Out thyroid plays a big role in our body’s day to day function. The thyroid produces thyroid hormones that greatly affect our energy levels, weight and metabolic rate. Playing such a huge role in the body, having a an underactive thyroid can cause a lot of health problems
About 4% of the population suffer from an underactive thyroid. This problem is prominent in adults in developing countries. The number of sufferers is continually rising and the growth of inaccurate dietary advices and unnecessary thyroid supplements is also increasing.
There are a lot of myths about an underactive thyroid. In this article we will separate the fact from fiction and find out what’s the best treatment and diet for it.
What is an underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism?
The thyroid is a butterfly shaped gland located in the throat. It produces the T4 and T3 hormones that affect the body’s metabolic function. Without these hormones, the metabolic process slows down. Hypothyroidism is when the thyroid doesn’t produce enough of these two hormones.
How to Get Diagnosed?
The best way to find out is to get yourself checked. A blood test is required to get a diagnosis. If hypothyroidism is left untreated, it can lead to hair loss, weight gain, poor concentration and fatigue.
Treatment
The treatment of an underactive thyroid mostly requires medication to help replace the missing hormones. Diet alone cannot cure this, but it can surely help with the recovery. It is also important to get the medication for the intolerance and natural deficiencies caused by your underactive thyroid.
The Best for an Underactive Diet
You can’t completely treat hypothyroidism without medication, but following a proper diet can help increase your thyroid hormones and prevent underactive thyroid hormones.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Adding these types of vegetable to an underactive thyroid diet can inhibit proper function. Cruciferous vegetables contain goitrigens, this substance can affect the thyroid function and slow the production of thyroid hormones further. Vegetables that contain high amounts of goitrogens are broccoli, cauliflower, kale, Brussels sprouts and more. These types of vegetables can heighten an underactive thyroid and should be avoided. Though, this should be completely avoided only
if you are deficient iodine or is consuming irregular amounts of these veggies. As long as you don’t eat a ridiculous amount of
cruciferous vegetable then you are safe. The people that should be weary with the consumption of cruciferous vegetables are those who have low iodine and goiter.
Gluten
The protein gluten is found in wheat and grain. Gluten is often not digested properly by about six percent of people in the world. The whole gluten free diet has been rising and is being taken as a healthy alternative to eating, though this type of diet is not really advised for everyone. People that suffer from gluten problems such as fibromyalgia, celiac disease and so on should prevent it at all cost. People that are sensitive to gluten can cause damage to their thyroid gland. People with Hashimoto thyroiditis are often affected by consumption of gluten since the immune system attacks the thyroid
gland.
Best Food
Some of the best food for an underactive thyroid are potatoes, navy beans, iodized salt, seafood and eggs. A diet that is high protein is also a great for improving thyroid function. Adding more seafood to your diet is said to be the best since seafood contains natural iodine that can help with thyroid function. Other food to add to an underactive thyroid diet is legume, poultry and dairy foods.
To Avoid
- Foods that can alter the effect of medication should be avoided. This can inhibit the absorption of LT4. This can also affect the functions of the medications. Foods such as cabbage, caffeine, turnips and bok choy.
- Don’t intake any type of supplements until you get the go signal from your doctor. Especially for breastfeeding or pregnant mothers. Selenium and iodine supplements are some of the supplements that you can inquire to your physician about.
- Before changing any serious diet change consult your doctor first.
- The basics of an underactive thyroid diet are high in nuts, seafood, whole foods and vegetables.
Keep in mind what you eat is a piece of how you can overcome your hypothyroidism. Hormone replacement therapy, reducing stress, getting enough sleep and regular exercise is needed to reduce hypothyroidism.
