Food and Nutrition
<p><b>Food and your thyroid</b></p>
<p>The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the throat responsible for major functions of the body like cell repair, metabolism to regulating energy levels and moods.</p>
<p><br />When you have hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid, that means that this gland produces less of its hormones than your body needs.</p>
<p><br />Also known as the body’s main powerhouse, when this gland produces less of its hormones it can lead to symptoms like slow metabolism, weight gain, fatigue, heart issues and joint pain. On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is when your body makes too much thyroxine hormone.</p>
<p><br /><b>Diet and hypothyroidism</b><br />There's no specific diet used to treat thyroid disorders, but there are certain foods that can help you feel good. Some foods may negatively impact thyroid function and worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism. Several nutrients from foods are important for optimal thyroid health like:</p>
<p><br />• Iodine can be found in foods like seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs.<br />• Selenium can be found in foods like Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes.<br />• Zinc oysters and other shellfish, beef, and chicken.</p>
<p><br />These can help maintain healthy thyroid function.</p>
<p><br /><b>Foods to avoid</b><br />Some foods and supplements can interfere with how well the body absorbs thyroid replacement (treatment) like goitrogens. These are compounds that may interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland.</p>
<p><br />Goitrogens get their name from the term goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland that may develop with hypothyroidism.</p>
<p><br />Many common foods contain goitrogens like:<br />• Tofu, tempeh, and edamame.<br />• Cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower, and spinach.<br />• Sweet potatoes, peaches, strawberries, and pears.<br />• Millet (all variants) pine nuts and peanuts.<br />• Coffee, green tea, and alcohol. These beverages may irritate your thyroid gland.</p>
<p><br />Ideally, foods that contain goitrogens should be eaten in moderation and cooked.</p>
<p><br /><b>Good to know</b><br />When you have hypothyroidism, you may pick up weight very easily due to a slow metabolism. The good news is that you can still maintain a healthy weight suited for your body type. You can start by incorporating these lifestyle changes:</p>
<p><br />• Get enough sleep and aim for seven to eight hours every night. Sleeping less than this is linked to weight gain, especially around the belly area.<br />• Be mindful with your meals. This involves paying attention to what you’re eating, why you’re eating, and how fast you’re eating to help you develop a better relationship with food.<br />• Yoga and meditation can help you de-stress and improve your overall health. This can help you manage your weight.<br />• Opt for a low moderate carb diet to better manage weight. However, avoid trying a ketogenic diet, because eating a lot fewer carbs may lower your thyroid hormone levels.</p>
<p><br />Be sure to further check in with your doctor and verify the safety of foods to eat and alternatives, in the case of allergies and intolerances.</p>
