Eating for Thyroid Health: Foods that Help and Harm Thyroid Function

 Thyroid disorders are common in our country. And it’s not a disease but a lifestyle disorder caused by the sedentary way of life. Hence, one way to take care of it is by focusing on the foods for thyroid dysfunctions.

Thyroid disorders can be of two types – Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism.

Hypothyroidism occurs when thyroid hormone production is low. This slows down the metabolism and often result in weight gain. Hyperthyroidism is the reverse condition in which the thyroid gland makes too much of the hormone. This results in unexplained weight loss.

Apart from the fluctuation in weight, thyroid disorder can cause many complications. The thyroid hormone is responsible for the body’s metabolism which is crucial to every function of the body. Fatigue, hair loss, mood disorders, are very common symptoms of thyroid disorders! 

Also Read: Thyroid disorders have tripled in recent years

Food for Thyroid Dysfunctions – Ayurveda

Ayurveda suggests natural remedies in correcting body disorders. Along with the food, physical exercise, body massage, meditation and pranayama can also help in internal healing. However, it’s the food that plays the most important role in regulating the thyroid gland! 

Often after diagnosis, patients find themselves in a tizzy thinking about what to eat and what not to eat. That’s when most visit an Ayurvedic doctor or a nutritionist asking for the list of foods for thyroid dysfunctions! That’s why I am drafting this detailed blog that would help you in making the list!

Also Read: Are Cruciferous Vegetables bad for Thyroid Patients?

Foods for Thyroid dysfunctions

Food can work as a medicine or a poison depending on how you consume it!

For patients suffering from thyroid problems, certain foods work as medicine and certain worsens the condition. Take a look at the list of what to eat and what not to eat when you have thyroid!

And always remember one thing – Never skip your breakfast.

1. Khichdi and Spices

Digestive spices like cinnamon, fennel, ginger, turmeric, and cardamom work great. Oregano, coconut, ghee and coconut oil help in balancing of Agni. This helps improve circulation and supports metabolism to ease the symptoms. 

Ayurvedic doctors also recommend a mono-diet of Khichdi (classic mung bean and rice porridge). Khichdi combined with digestives like cumin, ginger and black pepper help with weight loss. 

Read More on Ayurvedic Khichdi

2. Yoghurt 

Yoghurt is a super healthy dairy product which is rich in iodine, a nutrient important in regulating thyroid hormone. Research says that yoghurt could make up about 50% of your daily requirement of iodine. 

3. Eggs

An egg contains about 16% of the iodine and 20% of the selenium recommended in the daily diet. That’s the reason, eggs are a thyroid superfood. It’s advisable to eat the whole egg. Much of the iodine and selenium is in the yolk. 

4. Berries 

The best diet for thyroid needs to have a bundle of antioxidants. Research says that people with hyperthyroidism might have a higher level of harmful free radicals. And antioxidants help in scavenging these free radicals. 

Berries are choke-full of antioxidants.  Strawberries, blackberries, cranberries rank especially high in antioxidants. Other powerhouses of antioxidants are ginger, garlic, thyme and green tea.

5. Vegetables and Moringa

Green vegetables are always a good idea. Add plenty of green vegetables, like radish, beetroot, parsley, blueberries, tomatoes, bell peppers. They too are rich in antioxidants and fulfils the fibre requirement. 

If you are looking for a natural cure for thyroid then look no far than Moringa. Moringa is a storehouse of selenium and deficiency of selenium can be a cause of thyroid disorders. It is rich in zinc and many key vitamins. And it’s a great energy booster which fights fatigue one of the most common symptoms of thyroid.

Read More on Moringa for thyroid disorders

No-No Foods for Thyroid

Some foods contain nutrients that can interfere with thyroid health. While these foods are not off-limits, people may notice improvements by limiting their consumption.

1. Processed foods 

Calorie–dense processed foods are not a healthy choice even for healthy people. And, it’s a strict no-no for people with thyroid disorders. Processed foods are rich in calories, high in sodium and that adds up to the weight gain.  

Certain foods that should never get to the plate. Fast food, cakes, cookies, chips and everything that comes in a packet. Pasta, pizza, sauces, bread too should be avoided. Sodas are a total no!

Also Read: Health Impacts of Soda

2. Soy 

Soy is not the healthiest choice when it comes to food for the thyroid. In fact, studies say that soy can interfere with the way body produces thyroid. Soy contains a compound called isoflavones which have an impact on the thyroid. 

Researchers say soy may increase a person’s risk for hypothyroidism. One published study showed that drinking soy milk for 6 months caused severe hypothyroidism. And giving up on the drink showed massive improvements. So, it’s evidence-backed to say soy milk and soy sauce are bad choices for thyroid patients. 

3. Alcohol

Alcohol is a bad choice when it comes to healthy living. It’s bad for the liver and it’s bad for your weight. But alcohol can also wreak havoc on the thyroid glands. Alcohol has a toxic effect on the thyroid gland. 

Alcohol impacts its ability to produce thyroid hormone and the body’s ability to use it. Doctors would advise people with thyroid problems to stay away from alcohol. Complete abstinence is the best, but if not, then moderation is the key!

4. Coffee

Coffee is a healthy drink but it can block the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. Clinical studies revealed that people on thyroid medication taking it with morning coffee reported uncontrollable thyroid levels.

Doctors advise a gap of at least 30 minutes between the medicines and your cup of coffee. 

Also Read: Is coffee a boon or a bane?

5. Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are high in fibre and vitamins. But they have been linked to hypothyroidism when eaten in large amounts. Having them in smaller amounts is not risky though.

The list includes cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, spinach and kale. These vegetables may inhibit thyroid medication absorption. Sweet potatoes, beans, soya, mustard can also slow down the thyroid functioning. 

Foods for Thyroid dysfunctions – Pick your plate wisely

As I always say, food is the answer to all your questions. And the right food is the solution to all your problems. Right from enlightening your mood to toning your organs, food is the fuel. 

Just like with diabetes, thyroid diseases also need a specific diet regime. Focus on eating a healthy balanced diet. And support it with exercise, meditation, destress massage and lots of rest. 

These lifestyle choices would help in supporting the thyroid glands, but they are not a replacement for medicines.