Metabolic

6 Superfoods That Help Manage Thyroid Levels

New Delhi: Did you know that women are more likely to develop thyroid disease than men? Thyroid problems are seen in most women and the problem can increase with age. The thyroid hormones are responsible for your body’s energy, metabolism, and normal development. It is known that your thyroid hormone status correlates with your body weight and energy expenditure. Also Read – Pamper Your Skin With This Quick And Easy To Follow Guide

Disruptions in this mechanism can lead to conditions such as hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, and thyroiditis, which can experience various health problems such as hair loss / balding, constipation, weight gain / loss, irregular menstrual cycles, fatigue, sluggishness, etc. says Dr. Sharanya Srinivas Shastry, nutritionist at Apollo Spectra Hospital in Koramangala Bangalore. Also read – LANCET research finds coronavirus is in the air | Latest video

A balanced diet of iodine and essential amino acids (good quality protein in the right amount) with adequate exercise and regular medication therefore ensures a healthy, tension-free thyroid. The expert shares a list of the top foods for thyroid problems. Also Read – World Liver Day 2021: Tips for Cleansing and Maintaining a Healthy Liver

  • Saffron: Saffron soaked overnight, when consumed when you wake up, is very good for mood swings in most people with thyroid problems. It relieves abdominal cramps, or PMS, and is a promising drug for obesity because in most cases of thyroid abnormalities, people tend to gain weight. The best way to have it is a homemade kesari bath with vegetable upma to get the best amino acids along with great taste / flavor or a glass of saffron milk which is where you get your calcium and protein as well.
  • Banana (flower / plantain / stem): A superfood with absolutely zero waste that can be used in any form, be it sambar / curry / raita / subzi or eaten as a fruit itself. Hence, one banana per day keeps thyroid problems at bay as it is a naturally rich source of iodine which is essential for activating / converting T4 to T3 in the body. (A few slices of mango / jackfruit every day during the season are also good for your thyroid)
  • Horse gram / baked fish: Horse gram is a very important crop that is grown in southern India and also in some states such as Chhattisgarh and Bihar. It is eaten in the form of dal. Most often, it is a rich source of protein, iron, and zinc that aids in the natural conversion of the inactive T4 to active T3 for the production of TSH. So take it in the form of a rasam / dal / soup at least twice a week.
  • Baked fish, rich in selenium, omega-3: When used sparingly (once or twice a week, preferably not consumed at night), the best amino acid profile results together with the micronutrients required for a healthy thyroid.
  • Khichdi or Pongal: According to the latest studies, your gut health determines how healthy your thyroid can be. The gut is another place where T4 (inactive form) is converted to T3 (active form) and any imbalance in the gut bacteria (called dysbiosis) leads to constipation / gas or stomach problems, which disrupts your metabolic rate. Therefore, take in a khichdi / pongal at least twice a week to keep your intestines healthy and to maintain a tension-free thyroid.
  • Whole grain products with rasam / dal / seafood: Whole grains are high in iodine, copper, magnesium, and the B group vitamins, which will ensure you have good energy levels throughout the day. When eaten with traditionally cooked sambar / rasam / dal / sabzi / fresh seafood, you get the best combination of protein-fiber-selenium and carbohydrates, which gives you a balanced thyroid. So go local, regional, and seasonal.

(With inputs from IANS)

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