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Hyporthyroidism or an underactive thyroid is observed in many people across the world. According to a study conducted in 2011, 8% of men and women over the age of 65 and 50, respectively, from the United Kingdom, are seen to be suffering from this disorder, which results in the decreased production and activity of Triiodothyronine (T3) and Thyroxine (T4).
About 100, 000 of these persons, not under treatment at the time, were found to be treatable for the condition. The signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism vary across a vast spectrum, which can be categorized as apparent, neurological, neuromuscular, endocrine, cardiovascular and constitutional. Though different medical treatments are available for treating hypothyroidism, dietary treatment is viewed as the primary treatment.
Dietary Changes for Hypothyroidism
Avoid Simple Sugars
In persons suffering from a deficient metabolic functioning, the sugars that they eat are not entirely converted into energy and stored in the body cells for utilization, as these cells become resistant to the action of insulin, which is responsible for transporting these sugars in the form of glucose from the blood to the body cells.
As a result, the body produces much greater levels of insulin to enable the metabolism of the sugars. Increased levels of insulin in the blood, damages the thyroid, thereby resulting in hypothyroidism. Foods such as sweets made from refined sugar, potatoes, white rice, and starchy foods should be avoided by persons suffering from hypothyroidism due to metabolic syndrome.
Eat Proteins
Proteins support thyroid activity. All the cells of your body require thyroid hormones. Proteins help in transporting the thyroid hormones to the cells. Protein insufficiency may stress your thyroid, resulting in its under-activity.
Low- fat dairy products, nuts, nut butters, fish, chicken breast, potatoes and shellfish are excellent dietary sources of proteins. Soy protein, however, should be avoided, as its plant-based estrogen content suppresses thyroid activity, which is not desirable for persons suffering from hypothyroidism.
Eat Healthy Fats
Healthy fats maintain optimal thyroid activity. Healthy fats and healthy cholesterol boosters are found in nuts, olive oil, nut butter, fish, flaxseed, avocado, yogurt, cottage cheese and coconut. These should be eaten moderately in order to benefit the thyroid gland.
Iodine
Classically, iodine deficiency is regarded as the cause of hypothyroidism. However, recent studies have found that symptoms of autoimmune hypothyroidism are found to worsen on taking dietary iodine supplements.
This is because iodine suppresses the activity of Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO), which is required for efficient thyroid activity.
Gluten Free Foods
Go gluten-free, for hypothyroidsim issues ! The thyroid is found to share molecular similarities with gluten. Gluten may trigger the autoimmune reaction of the thyroid gland.
Gluten is contained in wheat flour. Hence, breads made of wheat flour should not be consumed. Breads made of rice, corn, soy, potato and bean flours can be eaten, instead.
Avoid Goitrogenic Foods
Goitrogenic foods are the ones that suppress the activity of the thyroid gland by preventing sufficient absorption of dietary iodine by it. Such foods should be avoided.
Cabbage, radish, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, soy, spinach, millet, peach and peanut are certain everyday goitrogenic foods that can be avoided to prevent the occurrence or aggravation of hypothyroidism.
Foods such as sweets made from refined sugar, potatoes, white rice, and starchy foods should be avoided in persons suffering from hypothyroidism due to metabolic syndrome.
Caution: Please use Home Remedies after Proper Research and Guidance. You accept that you are following any advice at your own risk and will properly research or consult healthcare professional.