5 Wonder Nutrients That Thyroid Patient Must Have Everyday

Thyroid or Endocrine glad is such a silent workhorse in our body. This little, butterfly-shaped gland in the base of our neck regulates body metabolism, temperature, heartbeat, and others and if it starts to dysfunction it put the whole body function in haywire.

An underactive thyroid, i.e. if the thyroid gland fails to produce enough thyroid hormone (TH) it can cause weight gain, depression, and increased sensitivity to cold. On the other hand, an overactive thyroid can cause sudden weight loss, irregular heartbeat, sweating, nervousness, and irritability.

So the question is how to keep your thyroid healthy?

Delhi’s Top Dietitian and Nutritionist Avni Kaul who is also a nutritional expert on Thyroid disorder, suggest that people can keep their thyroid healthy if they take certain nutrients every day. And these nutrients are: 

1. Zinc Rich Food

Zinc has been shown to improve thyroid hormone levels (particularly T3) among patient with hypothyroidism. Mushrooms, whole grains, Pumpkin seeds, and garlic are good sources of zinc and patient must include them in their daily diet. 

2. Eat Selenium Rich Food

Selenium is a micronutrient embedded in several proteins. In the thyroid, selenium is required for the antioxidant function and for the metabolism of thyroid hormones.  In other words, selenium is essential for the conversion of the active thyroid hormone that burns calories and promotes healthy metabolism. However, selenium levels in the body depend on the characteristics of the population and its diet, geographic area, and soil composition. Hence if you are diagnosed with Thyroid consult with your physician and with your nutritionist if you should have selenium-rich food or not. Some of the selenium-rich foods are eggs, brown rice, chicken, baked beans, mushroom, oatmeal, spinach, milk, and curd.

3. Iodized Salt

Iodine is an essential trace mineral that the body needs to make thyroid hormones. Triiodothyronine (or T3) is the active thyroid hormone in our body and it contains three iodine molecules. When we are iodine deficient we are at greater risk of hypothyroidism or low thyroid function. Iodized table salt has been fortified with iodine, hence chose iodized table salt over raw or pink salts to keep your thyroid healthy. Patients with overactive thyroid on other hand should avoid iodine rich food and table salt

 4. Vitamin D

There is increasing evidence to suggest that low levels of vitamin D may play a role in thyroid disorders. Research has revealed a possible link between vitamin D deficiency and autoimmune thyroid disorders, namely Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, the most common cause of hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), and Grave’s disease, characterized by an overactive thyroid. 

Unfortunately, Vitamin D deficiency has become a global health problem today. Over a billion people worldwide are vitamin D deficient or insufficient. Some of the top natural sources of Vitamin D are Sunlight, egg york, mushroom, milk, and curd.

5. Drink Plenty of Water

One of the most powerful things you can do to keep your thyroid healthy is to drink plenty of water every day. Keep your body properly hydrated helps body metabolism to function more efficiently. Drinking plenty of water can also reduce appetite, get rid of water retention and bloating, improve your digestion, and combat constipation and fatigue. If you need to lose weight, try drinking water right before you eat. It may help suppress your appetite so that you eat less and hit your weight loss calorie goals.

NOTE: Please consult with your physician and with an experienced nutritionist prior adding the mentioned food in your diet.

About the author: Nutritionist Avni Kaul is one of Delhi’s most trusted nutritionist and wellness coach. She is an award winning Dietitian, a Diabetes Educator and specializes in weight management, child nutrition, skin and beauty health, thyroid disorder, cardiovascular health, diabetic management, wedding nutrition, sports nutrition, and corporate wellness.