Foods to Improve Thyroid Health...

Lodged between the voice box and the collarbone, and wrapped around the windpipe, the thyroid helps control tour body’s energy supply. The butterfly-shaped glands pumps out thyroid hormone, a powerful chemical that regulates metabolism and body temperature, says endocrinologist Jeffrey Powell, M.D., of Northern Westschester Hospital in New York. It also works with just about every system in your body to keep your brain sharp, your bowels moving, your periods regular and your skins, nail and hair healthy. The thyroid is like a car’s gas and brake pedals rolled into one: It can speed up or slow down the rate at which your body burns through its fuel supply.

Thyroid disorders – which are often genetic and typically involve the production of too little hormone (hypothyroidism) or too much production (hyperthyroidism) – can also temporarily or permanently spring up after pregnancy.

Hypo and hyperthyroidism can have opposing suites of symptoms. In many cases, though hypothyroidism signs are subtler and increase in intensity over time. Unexpected or sudden weight gain may occur, but since that can be due to a variety of factors, it’s not enough to indicate hypothyroidism. Some experts also look for the following symptoms: dry skin, hair loss, forgetfulness, fatigue, frequent chills, constipation, and irregular periods. Another red flag of hypothyroidism is feeling very weak during a workout you use to have no problem getting through. “Thyroid hormones regulate how much energy reaches all cells, including muscles cells.

Much easier to identify is hyperthyroidism (Graves’ disease is a common type), in which the thyroid unleashes a flood of excess hormone. This can shock your body into sudden weight loss, rapid heartbeat, insomnia or bouts of diarrhea. Sufferers can feel constant weird, warm, and shaky, as if they’re hooked up to an IV filled with espresso. Similar to the warning signs of hypothyroidism, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism can become worse or more persistent over time - but both conditions are highly treatable with prescription meds.

Goitrogens - These are the most natural substances which are found in most of the food items also holding the ability to increase the thyroid glands size which gives it the name goiter. When it comes to hyperthyroidism condition these goitrogens are known to work like drugs against thyroid also slowing down the process of too much production of the hormones finally resulting in hypothyroidism.

Hence those who are suffering from hyperthyroidism conditions should increase their quota of goitrogen foods but also this is once substance which has to be avoided by those suffering from hypothyroidism. Some of the common sources for goitrogen include broccoli, kale, spinach, cauliflower, turnip, cabbage, peaches, peanuts, strawberry, soy, pine nuts and mustard which are better when taken in their raw form.

1. Coconut oil - Any oil which has been commercially produced has negative effect on thyroid, also the unsaturated fats in these oils lessen the response rate of the tissue to those hormones which have been produced by thyroid. Hence it is suggested to go with coconut oil to cook all the meals since it is known to control metabolic rate of body also helping thyroid gland to work better, apart from this 2 tablespoons of oil can also be swallowed or used in cooking or salads.

2. Iodized salt - Iodine is necessary for proper functioning of thyroid glands, in order to prevent any deficiency it is suggested to go with table salt of sea salt instead of iodized salt.

3. Foods with high fiber - Many of the patients who have been diagnosed with thyroid disease are known to suffer with constipation and possibility to increase body weight for which foods full of fiber have to be consumed like eggplant, beans, carrot, mushrooms, peas, spinach and cabbage, fruits with higher fiber like apples, berries, orange, guava, prunes and pear.

4. Soy - There are various benefits form Soy since it is known to work as goitrogen and constrain the absorption of thyroid hormones, however it is not good to consume too much of soy when it has been processed. But even before deciding on the inclusion of soy in diet it is better to consult a nutritional practitioner for those who are suffering from hyperthyroidism problem.

5. Coffee and orange juice - All those who are under thyroid medication are suggested not to take orange juice which is calcium fortified and coffee, reason for this is that they will interfere in absorption of medicines by the body under thyroid conditions. Even if then you cannot kill the urge to drink these beverages it is better to wait for 3 to 4 hours prior to the taking of these medicines.

To be on safe side it is said that any of these foods have to be consulted with the doctor before adding it in diet since there is no assurance that thyroid disease can be completely resolved by including or excluding these foods in the diet however these foods might lessen the thyroid extent in the body.

• Best Foods For Hypothyroidism
• Best Foods For Hyperthyroidism