial for People Dealing with Thyroid Disease

The butterfly-shaped gland in your throat, known as the thyroid, is one of the most important organs of your body. Its main job is to secrete the hormone Thyroxine, the adequate amount of which is essential for proper functioning of the body. Thyroid disorders can be of two kinds, a hypo or underactive thyroid, and hyper or overactive thyroid. This article focuses on some of the foods to consider while dealing an uneven operation of the thyroid gland. These 13 food items help balance the thyroid activity in their own unique ways, while also improving overall health.

1. Fish is Helpful for Its Fatty Acids Content

Several species of fish such as Salmon, Sardines, Anchovies, Tuna, and Mackerel, are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, a nutrient that works wonders in balancing the levels of hormones in your body. Adding a fish-based meal to your diet at least three times a week can also boost the health of your heart. Remember always to purchase wild-caught fish, because otherwise, the ill-effects of the chemicals used in preserving the fish can outrun the benefits of eating the fish.

2. Brazil Nuts Help Boost Body’s Selenium Levels

If you are dealing with thyroid disease, and always looking for healthier snacking options, look no further than Brazil nuts. These nuts are rich in Selenium, a mineral highly effective in maintaining healthy levels of thyroid hormone. Typically, one Brazil nut per day should provide you the required dosage of Selenium, but adding a few more onto your plate will be even better. Buy organic whenever you can, to get the most nutrition out of the nuts.

3. Apples Provide the Required Dosage of Essential Vitamins

Vitamin-rich fruits such as apples help in absorbing harmful heavy metals that could cause your thyroid to operate inefficiently. Adding a minimum of 3 servings of fruit in your daily diet can help maintain your thyroid hormone levels.

4. Seaweed Helps Improve Your Iodine Intake

Seaweed is magical for people dealing with hypothyroidism. Its high levels of iodine ensure your underactive thyroid gets going. It also aids in digestion, enabling you to lose weight, an issue most hypothyroid patients suffer from. With seaweed, you can try different recipes, such as sushi rolls, which fit your palate.

5. Coconut Oil Is Known for Its Antioxidant Properties

Recent research has shown that coconut oil is one of the healthiest cooking oils out there, which not only balances the immune system but maintains the health of your thyroid by boosting metabolism. Rich in antioxidants, caprylic acid, lauric acid, and capric acid, this wonder oil also balances out your blood sugar levels. Raw or cooked coconut can be additionally included in your diet to get the best benefits out of this superfood.

6. Fiber-Rich Foods Improves the Body’s Metabolism

Dietary fiber is essential for healthy digestion and an improvement in metabolism. With easier digestion, more amounts of vitamins and minerals become available in the body for all organs, including the thyroid, to absorb and function optimally. Some examples of fiber-rich foods are whole grains, lentils, broccoli, avocados, black beans, artichokes, oats, raspberries, and blackberries. Add one or more of these items in your daily diet to help out your thyroid.

7. Dairy Provides the Balanced Dosage of Proteins, Vitamins, And Minerals

A balanced mix of proteins, vitamins, and essential minerals is key to having a healthy thyroid, and there is no better food than dairy to provide such a combination. A cup of milk or a handful of shredded cheese added to your daily diet can help boost your metabolism, thus enabling your thyroid to run smoothly. Avoid this step if you are lactose-intolerant, for dairy is not for everyone. Also, be sure to not go overboard with the consumption of dairy, as high amounts can cause adverse effects on the digestive tract.

8. Eggs Are the Easiest Providers of Required Protein

This superfood had to be included in this list. It is the concentrated dosage of protein that makes eggs a must-have for thyroid patients. Boil it, fry it, scramble it, or have it sunny-side up, the preference is yours on how you want to include that one egg in your daily regimen.

9. Bone Broth Boosts the Immune System

Typically made by simmering roasted bones in water at least for 8 hours, bone broth is food with extremely high nutrition density. Its primary function is to heal a leaky gut, which is often a leading cause of thyroid disorders. It is also beneficial for the health of the immune system and helps counter fatigue and muscle aches. A daily cup of bone broth is a must if you wish to fight off your thyroid disease in a natural way.

10. Oysters Help the Body with a High Intake of Zinc

A somewhat unusual dinner choice, oysters are beneficial for your thyroid due to their high concentration of Zinc, which is crucial for treating an underactive thyroid. To make them more palatable, try to coat them in iodized salt before cooking.

11. Cruciferous Vegetables Are the Ones with Highest Levels of Vitamins

Unlike previous belief, crucifers are now known to be excellent for thyroid health. High doses of vitamins in this family of vegetables can help fight almost all forms of thyroid disease, and also help prevent cancer. Make sure you buy organic whenever possible, as this type of vegetables retains pesticides longer when grown inorganically. Some examples of cruciferous vegetables are cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, kale, watercress, bok choy, collard greens, and brussels sprouts.

12. Chicken Provides the Required Dosage of Fat-Free Animal Protein

This bird is an all-rounder when it comes to health, taste, and adaptability. In addition to being an excellent source of fat-free animal protein and Vitamin B12, chicken contains tyrosine, which boosts the functioning of an underactive thyroid. One chicken breast on your dinner plate each day helps your body immensely with the necessary ingredients to fight a thyroid disorder.

13. Yogurt Is Rich in Probiotics

An excellent source of probiotics, a daily cup of yogurt helps maintain a healthy gut, essential to fend off thyroid disorders. If your yogurt is fortified with Vitamin D, you get the added benefit of this essential vitamin that helps maintain a healthy immune system as well.