Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones.
Treatment is necessary if you have hyperthyroidism. High levels of thyroid hormones in your body can be toxic. Left untreated, hyperthyroidism may lead to heart problems, bone loss, fracture risk, and other issues.
After treatment, it’s still important to balance iodine in your diet. Other foods help to protect your thyroid and reduce the long-term effects of hyperthyroidism.
Foods To Include In Your Diet To Suppress Thyroid
People with hypothyroidism have plenty of healthy food options, including eggs, meat, fish, most fruits and vegetables, gluten-free grains and seeds, all dairy products, and non-caffeinated beverages. Some of them are:
Low-iodine foods
The mineral iodine plays a key role in making thyroid hormones. A low-iodine diet helps to reduce thyroid hormones. Add these foods to your daily diet:
- non-iodized salt
- coffee or tea (without milk or dairy- or soy-based creamers)
- egg whites
- fresh or canned fruit
- unsalted nuts and nut kinds of butter
- homemade bread or loaves of bread made without salt, dairy, and eggs
- popcorn with non-iodized salt
- oats
- potatoes
- honey
- maple syrup
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables and other types may stop your thyroid from using iodine properly. They may be beneficial for hyperthyroidism:
- bamboo shoots
- bok choy
- broccoli
- Brussels sprouts
- cassava
- cauliflower
- collard greens
- kale
- mustard
- rutabaga
Vitamins and minerals
Several nutrients are essential for thyroid health and to balance thyroid hormone production.
Iron
Iron is important for many vital bodily functions, including thyroid health. This mineral is needed for blood cells to carry oxygen to every cell in your body.
Low levels of iron are linked to hyperthyroidism. Get plenty of iron in your diet with foods such as:
- dried beans
- green leafy vegetables
- lentils
- nuts
- poultry, such as chicken and turkey
- red meat
- seeds
- whole grains
Selenium
Selenium-rich foods may help to balance thyroid hormone levels and protect your thyroid from disease. Selenium helps to prevent cell damage and keep your thyroid and other tissues healthy.
Good food sources of selenium include:
- Brazil nuts
- couscous
- chia seeds
- mushrooms
- tea
- meat, such as beef and lamb
- rice
- oat bran
- poultry, such as chicken and turkey
- sunflower seeds
Zinc
Zinc helps you use food for energy. This mineral also helps keep your immune system and thyroid health. Food sources of zinc include:
- beef
- chickpeas
- cocoa powder
- cashews
- mushrooms
- pumpkin seeds
- lamb
Calcium and vitamin D
Hyperthyroidism causes weak and brittle bones. Bone mass may be restored with treatment. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for building healthy bones.
Calcium-rich foods include:
- spinach
- collard greens
- white beans
- kale
- okra
- calcium-fortified orange juice
- almond milk
- calcium-fortified cereals
Vitamin D is found in these low-iodine foods:
- vitamin D-fortified orange juice
- fortified cereals containing Vitamin D
- beef liver
- mushrooms
- fatty fish
Healthy fats
Fats that are from whole foods and largely unprocessed may help reduce inflammation. This helps to protect thyroid health and balance thyroid hormones. Nondairy fats are important in a low-iodine diet. These include:
- flaxseed oil
- olive oil
- avocado oil
- coconut oil
- sunflower oil
- avocado
- unsalted nuts and seeds
Spices
Some spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory properties to help protect and balance thyroid function. Add flavor and a dose of antioxidants to your daily meals with:
- turmeric
- green chilies
- black pepper
How to maintain a healthy weight?
Here are some tips:
- Get plenty of rest – Get 7–8 hours of sleep every night. Sleeping less can lead to fat gain, especially around the belly area.
- Practice mindful eating – Mindful eating, which involves paying attention to what you’re eating, why you’re eating, and how fast you’re eating can help you develop a better relationship with food. It can help you lose weight.
- Try yoga or meditation – Yoga and meditation can help you de-stress and improve your overall health. Research also shows that they help you maintain a healthy weight.
- Try a low to moderate carb diet – Eating a low to moderate amount of carbs is very effective for maintaining a healthy weight. However, avoid trying a ketogenic diet, as eating too few carbs may lower your thyroid hormone levels.
Conclusion
Nutrients that are great for your thyroid are iodine, selenium, and zinc. We need to include these foods in our diet to suppress Thyroid!
Following a thyroid-friendly diet can minimize your symptoms and help you maintain a healthy weight. It encourages eating whole, unprocessed foods, and lean protein.