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Good Foods for Thyroid Health

Tess Thompson

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Sometimes even those who are very conscious of what they eat and who stick to a strict, balanced diet regimen with regular exercise start gaining weight. And at times, this weight refuses to go away, despite renewed efforts. Sudden weight gain that defies explanation is one of the primary indicative symptoms of thyroid problems. Doctors, however, tend to associate it with a thyroid condition only after having eliminating other causes.

Thyroid conditions include hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism and the formation of a nodule around the thyroid. A healthy thyroid is essential for the normal functioning of many body systems, as the thyroid hormones are used by all cells in the body. While specific treatment may be required in most of cases, including foods that are good for thyroid health in your diet can provide excellent thyroid support.

One of the major connections between food and thyroid conditions can be found in the fact that the incidence of goiter is particularly greater in areas around the world where the iodine content in natural diet is low. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroxine, a thyroid hormone which contains iodine atoms. Goiter refers to an enlarged thyroid caused by under or over production of thyroid hormones or an iodine deficiency.

A very little amount of iodine is required to maintain a healthy production of thyroid hormones. The body stores nearly 20 to 30 mg of iodine and most of it is stored in the thyroid gland. It is, however, necessary to replenish the iodine resource with regular intake of foods that contain iodine. Foods like yogurt, seaweeds, cow’s milk, seafood, and foods that are grown in iodine-rich soil are useful for maintaining a fair level of iodine in the body. This ensures that iodine is available for extraction from the blood, stomach lining and the salivary glands whenever the need arises.

Omega 3 fatty acids are also good for overall thyroid health, as they make cells more sensitive to thyroid hormones and reduce inflammation seen in autoimmune diseases. Radish and radish juice contains a sulfur compound that regulates thyroid hormones. The presence of this sulfur compound in the bloodstream provides an excellent support to the thyroid. Fruits like cranberry that grow near the sea contain sufficient iodine for regular replenishment of this essential nonmetallic element. In addition, extra vitamins and minerals can serve the purpose of thyroid supplements.