Selenium is a supplement that helps the thyroid function properly; however, too much selenium can counteract prescribed treatments for hypothyroidism so speak to your doctor about the correct amount to add to your diet. One or two Brazil nuts or a handful of macadamia or hazelnuts is a big enough portion for fulfilling daily nutrition requirements.
Brazil nuts are loaded full of certain vitamins and minerals that will specifically help your thyroid function properly. Other benefits of brazil nuts are they help in reducing inflammation and support your heart, brain, and immune system.
One of the most common symptoms of hypothyroidism is a feeling of lethargy or low energy. Beans, beans, beans -- the magical fruit! Beans are a great source of both protein and sustained energy.
Another great benefit is that they also contain antioxidants, complex carbohydrates, and they are high in fiber which can help if you’re also suffering from constipation due to hypothyroidism. Try adding beans into your favorite soup, tacos, or your favorite casserole dish.
Herbs like ginger, turmeric, cinnamon, and cilantro are wonderful—not to mention—tasty additions to any diet. For hypothyroidism conditions, these herbs help with speeding up the metabolism to combat the weight gain issues that hypothyroidism can cause.
Herbs are easy to add to any meal. Whether you sprinkle cinnamon on some fresh apples for a little treat or throw a bit of cilantro into some fresh guacomole. Always add in spices when you can for an extra boost of nutrients.
Apples are low-calorie and very filling, which helps with weight-loss and control. Maintaining a healthy weight is important since hypothyroidism is responsible for producing the hormone that controls metabolism.
Fresh fruit, like apples, can help flush out heavy metals in your body that can keep your thyroid from functioning properly.
Oysters are extremely high in zinc, making it a great food to eat when you have hypothyroidism. Zinc is a key mineral needed to help keep your thyroid functioning properly.
Hypothyroidism can be worsened by zinc deficency, and zinc absorption can drop in people with hypothyroidism. So make sure you are getting enough zinc in your diet.
Milk adds essential vitamins such as Vitamin D to help improve thyroid hormone levels. Did you know that milk also contributes a majority of the iodine in the average diet? Dairy products are great to incorporate in your diet when you have hypothyroidism, but you need to watch how much you are consuming. Sometimes too much calcium will counteract with certain medications prescribed.
Dairy products are great to incorporate in your diet when you have hypothyroidism, but you need to watch how much you are consuming. Sometimes too much calcium will counteract with certain medications prescribed.
Celiac Disease has been linked to hypothyroidism, so dropping gluten from your diet may lessen your symptoms. Celiac disease is a digestive disorder in which gluten triggers an immune response in the small intestines.
Rice, buckwheat, quinoa, chia seeds and flax seeds are great additions to your hypothyroidism diet to see if some of your symptoms ease. If they do, discuss the possibility of testing for Celiac Disease with your doctor. Gluten-free diets are becoming increasingly popular, so don't let it intimidate you.
Chicken isn’t just another great source of protein. It’s also packed with zinc, a nutrient the thyroid needs to produce enough hormones for your body.
Fresh meats are great to incorporate into your hypothyroidism diet. Meats are an excellent source of protein and they have the minerals needed to keep your thyroid healthy.
Yogurt is a great source of iodine, which gives our thyroids the support they need. Just one serving of yogurt can have as much as half your daily iodine requirement.
Dairy products in general are great sources of calcium and protein, which can be good for the thyroid in small amounts. We advise caution and consulting a physician here, as well, since too much calcium can counteract the medications prescribed with thyroid issues.
Salmon is extremely high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are known to help decrease inflammation. Omega-3s can also help with things like building immunity and lowering the risk of heart disease.
Fish in general are great sources of iodine and omega-3 fatty acids, but none of them can compete with the benefits of salmon. Salmon truly has so many benefits for the human body.
Avocados are loaded with healthy nutrients. They are a great source of potassium, monounsaturated fats, and antioxidants. These nutrients will help regulate blood sugar and provide the thyroid with a steady supply of energy.
Avocados can get a bad rap because they are a fat, but they shouldn't. Avocados are a healthy fat and have tons of benefits for the body. Just watch your portion sizes!
Extra virgin olive oil is a healthy fat that is full of omega-3 fatty acids and other natural chemical compounds. These nutrients help promote and protect the thyroid gland functions.
The omega-3 fatty acids can lead to lower inflammation in the body, better brain function, and reduce the risk of heart disease; all symptoms and risks due to hypothyroidism. Avoid omega-6 fatty acid foods because they can encourage inflammation in the body.
People with hypothyroidism may want to limit their intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage. However, root vegetables like sweet potatoes are vegetables you need to incorporate into your diet when you have hypothyroidism.
Sweet potatoes are packed full of antioxidants and other nutrients that support the function of the thyroid. If you've never made mashed sweet potatoes, you are seriously missing out!
All fresh meats, especially lean meats like beef, are great for a hypothyroidism diet due to the amount of protein they contain. Protein converts into energy to help relieve symptoms of lethargy.
Stay away from processed meats like hot dogs and deli meats. Processed meats are packed with additives that aggravate the thyroid and prohibit the production of the thyroid hormone.
Seaweed has a high concentration of iodine, which is an essential nutrient for thyroid function. Seaweed offers other nutritional benefits such as fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
Most of us get iodine from table salt, but if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you may be missing out. Try adding seaweed to soups or salads. You may be surprised by how much you like it!
Chocolate is typically seen as a delicious treat, but dark chocolate can actually improve your thyroid health. Dark chocolate is rich in minerals that help keep your heart and blood vessels healthy.
Studies show that moderate consumption of dark chocolate can improve insulin sensitivity, lower bad cholesterol, and normalize blood pressure. Just remember to choose dark chocolate over white or milk chocolate!
Red bell peppers are an excellent source of vitamin C, vitamin E, six different cartenoids, and they are high in antioxidants. Red bell peppers surprisingly beat out most citrus fruits when it comes to containing the highest amount of vitamin C per serving.
Research proves that vitamin C helps improve abnormal T4 and T3 concentrations in patients with hypothyroidism. Red bell peppers are delicous raw, sauted, roasted, or even grilled.
Berries are high in antioxidants, and just like every other gland and organ in your body, your thyroid loves antioxidants! Blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries should definitely be incorporated into your hypothyroidism diet.
Blueberries are high in flavonoids, which work with proteins and enzymes in your body to improve memory function. Raspberries have a host of vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber, but they also have a high concentration of ellagic acid. Ellagic acid is known to stop the growth of cancer cells. Blackberries help protect the body from inflammation and help heal damaged cells.
Surprisingly, garlic has numerous health benefits. Garlic supports blood-sugar metabolism and can fight inflammation, which makes it a great hypothyroidism food.
Everyone really should be consuming garlic on a regular basis. Garlic is a versatile spice used to add flavor to many savory dishes. Next time you roast vegetables throw some garlic in with them.
Cod is another delicious and flavorful fish rich in omega-3 fatty acids, iodine, and selenium. Cod is high in protein and low in fat, which makes it a great food choice for those with hypothyroidism.
Fresh fish is one of the best foods you can eat to really maximize on health benefits. Some of the best ways to prepare cod is steamed, baked, or grilled.
People with hypothyroidism typically experience a decrease in their metabolism due to the thyroid not producing enough hormones. Green tea is a miracle worker when it comes to boosting metabolism.
Along with boosting metabolism, green tea is an excellent source of antioxidants. Green tea offers tons of other health benefits such as improving brain function, preventing cardiovascular diseases, and possibly lowering the risk of some cancers.
