Best Foods For Thyroid- Causes and Signs Of Hypothyroidism-Hyperthyroidism

The two main types of thyroid disease are Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Both conditions can be caused by other diseases that impact the way the thyroid gland works.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when your body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits at the front of your neck. It releases hormones to help your body regulate and use energy.

Your thyroid is responsible for providing energy to nearly every organ in your body. It controls functions such as how your heart beats and how your digestive system works. Without the right amount of thyroid hormones, your body’s natural functions begin to slow down.

Causes of Hypothyroidism

There are many factors that can cause this disease.

Insufficient Iodine in Diet: Your diet will contain the number one source of iodine. If your diet has an insufficient amount of iodine you will suffer from this disease due to the fact that thyroid hormones cannot be produced. The swelling of the thyroid gland or goiter is also another type. Swelling causes a lump in the front of the neck. 

Hashimoto's Disease: This disease results in the body's immune system destroying the thyroid gland. Antibodies are produced destroying the cells. 

Radiation Exposure: If you have been exposed to radiation you can get hypothyroidism which cause iodine within your body to also become radioactive. This radioactive iodine will become concentrated in the thyroid gland and destroy its cells. 

Pregnancy: It is possible that hypothyroidism can result after pregnancy. The woman can develop thyroiditis after delivery. Hopefully this will only be temporary but in some cases it will be permanent. 

Stress: Stress is another way that causes this disease where hormonal balance in the body is affected. Adrenaline is released by stress and will cause changes in the blood sugar levels which will disrupt the thyroid function. 

Cortisol: This is another stress hormone and will reduce the ability of the liver to get rid of estrogen which is a major problem. If you have a high estrogen level it will decrease the levels of active T3 hormone. The thyroid gland secretes hormones which will prevent hypothyroidism so it is important that the correct quantity are produced. 

                           

(Structural model of Cortisol on the blackboard)

It is vitally important that you take all necessary precautions to prevent this illness.

Diet, drugs and your lifestyle can and will affect the proper function of the thyroid gland.

Signs and Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

• Fatigue (Tiredness) 

           

• Increased sensitivity to heat or cold 

          
                                                 

• Constipation  
   
  
  
• Dry skin    
  
  
  
• Weight gain  
  
  
  
• Puffy face 
  
  
  
• Hoarseness 
  
  
  
• Muscle weakness 
  
  
  
• Elevated blood cholesterol level 
  
  
  
• Muscle aches, tenderness and stiffness 
  
  
  
• Pain, stiffness or swelling in your joints 
  
  
  
• Heavier than normal or irregular menstrual periods 
  
  
  
• Thinning hair 
  
  
  
• Slowed heart rate 
  
  
  
• Depression 
  
  
  
• Impaired memory 
  
  
  
• Enlarged thyroid gland (goitre) 
  
  
  

Best - Minerals and Foods for Hypothyroidism.

• Iodine 

Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones. Thus, people with iodine deficiency might be at risk of hypothyroidism.

Iodine deficiency is very common and affects nearly one-third of the world’s population.

If you have an iodine deficiency, consider adding Iodized table salt to your meals or eating more iodine-rich foods like :

• Seaweed    
  
  
  
• Cod Fish   
  
  
  
• Non-Fat Milk    
  
  
  
• Eggs  
  
  
  
• Greek Yogurt  
  
  
  
• Enriched Bread    
  
  
  
• Oysters  
  
  
  
• Liver  
  
  
  

• Selenium

Selenium helps “activate” thyroid hormones so they can be used by the body.

This essential mineral also has antioxidant benefits, which means it may protect the thyroid gland from damage by molecules called free radicals.

Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is a great way to boost your selenium levels. This includes 

• Brazil nuts   
  
  
  
• Sea Food ( Tuna, Sardines, Clams, Halibut, Shrimp, Salmon, and Crab)  
  
  
  
• Ham   
  
  
  
• Enriched foods (Pastas, Whole wheat breads and Whole grain Cereals)  
  
  
  
• Pork  
  
  
  
• Beef  
  
  
  
• Turkey  
  
  
  
• Chicken  
  
  
  
• Cottage cheese  
  
  
  
• Brown rice  
  
  
  
• Sunflower seeds 
  
  
  
• Baked beans  
  
  
  
• Mushrooms  
  
  
  
• Oatmeal  
  
  
  
• Spinach  
  

• Lentils  
  
  
  
• Cashews  
  
  
  
• Bananas 
  
  
   
  
  

• Zinc

Like selenium, Zinc helps the body “activate” thyroid hormones.

Studies also show that zinc may help the body regulate TSH (Thyroid-stimulating hormone), the hormone that tells the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.

If you have hypothyroidism, aim to eat more zinc-rich foods like : 

• Oysters                                         
• Shellfish
• Beef
• Chicken
• Beans
• Nuts
• Dairy Products

What is Hyperthyroidism ? 

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid gland becomes overactive and produces too much thyroid hormone.

Thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of your neck. 

It produces tetraiodothyronine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3), which are two primary hormones that control how your cells use energy. Your thyroid gland regulates your metabolism through the release of these hormones.

Hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid makes too much T4, T3, or both.

Causes Of Hyperthyroidism

A variety of conditions can cause hyperthyroidism. "Graves disease" an autoimmune disorder, is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It causes antibodies to stimulate the thyroid to secrete too much hormone. Graves’ disease occurs more often in women than in men. It tends to run in families, which suggests a genetic link. You should tell your doctor if your relatives have had the condition.

