How to keep your thyroid gland healthy: useful and harmful foods are announced
To regulate the thyroid gland, you need to eat a diet rich in iodine, selenium, and zinc, which are essential nutrients for its proper functioning.
These minerals can be found in foods such as fish, shellfish, and nuts. Otherwise, you may develop hypothyroidism, one of the most common endocrine diseases, according to tuasaude.com.
It is characterized by a decrease in the activity of the thyroid gland, which produces less hormones than necessary for the ideal functioning of the body. In turn, this causes weight gain for no apparent reason, constipation, dry skin, brittle nails, cramps, and other symptoms.
Foods that regulate the thyroid gland
Nutrients and healthy foods that regulate the thyroid gland include:
- Iodine: sea fish, seaweed, shrimp, and eggs;
- Zinc: oysters, meat, pumpkin seeds, beans, almonds, and peanuts;
- Selenium: Brazil nuts, wheat flour, French bread and eggs;
- Omega-3: avocado, olive, and flaxseed oil, as well as fish rich in omega-3 (salmon, sardines, and tuna).
They help the formation of thyroid hormones and their functioning in the body, maintaining a balanced metabolism.
Foods that can harm the thyroid gland
Soy and its derivatives, such as milk and tofu, are the main foods that interfere with thyroid function. However, this risk is higher in people who have a family history of the disease, do not consume enough iodine, or eat foods high in sugar.
In addition, people who are already taking thyroid medication should avoid eating calcium-rich foods such as milk and its derivatives, iron supplements, and certain algae, as they can reduce the effect of treatment. It is best to take your medication at least 2 hours before or after a meal.
Other foods that harm the thyroid gland are vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and spinach. They contain glucosinolates, so they should not be consumed raw frequently.
Those with thyroid changes should also reduce their consumption of bread, pastries, and cakes, as they contain a lot of sugar, enzymes, and additives that can interfere with metabolism and reduce hormone production.
Other recommendations
To avoid weight gain associated with hypothyroidism, it is important to follow certain recommendations, namely
- Eat 3 main meals and 2-3 snacks a day;
- Drink 2-2.5 liters of water daily;
- Do regular exercise at least 3 times a week for 1 hour;
- Increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables to at least 5 servings per day;
- Cook food on the grill or in the oven, avoiding fried foods;
- Reduce consumption of simple sugars and fats.
However, it is important to remember that the main treatment for thyroid disease is the use of special medications prescribed by a doctor to control symptoms.
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