Having a thyroid issue can completely change the way you live your life. Detecting a problem with the thyroid can take some doctors a couple years. Some people with thyroid conditions get prescribed different medications that are not conducive (or sometimes even for the thyroid) to thyroid health. These medications can lead to mood swings, constipation, sugar cravings, or extreme fatigue.
How Important Is A Healthy Thyroid?
The thyroid is one of the most important glands in the body. It regulates the endocrine system, which includes all of the glands in your body that are responsible for hormone production. Since the thyroid is almost like the gland in charge, the endocrine system (and the rest of your bodily functions) can become faulty. An improperly functioning thyroid basically throws your body out of whack.
It is possible to naturally reverse your thyroid condition through food. By eliminating certain foods and adding healthier foods, the thyroid can naturally improve its functions. Always remember that it is best to avoid meats, meat products, dairy products, flour, processed foods, junk foods, fried foods, and refined sugars. Plant-based foods are always best for your body!
Avoid Soy Products
Eliminate all soy products (including edamame) from your diet when trying to heal your thyroid. About 94% of all soy is genetically engineered, and you don’t want those hormones in your body. Additionally, you should eliminate gluten, especially if you have Hashimoto’s disease, because both gluten and soy can have negative effects on normal thyroid function.
Sea Veggies
Since iodine is an extremely important nutrient for the thyroid, you should eat your sea vegetables. Insufficient iodine levels can limit the production of thyroid hormones, which ultimately inhibits healthy thyroid function. The best sea vegetables to eat include spirulina, kelp, wakame, hijiki, or nori sheets.
Brazil Nuts
Selenium helps to convert thyroxine to T3 hormones, and Brazil nuts are full of this mineral. It’s important to not eat too many Brazil nuts, though. Only eat three a day. Other sources of selenium include chia seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame seeds, and flaxseeds. Note: Sometimes people with Hashimoto’s disease are recommended to avoid selenium, but selenium is needed for glutathione production to decrease thyroid antibodies.
Chlorophyll
Due to the antioxidant properties in chlorophyll, it can decrease and absorb mold toxins, for example aflatoxin B, which can cause liver complications and cancer. Additionally, chlorophyll helps to boost energy levels and remove heavy metals, which may be negatively affecting the thyroid. Make sure to eat your green vegetables to get your daily dose of chlorophyll.
Cruciferous Vegetables
There have been many studies indicating that cruciferous vegetables may help to prevent thyroid cancer. Cruciferous vegetables include cabbage, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, collard greens, kale, turnip greens, watercress, bok choy, arugula, cauliflower, and mustard greens. It is best to eat them raw to absorb their phytonutrients.
Remember: Always listen to your body, especially when you change your diet. Include these foods in a well-balanced, plant-based diet and see if your thyroid improves.
Vincent Stevens is the senior content writer at Dherbs. As a fitness and health and wellness enthusiast, he enjoys covering a variety of topics, including the latest health, fitness, beauty, and lifestyle trends. His goal is to inform people of different ways they can improve their overall health, which aligns with Dherbs’ core values. He received his bachelor’s degree in creative writing from the University of Redlands, graduating summa cum laude. He lives in Los Angeles, CA.
