The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the neck. The thyroid hormones are crucial for the proper metabolism, growth, and development of the human body.
Thyroid imbalance can be due to many factors, including but not limited to hereditary
- Iodine Deficiency
- Developmental Defect
- Some Medications
Food also can affect our thyroid health. If you are suffering from any thyroid condition, always watch your diet. You should know what kind of food is good and which food is to avoid for proper care of your thyroid health.
Best food for hypothyroidism
In hypothyroidism, thyroid glands can not produce sufficient thyroid hormones for the proper functioning of our body. One of the causes of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. Food rich in iodine can boost thyroid functions in case of hypothyroidism. Some foods that can boost your thyroid hormone production are:
- Include iodized salt in your diet
- Roasted seaweeds
- Seafood such as shrimp, oyster, cod, and tuna, are a rich source of iodine
- You can also include dairy products such as milk, cheese, and yogurt
- Eggs and meat
- Nuts such as walnut
- Soybean flour
Excessive consumption of iodine-rich (goitrogenic) food could harm your thyroid. The goitrogenic food includes:
- Vegetables and fruits such as cabbage, cauliflower, kale, broccoli, strawberry, peaches
- Soy foods like tofu, edamame
- Fat and fat-rich food
Best food for hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland produces too many thyroid hormones. Although diet solitary can’t improve thyroid conditions, they can support thyroid functions. Some foods that can help in hyperthyroidism are:
- Protein-rich food: chicken, turkey, and beef
- Fruit and fruit juices
- Calcium and vitamin D rich food: milk, cheese, yogurt, and salmon
- Cruciferous vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, radishes, and cauliflower
- Iron-rich food: raisins, spinach, lentils, dark chocolate, chickpeas, and beans
Some food items you should avoid in hyperthyroidism are:
- Caffeine
- Gluten-rich food
- Iodine-rich food: iodized salt, seaweed, and seafood
- Soy products: soy milk, tofu, and edamame beans
Changing diet according to your thyroid health needs can improve your thyroid functions. A healthy thyroid gland is crucial for the proper functioning of the body.
Source: https://www.everlywell.com/blog/thyroid/foods-to-help-thyroid/