Other causes of hyperthyroidism include:

Excess iodine, a key ingredient in T4 and T3

Thyroiditis, or inflammation of the thyroid, which causes T4 and T3 to leak out of the gland

Tumors of the ovaries or testes

Benign tumors of the thyroid or pituitary gland

Large amounts of tetraiodothyronine taken through dietary supplements or medication

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism

• Rapid Heart Rate 
  
  
  
• Elevated Blood Pressure 
  
  
  
• Hand Tremors 
  
  
  
• Excessive Sweating 
  
  
  
• Low Tolerance to Heat or Cold 
  
  
  
• Frequent Bowel Movements 
  
  
  
• Weight Loss 
  
  
  
• Irregular Menstrual Cycle in women's 
  
  
  

Other Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism Include:

• Increased Appetite 
  
  
  
• Nervousness 
  
  
  
• Restlessness 
  
  
  
• Inability to Concentrate 
  
  
   
• Weakness 
  
  
  
• Irregular Heartbeat 
  
  
  
• Difficulty in Sleeping 
  
  
  
• Fine, Brittle Hair 
  
  
  
• Itching 
  
  
  
• Hair loss 
  
  
  
• Nausea and Vomiting 
  
  
  
• Breast Development in Men 
  
  
  

The following symptoms require immediate medical attention:

• Dizziness 
  
  
  
• Shortness of Breath 
  
  
  
• Loss of Consciousness 
  
  
  
• Fast, Irregular Heart Rate 
  
  
  

Hyperthyroidism can also cause atrial fibrillation, a dangerous arrhythmia that can lead to strokes, as well as congestive heart failure.

Best - Minerals and Foods For Hyperthyroidism

• Low-iodine foods

The mineral iodine plays a key role in making thyroid hormones. A low-iodine diet helps to reduce thyroid hormones. 

Add these foods to your daily diet:

• Non-iodized salt
• Coffee or tea (without milk or dairy- or soy-based creamers)
• Egg whites
• Fresh or canned fruits
• Unsalted nuts and nut butters
• Homemade bread or breads made without salt, dairy, and eggs
• Popcorn with non-iodized salt
• Oats
• Potatoes
• Honey
• Maple syrup

Cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables and other types may stop your thyroid from using iodine properly. 

They may be beneficial for hyperthyroidism:

• Bamboo shoots  
  
  
  
• Bok choy 
  
  
  
• Broccoli 
  
  
  
• Brussels sprouts 
  
  
  
• Cassava 
  
  
  
• Cauliflower 
  
  
  
• Collard greens 
  
  
  
• Kale 
  
  
  
• Mustard Greens 
  
  
  
• Rutabaga 
  
  
  

Vitamins and Minerals

Several nutrients are essential for thyroid health and to balance thyroid hormone production.

Iron

Iron is important for many vital bodily functions, including thyroid health. This mineral is needed for blood cells to carry oxygen to every cell in your body.

Low levels of iron are linked to hyperthyroidism. Get plenty of iron in your diet with foods such as:

• Dried beans 
  
  
  
• Green leafy vegetables 
  
  
  
• Lentils 
  
  
  
• Nuts 
  
  
  
• Poultry, such as chicken and turkey 
  
  
  
• Red meat such as beef and lamb 
  
  
  
• Seeds 
  
  
  
• Whole grains 
  
  
   

Selenium

Selenium-rich foods may help to balance thyroid hormone levels and protect your thyroid from disease. Selenium helps to prevent cell damage and keep your thyroid and other tissues healthy.

Good food sources of selenium include:

• Brazil nuts 
  
  
  
• Couscous 
  
  
  
• Chia seeds 
  
  
  
• Mushrooms 
  
  
  
• Tea 
  
  
  
• Rice 
  
  
  
• Oat bran 
  
  
  
• Sunflower seeds 
  
  
  

Zinc

Zinc helps you use food for energy. This mineral also helps keep your immune system and thyroid healthy. Food sources of zinc include:

• Chickpeas 
  
  
  
• Cocoa powder 
  

• Pumpkin seeds 
  
  
  

Calcium and Vitamin D

Hyperthyroidism causes weak and brittle bones. Bone mass may be restored with treatment. Vitamin D and calcium are necessary for building healthy bones.

Calcium-rich foods include:

• Spinach 
  
• White beans 
  

• Okra 
  
  
  
• Calcium-fortified orange juice 
  
  
  
• Almond milk 
  
  
  
• Calcium-fortified cereals 
  
  
  

Vitamin D is found in these low-iodine foods:

• Vitamin D-fortified orange juice 
  
  
  
• Vitamin D-fortified cereals 
  
  
  
• Beef liver 
  
  
  
• Fatty fish (Tuna, Mackerel, Halibut, Sardines, Salmon, Herring)  
  
  
  

Healthy fats

Fats that are from whole foods and largely unprocessed may help reduce inflammation. This helps to protect thyroid health and balance thyroid hormones. Non dairy fats are important in a low-iodine diet. These include:

• Flaxseed oil 
  
  
  
• Olive oil 
  
  
  
• Coconut oil 
  
  
  
• Sunflower oil 
  
  
  
• Safflower oil 
  
  
  
• Avocado and Avocado Oil 
  
  
  
• Unsalted nuts and seeds 
  
  
  

Spices

Some spices and herbs have anti-inflammatory properties to help protect and balance thyroid function. Add flavour and a dose of antioxidants to your daily meals with:

• Turmeric 
  
  
  
• Green chillies 
  
  
  
• Black pepper 
  
  
  

Findings :

Your body naturally goes through changes as you get older. If you notice a significant difference in how you feel or how your body’s responding, talk to your doctor to see if a thyroid problem may be affecting you.