Do you often feel tired, heavy and depressed? Did you gain weight when you did not eat too much? you may have hypothyroidism. This small butterfly-shaped gland located in the central part of the neck is responsible for the regulation of several important bodily functions. To keep it healthy, we have for you natural foods that include essential nutrients for the proper functioning of this gland.
According to science, it is possible to cure the dysfunction of the thyroid by consuming the following foods:
9 foods to heal your thyroid
Fruits
Apples, plums, pears, and citrus fruits are rich in pectin, a gelatinous fiber that helps reduce the heavy metals associated with the causes of hypothyroidism such as lead, cadmium, and mercury, as reported by our colleagues in Huffington Post. Do not peel these fruits when you consume them, because it is at the level of the skin that is the highest concentration of pectin. Buy them bios or wash them with water and vinegar to remove all traces of pesticides.
Brazil nut
One of the main causes of hypothyroidism (a deficiency of thyroid gland activity) is selenium deficiency. Brazil nuts are nuts rich in selenium. You can eat them as a snack or use them in recipes. There are other good sources of selenium: oysters, beef, turkey, chicken, tuna, sardines, eggs and legumes. Do not take selenium supplement unless your doctor prescribes it. Too much selenium can be toxic.
According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, supplementation with zinc and selenium daily can combat hypothyroidism as long as it is prescribed by your doctor.
Chickpeas
Zinc deficiency is also a cause of hypothyroidism. Chickpeas are foods rich in zinc. You can add them to your meals, in salads or mix them with olive oil with Brussels sprouts or cauliflower and roast them in the oven at 250 degrees.
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are another great source of zinc. They are an excellent remedy for hypothyroidism. Raw pumpkin seeds can be pureed with avocados, coriander, and lime for a delicious guacamole.
Algae
To have healthy thyroid function, you also need an essential nutrient called iodine. If you have iodine deficiency, find good sources such as seaweed, fish, seafood, and eggs.
Sardines
Sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids that are excellent supporters of thyroid function. Omega-3 fatty acids reduce inflammation and enhance immunity. If you eat sardines, you will be less likely to develop Hashimoto's disease, also known as chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis, which is a fairly common autoimmune disorder. If you do not like sardines, you can eat mackerel, tuna, herring or trout.
A study published in the scientific journal Endocrine compared the number of thyroid antibodies in pregnant women and postpartum women who ate fatty fish rich in omega-3 acids such as sardines compared to the fish of the swordfish. Thyroid antibody levels were lowest in the omega-3-rich fish group, suggesting that fatty fish rich in omega-3 acids may be beneficial for preventing thyroid problems after pregnancy.
Guggul
Guggul is a plant used in Ayurvedic medicine for centuries. According to a study published in the scientific journal Polytherapy Research, Guggul prevents hypothyroidism by converting certain hormones into a more potent form and thereby stimulates thyroid function.
Vitamin A
Vitamin A is important for healthy metabolism. Hypothyroidism is usually indicated by high levels of TSH. According to a study published in the Journal of the American College of Nutrition, 25,000 IU vitamin A significantly reduced blood levels of TSH and thus the risk of subclinical hypothyroidism in premenopausal women.
Be careful with vitamin A supplements. High doses can be toxic. It is always imperative that any supplementation is advised by a doctor.
For foods rich in vitamin A, it is recommended to eat orange or green natural foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkins, apricots, mango, melon, romaine salad, spinach, and lettuce.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D is important for the health of the immune system. Low vitamin D content can lead to Hashimoto's disease and other autoimmune diseases. Patients with hypothyroidism tend to have low levels of vitamin D and must take supplements of this vitamin. It is recommended to eat foods such as sardines, salmon, herring, tuna, dark chocolate, eggs, and mushrooms.
