Healthy eating with hypothyroidism

You eat for energy, you eat for strong bones, you eat for brain-boosting benefits and you eat to improve your heart. But do you eat a diet that would benefit your thyroid? More so, if you already have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem, like hypothyroidism, do you know what you should be eating and what you should be avoiding?

Our thyroid is often overlooked unless a doctor raises concerns about it. Although you may not think about it much it plays a major role in producing hormones and regulating our metabolism. When this process is thrown off it can cause hypothyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a disruption in the normal processes carried out by the thyroid. Production of hormones reduces which can lead to weight gain, constipation, changes in skin – becoming too dry – fatigue and even depression.

Hypothyroidism can occur if the thyroid is removed through surgery, stress or simply if it stops functioning as normal.

The good news is hypothyroidism is manageable and one way to do so is through diet.

Hypothyroidism and diet

Just as our body requires nutrients for it to function properly, so does the thyroid either. This is why hypothyroidism and diet is so important for proper management.

There are certain types of food which are best for hypothyroidism. They are iodine rich foods and selenium rich foods. Before we outline foods for hypothyroidism let’s discuss the importance of iodine and selenium.

Iodine is required for the normal functioning of the thyroid so when the thyroid is under-performing, boosting iodine can help it. Iodine-rich foods may aid in symptoms associated with hypothyroidism and assist your metabolism. Selenium is also highly beneficial for your thyroid as it aids in the production of hormones making your thyroid not have to work as hard.

Now that we understand the role of iodine and selenium in addressing hypothyroidism, let’s outline foods that you should eat if you have hypothyroidism.

• Meat
• Chicken
• Salmon
• Tuna
• Whole unrefined grains
• Iodized salt
• Seaweed
• Nuts
• Dairy products
• Garlic
• Onions
• Beans and legumes
• Fruits and vegetables.

Eating foods to help hypothyroidism can benefit your overall good health as well. Eating them daily can help boost the health of your thyroid and make living with hypothyroidism manageable and easier to live with.

On the other hand, there are foods you should avoid as they can worsen symptoms and the condition itself.

Read more at http://www.belmarrahealth.com/foods-to-eat-for-hypothyroidism/