Did you know that about 1 to 2% of the global population suffer from hypothyroidism? Women are also 10 times more likely to have this condition compared to men. The good news is that it is a condition with a cure. There are also many professionals in Salt Lake City who offer help for low thyroid. Beyond that though, it can help to stay on top of your condition and follow a healthy diet to keep its symptoms at bay.
The Effect of Hypothyroidism
Having low thyroid hormones translates to a direct effect on your metabolism. Because there are fewer hormones to process the food that you eat, your body burns fewer calories at a slower rate. This has a pretty significant impact on your health, as it can cause you to feel tired often, not to mention make it more difficult for you to lose weight and bring up your blood cholesterol levels. It is important to treat hypothyroidism so that you can normalize your metabolism and burn the right amount of calories at rest.
The Important Nutrients
For optimal thyroid health, there are three important nutrients: zinc, selenium, and iodine. Zinc and selenium both activate thyroid hormones, with the former regulating the hormone responsible for the release of thyroid hormones while the latter having antioxidant benefits. Iodine, meanwhile, is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
The Specifics of Diet
It is important to reiterate that diet alone cannot cure hypothyroidism. What it can do is make sure that its symptoms are felt less often and make it easier for you to cope with the condition.
Now, here’s the good news: there are only a few foods that you have to avoid if you suffer from this condition. Moderate your intake of foods that are high in goitrogens, such as soy foods, nuts and seeds, starchy plants, and certain vegetables (e.g.: broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, and kale). Avoid highly processed foods as much as possible, as these tend to be high in calories that may cause weight gain. It is also important to control the intake of supplements and consume only as instructed by your physician.
The proper diet for those who have low thyroid hormones involves the consumption of foods that are high in the important nutrients mentioned above. Whole eggs are an excellent example of this, as these are rich in iodine and selenium while also having high levels of protein. All meats, seafood, and vegetables can also help. With fruits, bananas, oranges, berries, and tomatoes are great choices. Gluten-free grains and seeds such as chia seeds, flax seeds, buckwheat, rice, and quinoa are also beneficial. Dairy products are helpful as well. For beverages, choose water and other non-caffeinated options.
All in all, the diet of people with hypothyroidism should revolve around lean meats, fruits, and vegetables. The goal is to keep it low in calories while making sure that the foods are filling. Eating right may not rid you of the condition completely, but it certainly goes a long way in controlling your weight and avoiding other symptoms associated with the condition.
