There are particular foods which – if consumed – may do great things for your thyroid health. Pay very close attention to what type of foods you eat if you suffer from any type of thyroid disease. Far too frequently thyroid disorders go misdiagnosed or undiagnosed. Individuals who are suffering from a thyroid disorder may not be aware what is causing their symptoms. This is why it is necessary to gain a better understanding of the thyroid as well as the conditions associated with it.
What Is The Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped organ that is located in the front of the neck. Although it is small, it is a major gland in the endocrine system which impacts almost all organs in the body.
The thyroid interacts with, and regulates, nearly all of the hormones in the body. This organ plays a key role in:
- Energy metabolism,
- Temperature regulation,
- Cholesterol regulation,
- Heart rate,
- Bone health,
- Fertility, as well as
- Cognitive functions.
When the thyroid gland gets imbalanced, hormone production becomes thrown off. Thyroid hormone imbalances may cause the body to exhibit unrelated symptoms. This makes it difficult to pinpoint as the cause. Important thyroid hormones that lead to thyroid disorders if not properly regulated:
- Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) communicates which are the other hormones which need to be produced
- Thyroxine (T4) is the inactive form of thyroid hormone
- Triiodothyronine (T3) is the active form of thyroid hormone (which increases metabolic activity)
- Reverse T3 inhibits T3 function to make sure that the metabolism is kept from becoming overactive
The absolute best way to find out if you have a thyroid dysfunction is to have blood tests on T3 and T4 rather than TSH, which can be requested through your general physician.
What Is Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a disease where the body doesn’t manufacture sufficient thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones assist with controlling growth, cell repair in addition to metabolism. As a consequence, people who suffer from hypothyroidism may experience tiredness, hair loss, weight gain, feeling cold, and feeling down. This is among many other symptoms.
Hypothyroidism affects between 1 and 2% of people worldwide. This condition is ten times more likely to affect women as opposed to men. Foods alone won’t provide a cure for hypothyroidism. However, a combination of the correct nutrients and medication may help restore thyroid function and minimise your symptoms.
Nutrients Important For Optimum Thyroid Health
Iodine
Iodine is a super essential mineral which is necessary to make thyroid hormones. Thus, individuals with iodine deficiency could be at risk of hypothyroidism. If you suffer from an iodine deficiency, consider including iodised table salt to your meals or eating more iodine-rich foods. Examples are seaweed, fish, dairy as well as eggs.
Selenium
Selenium helps “activate” thyroid hormones so that they may be used by the body. This vital mineral also has antioxidant benefits, which means it may protect the thyroid gland from damage through molecules called free radicals.
Zinc
Like selenium, zinc assists the body to “activate” thyroid hormones. Nonetheless, if you have hypothyroidism, you should have the aim to eat more zinc-rich foods like oysters and other shellfish, beef, and chicken.
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