All About Thyroid
February 19, 2022
The thyroid is an important endocrine gland in the body that releases thyroid hormones which facilitate the various metabolic functions taking place in the body. The thyroid gland is located on the lower front of the neck just below Adam’s apple. The thyroid gland releases hormones T3 (triiodothyronine) and T4(thyroxine) which play an important role in weight management, energy metabolism, maintaining body temperature, and growth.
Under normal conditions, the thyroid gland produces adequate amounts of these hormones which helps the body metabolize the correct amount of energy at a standard rate and normal body function occurs uninterrupted. However, a problem arises when the thyroid is overactive or underactive and this develops into various conditions associated with thyroid dysfunction.
When the thyroid gland is overactive it ends up making more than the required amount of thyroid hormones as a result of which a condition called hyperthyroidism occurs. This is risky because as a result of higher circulating thyroid hormone levels, your body will use energy very quickly and this will eventually make you more tired. It also increases your heart rate and you may experience unexplained but drastic and unhealthy weight loss.
When the thyroid gland is underactive the thyroid hormone production is very low and this develops into a condition termed as hypothyroidism; because of the lower thyroid hormone levels, you tend to feel very tired, gain weight and also develop intolerance to cold temperatures. Both these conditions are serious and must be treated at the earliest. Nutrition and diet along with regular exercise and an overall healthy lifestyle are important to maintain your thyroid condition.
Thyroid and diet
The function of the thyroid and the diet of the individual are closely related. This is because any thyroid-related condition results in metabolic disorder therefore, it is essential to have a diet that helps in regulating your metabolism as well as helping your thyroid hormone levels. During thyroid, it is important to practice healthy eating behavior and include a lot of nutritious food with a heart-healthy and fiber-friendly meal plan. It is important to restrict the consumption of processed food with high content of saturated fats and sugars. It is also important to keep in mind that any thyroid-related issues result in multiple nutrient deficiencies which need to be accounted for while planning your diet. The nutrient list includes:
Iodine: it is an important mineral needed to make thyroid hormone, thus people with iodine deficiency might be at risk of developing thyroid diseases. Iodine supplementation in the form of iodized table salt and iodine-rich seafood, dairy, and eggs must be included in the diet.
Selenium: it facilitates the activation of thyroid hormones to be used by the body. It is also a powerful antioxidant that protects the thyroid gland from damage. Legumes, eggs, tuna, and sardines are good sources of selenium.
Zinc: like selenium, zinc also helps in the activation of thyroid hormones. They also regulate TSH a hormone that signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones in the first place. Zinc-rich foods include chicken, beef, and shellfish.
There are thyroid healing foods and there are thyroid aggravating foods. Goitrogens are compounds present in certain foods that disturb normal thyroid function. Foods with goitrogens must be strictly avoided when one is suffering from any kind of thyroid condition. This includes Soyfoods, certain vegetables: broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, starchy plants like sweet potato, fruits: strawberries and peaches, beetle leaves, millets peanuts, and pine nuts.
The main concern for people suffering from thyroid is the issues with their weight. When talking about a thyroid plan for weight loss it is important to include a number of essential nutrient-rich foods in the diet in adequate quantity as well. Let us look at what an ideal thyroid plan for weight loss looks like:
– Fiber-rich vegetables must be included, focus on cruciferous vegetables in moderation.
-Fruits like berries, bananas, oranges are helpful and provide essential vitamins and minerals as well.
-Gluten-free grains and seeds: It is better to incorporate more rice, buckwheat, quinoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds to improve thyroid condition.
-Dairy: all dairy products must be consumed including milk, cheese, and yogurt.
-Eggs and meat are thyroid-friendly. Eggs are one of the best thyroid healing foods.
A thyroid plan for weight loss includes healthy and low calorie but filling food options that are based on vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. It is better to stick with a low to moderate carb diet for managing weight loss. Along with the diet, a thyroid meal plan must be supported with mindful eating, plenty of rest, yoga, and regular exercise.
