Any imbalance in the hormones that the body produces can lead to a variety of health problems because they play a crucial role in supporting communication between all bodily functions. More than 4% of Americans suffer from thyroid conditions.
Nearly every metabolic process in the body is impacted by the thyroid gland, and thyroid disorders can range from a harmless goiter that doesn't need to be treated to potentially fatal cancer. The most prevalent thyroid conditions include hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, as well as aberrant thyroid hormone production.
Hypothyroidism is a condition of an underactive thyroid, which is characterized by weight loss, fatigue, slow metabolism, constipation, and brain fog. It is most often a result of:
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis: It is a type of hypothyroidism that occurs when the immune system does not recognize the thyroid gland cells and the enzymes and inhibits the production of thyroid hormone
- Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide
- The use of certain drugs
- Removal of the thyroid gland
On the other hand, hyperthyroidism is developed when the thyroid gland is hyperactive thyroid, elevating the levels of the thyroid hormone. Its most common causes include:
Toxic adenomas: Nodules develop in the thyroid gland and release thyroid hormones, upsetting the body’s chemical balance
Graves’ disease: The excessive production of thyroid hormone.
Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that urges the gland to “leak” excess hormones, leading to temporary hyperthyroidism that in most cases lasts for a few weeks
Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland
It leads to symptoms such as anxiety, muscle weakness, trouble sleeping, nervousness, and accelerated metabolism.
Thyroid disorders are usually diagnosed via a blood test and are usually treated with some prescription drugs like levothyroxine, synthetic hormones, and many other anti-thyroid medications.
However, the first step towards better health and relief in the case of thyroid disorders is to do some lifestyle and dietary changes.
The following foods are incredibly beneficial in case you suffer from hypothyroidism:
- Flax seeds
- Asparagus
- Mushrooms
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Broccoli
- Nuts and nut butters
- Legumes
- Eggs
- Grapefruits
- Peaches
- Spinach
- Garlic
- Sesame seeds
- Swiss chard
- Coconut milk
- Avocados
- Ghee
- Fish
- Grass-fed meat
- Summer squash
- Yogurt
- Cottage cheese
On the other hand, make sure you increase the intake of the following foods if you suffer from hyperthyroidism:
- Sweet potatoes
- Radish
- Turnips
- Brussels sprouts
- Almonds
- Spinach
- Mint
- Millet
- Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Basil
- Marjoram
- Peaches
- Mustard
- Watercress
- Pears
- Rosemary
- Oregano
