The foods we consume play a major role in enhancing immunity and maintaining overall health. As such, making the wrong food choices can cause bodily harm, especially if you are already diagnosed with diseases like diabetes, hypertension, PCOS, etc. In a similar vein, if you are suffering from a thyroid disorder — that causes a dysfunction of the butterfly-shaped gland situated at the base of the neck — there are certain food items that can be beneficial for regulating your thyroid hormones.
Helping you with some such foods that can support the functioning of your thyroid gland, Lovneet Batra, a nutritionist, took to Instagram and wrote: “Eat well to support your thyroid gland.”
Check out the food items below:
Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, which is essential for the conversion of thyroid hormone T4 (Thyroxine) to the active T3 (Triiodothyronine).
Dr Smriti Jhunjhunwala, BHMS nutritionist and dietitian, while speaking with indianexpress.com, shared the properties of pumpkin seeds and how they are a boon for the thyroid.
– Tyrosine, an amino acid present in pumpkin seeds, ensures the normal functioning of the endocrine glands, along with the production of thyroxine and triiodothyronine (T3&T4) — which control the thyroid levels.
– The seeds are also rich in zinc, which is needed for the absorption of other vitamins and minerals and also for the synthesis and conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone to its active form.
Pumpkin seeds contain tyrosine and other essential proteins needed for the thyroid functioning. (Pic Pixabay)
Curry leaves
Curry leaves are a good source of copper that stimulates the production of T4 and prevents its over absorption in the blood cells by controlling the body’s calcium levels.
Dr Jhunjhunwala shared the properties of curry leaves as:
– Curry leaves are rich in vitamins and minerals, especially calcium, which helps to prevent the overabsorption of the T4 hormone in the blood.
– It also controls any other symptoms developed due to the deficiency of thyroid hormones like hair fall, hunger pangs, weakness, elasticity of skin.
– Curry leaves have tannins and carbazole alkaloids, which are strong hepato-protective and thus indirectly help the thyroid gland in metabolising the food. (Liver also helps in metabolism along with thyroid.)
Curry leaves are rich in many vitamins and minerals, especially calcium. (Pic: Pixabay)
Sabja seeds
Sabja seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which help maintain good metabolism, and in proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Dr Jhunjhunwala shared properties of sabja seeds as:
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– Indirectly helps in betterment of thyroid gland due to its richness in omega-3 fats, which help to boost metabolism.
– It is also packed with fibre which means it will keep you full and ease of symptoms like gut-irritability and frequent hunger.
– Minerals like potassium, calcium, iron, folic acids are found in it which not only make up for the deficiency but also helps to cover up for the thyroid symptoms.
Amaranth
Amaranth is a rich source of selenium essential for the conversion of T4 to T3, as deiodinase enzymes (those enzymes that remove iodine atoms from T4 during conversion) are selenium-dependent.
Dr Jhunjhunwala shared properties of amarnath as:
– Amaranth is a pseudo cereal grain, which means its not a true grain but a seed.
– These plants are gluten free and have an outstanding powerhouse of minerals in them.
– One of those minerals called selenium works in combination with iodine to activate the three different selenium-dependent iodothyronine deiodinases used for activating or deactivating the thyroid hormones (T3 & T4).
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Moong
Moong, like most beans, provides iodine and the best thing about moong is they are the easiest to digest among all beans, making them an excellent addition to a thyroid-friendly diet.
Dr Jhunjhunwala shared properties of moong dal as:
– Easiest to digest and gut friendly, making it a perfect thyroid superfood.
– It has immense fibre along with infused minerals which are enough to fill up the deficiency of iodine.
– Low glycemic index with high energy levels also makes it a food of choice for thyroid patients.
Yoghurt
Yoghurt is also a great source of iodine. And since it is also a probiotic superfood, it supports gut health, too. That is important because many thyroid issues are caused by autoimmune disease, and healing your immune system is all about healing your gut.
Dr Jhunjhunwala shared the properties of yoghurt as:
– The best one to have for your thyroid would be low-fat or Greek yoghurt; these are high in proteins and loaded with iodine and vitamin D.
– Iodine is required to produce the thyroid hormones and vitamin D is needed to build your immune system to avoid the autoimmune thyroid disease. (Hashimoto’s thyroid)
Pomegranate
Polyphenols in pomegranate help to remove free radicals from the body which, in turn, decrease inflammation and protect the thyroid gland.
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Polyphenols in pomegranate help to remove free radicals from the body (Pic source: Pixabay)
Dr Jhunjhunwala share properties of pomegranate as:
– Pomegranates have high content of ellagic acid that helps decrease the production of thyroid hormones, so these fruits can be used in cases of overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), which is usually rare.
– Its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties help reduce the effects of hypothyroidism.
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