The thyroid releases vital hormones that control our major bodily functions including digestion, metabolism, temperature, heartbeat, and how we use energy. Symptoms such as fatigue, unexplained weight gain, and more can be experienced once it’s not working properly.
Certain foods can provide our body with nutrients that are mostly needed by our thyroids to function normally and maintain it at its optimal state.
Seaweeds
Seaweeds are loaded with iodine which is needed by our thyroid to work properly and produce enough TH for our body’s needs. Not getting enough iodine increases our risk of hypothyroidism or a goiter (a thyroid gland that becomes enlarged to make up for the shortage of thyroid hormone). A 1-gram portion of seaweed can contain anywhere from 11% to a whopping 1,989% of our percent daily value. Stick to one fresh seaweed salad per week.
Brazil Nuts
Just one kernel of Brazil Nuts contains 96 micrograms of selenium which is almost double the daily recommended intake of 55 micrograms. Selenium is another nutrient that helps regulate thyroid hormones.
Women who consumed higher amounts of selenium were less likely to develop goiters and thyroid tissue damage than those who didn’t, according to a 2003 study by researchers in France.
Moreover, Brazil nuts also provide zinc, another important nutrient for our thyroid — a deficiency could cause hypothyroidism.
Garlic
Garlic is considered to be a thyroid-friendly food since it can help fight inflammation, balance out foods that are rich in fats and carbohydrates, and support blood-sugar metabolism.
Instead of adding one clove of garlic to our vegetable soup, add four. Mince or press a clove of garlic for a savory salad or add it in salad dressing.
Artichokes
Artichokes are a food that can strongly protect our thyroids. It contains phytochemicals, antioxidants, and amino acids that can possibly help shrink nodules, tumors, and cysts. Artichokes also protect our thyroid from invaders, such as the pathogen that may cause thyroid disease.
Berries
Aside from iodine, selenium, and vitamin D, our thyroid also needs antioxidants. According to a 2008 study, people with hypothyroidism have higher levels of harmful free radicals than those without the condition. Antioxidants help defend our cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Some of the berries that are loaded with antioxidants are cranberries, blackberries, goji berries, and wild berries.
Fresh Eggs
Present in eggs is healthy amounts iodine and selenium which are both important for thyroid health. One egg contains about 20% of our daily recommended value of selenium and 15% of our daily recommended value of iodine. For the most health benefits, eat the whole egg, as the yolk holds most of the nutrients.
