Balanced Diet Chart for Thyroid Disease
1. Introduction to Thyroid Disease
The thyroid gland itself is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the neck. It's only when it's understood what the gland is supposed to do, that the nature of the condition and its treatment becomes clear. The thyroid gland is a major player in the body's metabolism. Every cell in the body has receptors for thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone turns the body's food into energy, and is also involved in regulating the body's use of fats and carbohydrates. The most important thing to remember is that all the manifestations of thyroid disease are a result of low thyroid hormones. Thus the gland failing results in a slowing of bodily functions. High thyroid hormone levels result in this process being speeded up, thus many symptoms can be brought on in an overcompensatory affect when mixed with low thyroid hormone levels. Every single thyroid patient presenting with a combination of these symptoms will have a different hormone level. Thus there is no "one size fits all" treatment for thyroid illness. The use of pills to simply change hormone levels, commonly referred to as "thyroxine replacement," is often ineffective at fully dealing with the condition, and at worst detrimental to the patient's health. To fully understand this, we need to attempt to delve into the concept of diet and lifestyle as treatment for thyroid illness.
Thyroid disease is among the most common and yet misunderstood and misdiagnosed conditions. The process of diagnosis and treatment, especially diet, can be very frustrating. This is largely due to the fact that the symptoms of thyroid disease are very common, and often found in a variety of other conditions and illnesses. Some of the more common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, difficulty losing weight, coarse dry hair, hair loss, dry rough pale skin, irregular bowel habits, rapid heartbeat, excessive sweating, menstrual disorders, decreased libido, forgetfulness, trouble concentrating, muscle and joint pain, depression, irritability, nervousness, and abnormal menstrual cycles. It's no wonder with symptoms such as these, other conditions and illnesses are often misdiagnosed as thyroid disorder. The other part of the misconception is the assumption that the "treatment" for thyroid illness lies simply in a pill.
2. Importance of a Balanced Diet
Just as important as knowing what are the best foods to consume is knowing which foods to avoid, many of which can hinder your body's ability to properly utilize thyroid hormone. Taking certain steps to ensure that your body is in its peak state of health can be the best way to avoid relying on medications or invasive methods to attempt to relieve symptoms which may not always be successful. Whether you have hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or an autoimmune disease, it is crucial that you keep a healthy diet and steer clear of eating processed low-quality foods. This includes simple carbohydrates, hydrogenated oils, and any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These low-quality foods can lead to inflammation throughout the body and an increased production of free radicals. Free radicals are unstable oxygen molecules that can cause damage to cells and their DNA. They are thought to be involved in the development of many chronic diseases, thyroid conditions included.
Once thyroid patients are on proper medication and the levels of thyroid hormones in the body have normalized, the best way to keep them stable is by consuming a healthy diet. It is important to remember that there isn't a "one-size-fits-all" diet for those with thyroid troubles; the best approach is the consumption of a balanced diet as well as general overall good health. The effectiveness and level of your new found thyroid hormone euthyroid state largely depends on the underlying cause of your thyroid condition. The best interventions for your condition include those, which are obtained through consuming a well-balanced and healthy diet. By avoiding the foods that may have contributed to or worsened existing thyroid condition and eating a diet high in nutrition, many symptoms of thyroid dysfunction may be alleviated.
3. Key Nutrients for Thyroid Health
Zinc Zinc is needed for the synthesis of thyroid hormone. It is an essential trace mineral. The recommended daily intake is 8 milligrams a day for women and 11 milligrams a day for men. The best food sources of zinc are oysters, red meat, poultry, whole grains, and nuts.
Selenium Selenium is required for the activation of thyroid hormone. It also protects the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and is said to decrease the risk of the thyroid gland being affected by excessive iodine. The recommended daily intake is 55 micrograms a day for adults. The best food sources of selenium are Brazil nuts, crimini mushrooms, tuna, cod, shrimp, and halibut.
Iron Iron is a necessary mineral for the production of thyroid hormone. Iron deficiency is commonly associated with hypothyroidism. The recommended daily intake is 18 milligrams a day for women and 8 milligrams a day for men. The best food sources of iron are animal-derived foods, like liver, red meat, poultry, and fish. Other good sources are lentils, sesame seeds, and leafy greens.
Iodine Iodine is a key nutrient involved in the production of thyroid hormone. Iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. The recommended daily intake is currently 150 micrograms a day for men and women. The rich food sources of iodine are sea vegetables and iodized salt. Seafood, eggs, and milk are also good sources of iodine.
4. Foods to Include in a Thyroid-friendly Diet
Vitamin and mineral supplements. In addition to fruits and vegetables, you could take a good quality multimineral and multivitamin supplement. A supplement will add the minerals and vitamins that are lacking in everyday supplements. Supplements should include vitamin D, riboflavin, thiamine, zinc, selenium, iron, and vitamin A. Do some research and consult your physician as to which supplement will work best for you. High doses of some vitamins or minerals can be harmful and might interact with medications you may already be taking, so it's important to get a physician's advice.
Raw fruits and vegetables. Some of the best sources of vitamins and minerals are raw fruits and vegetables. However, if you have hypothyroidism, you should steer clear of cruciferous or goitrogenic produce. These foods will slow down the thyroid, which is already running too slowly. Examples of goitrogens are Brussels sprouts, cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. Cooking usually inactivates the goitrogens, so if you are in doubt, it's best to cook the vegetables and fruits.
5. Conclusion and Additional Tips
Finally, do not try to make drastic changes to your diet overnight. This can often lead to failure. It is best to make small changes one at a time and allow yourself to get used to them. Once you have incorporated one healthy change into your lifestyle, then you can move on to the next. By doing this, it is possible to achieve a complete diet overhaul without feeling deprived.
Additional tips for ensuring that your diet is well balanced and conducive to a thyroid-friendly lifestyle include eating nutritious meals and snacks at regular intervals throughout the day. This can help maintain steady blood sugar levels, which is important for maintaining a healthy metabolism. When you go for long periods without eating, blood sugar levels can drop, which can lead to fatigue, a common complaint among sufferers of thyroid disease. Also, never skip meals. This can also affect blood sugar levels as well as wreak havoc on your metabolism. And always eat a healthy breakfast. This really can set the stage for how you will feel the rest of the day. A healthy breakfast provides fuel for your brain and body after an overnight fast. This is especially important for those of you who are taking medications or supplements as some must be taken on an empty stomach. Always get direction from your healthcare provider regarding what foods and beverages are permissible if taking medications.
In conclusion, a well-balanced diet is important for overall health and well-being. This is especially true when you are trying to manage a debilitating disease such as thyroid disease. By ensuring you are getting all the nutrients your body needs to function properly, you are helping to alleviate some of the symptoms of thyroid disease. And by avoiding certain foods that can inhibit the absorption of nutrients, you will also be taking a proactive approach to managing your health.