Lybrate Logo
Get the App
For Doctors
Login/Sign-up
Last Updated: Oct 23, 2019
BookMark
Report

What You Should Eat To Improve Thyroid Health?

Profile Image
Dr. Jagruti ParikhEndocrinologist • 34 Years Exp.M.D. Internal Medicine
Topic Image

The thyroid gland in your body is responsible for controlling and secreting those hormones that help in your natural growth and development. These hormones are crucial in regulating some of the most important functions of your body such as your heart rate, breathing, your body weight, your menstrual cycle and your muscle power to name a few. 

Problems of the thyroid gland (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can hamper all of these vital functions, and these problems usually arise due to a poor diet. However, your diet can also help in improving the health of your thyroid gland. Here are some diet tips to help you out:

1. Include lots of iodine in your diet

Iodine is that nutritive element without which your thyroid gland will not be able to function at all, being its building block. Therefore iodine rich foods such as fortified salt, eggs, seaweed and other dairy products should be a part of your diet. Along with iodine, zinc, selenium, copper and iron are other very important elements that should be a part of your diet too. 

2. Plenty of B vitamins and antioxidants help

Since stress (blame it on cortisol- the stress hormone that overworks your thyroid in case of chronic stress) plays a major role in hampering the proper functioning of your thyroid gland, eliminating it and detoxifying yourself becomes extremely important. This can be done through including plenty of B vitamins and antioxidants in your diet. White meat, fishes like tuna, peanuts, brown rice and fruits such as goji berries and wild blueberries can be of great help in this regard.

3.  Say no to soy

Soy is one of the main culprits behind the malfunctioning of your thyroid gland as it contains an element known as isoflavones, which can reduce the iodine reserve in the gland. Apart from that, vegetables that belong to the brassica family such as cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts are linked to causing goitre and must be avoided. Consumption of gluten must be avoided too as it can cause autoimmune thyroid disorders, celiac disease and hormonal imbalances.

4. Enjoy your daily meals

In today's fast paced world a stress-free meal is a thing of the past as most people are in a rush to get done with their breakfast, lunch or dinner. This hampers your digestive function and also puts stress on your thyroid glands. The best way to eat is to sit on a table and relax, enjoying every morsel you swallow. This ensures your thyroid remains healthy.

In case you have a concern or query you can always consult an expert & get answers to your questions!

chat_icon

Ask a free question

Get FREE multiple opinions from Doctors

posted anonymously
doctor

Book appointment with top doctors for Thyroid Disorders treatment

View fees, clinc timings and reviews
doctor

Treatment Enquiry

Get treatment cost, find best hospital/clinics and know other details