Dietary changes that can help your thyroid function better

Hypothyroidism is the most common form of endocrine disorder. It is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormones play a key role in determining how quickly our body uses energy, makes protein, and controls the sensitivity of other hormones. This disorder is more commonly prevalent in females than in males.

Thyroid glands help regulate the metabolism in our body. A dysfunctional thyroid hinders with the body’s ability to break down proteins as well as process carbohydrates and vitamins. This is one of the main reasons wherein glandular problems often lead to uncontrollable weight gain in most people.

As weight gain is one of the signs to look out for during hypothyroidism, one should work towards following a balanced and nutritious diet which should also take care that the energy intake is not more than the energy output. Some other do’s and don’ts for people with Hypothyroidism are as follows:

• Include Tyrosine rich foods such as fish, chicken, low fat milk, etc.
• Avoid Soyabean and its products.
• Selenium rich foods such as whole unrefined grain, garlic, tuna, chicken, etc should be included in your diet.
• Consume vegetables like Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, mustard, kohlrabi, and turnips after steaming (avoid in raw salad form).
• Use iodized salt and ensure that salt is added at the end of cooking.
• In case of water retention, have natural diuretics such as lemon water, cucumber juice, jeera water, bottle gourd juice, etc.
• Anemia and calcium deficiency is also common in hypothyroidism, therefore calcium and iron rich food should be included in the diet. (Calcium – skimmed dairy products, legumes, green leafy vegetables, etc.; Iron – rice flakes, lotus stem, millets like bajra, green leafy vegetables, etc.)
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco.

And lastly, live an active lifestyle as it is essential to control Hypothyroidism!