Diet for hyper and hypo thyroidism:

Suggest diet for thyroid.

Thyroid gland is located in the base of the neck.



This gland is responsible for secreting two important hormones which is triiodothyronine or T3 and thyroxine or T4.These hormones are involved in energy production of the cells as well as transportation of the oxygen to the cells for the production of energy. Thyroid gland can control almost all the chemical reactions that occur in our body.

An overactive thyroid is called as hyperthyroidism and an under active thyroid is called as hypothyroidism. When we suffer from hypothyroidism, we can experience weight gain.



It is common in women than in men. Weight loss in such cases becomes slower than normal. The metabolism becomes sluggish leading to less usage of the calories consumed. Thus higher calories present in our body can lead to weight gain.



Other malfunctions of this gland include goiter, presence of nodules, cancer and post partum thyroiditis.

The major dietary recommendations for thyroid problem are:

1. Iodine: This mineral is essential for the formation of T3 and T4. Iodine combines with an amino acid called tyrosine and can be used for the production of these hormones. Thus we should improve the intake of iodine. We can achieve sufficient amounts of iodine through iodized salt, shell fish, fish and sea weeds.
2. Intake of low glycemic foods: We should combine the meals and snacks that provide good supply of proteins, fats, fiber and carbohydrates. Efficient use of insulin in the body can lead to lesser opportunity for our body to store calories. Low glycemic foods are those foods that can raise the levels of glucose in the blood in lesser amounts. Limit the intake of high glycemic foods like white bread, bananas, baked goods, sugar, melons and semolina.
3. Goitrogens: Goitrogens are naturally occurring foods that can interfere with the functioning of the thyroid gland. Some of the goitrogens present are in cruciferous vegetables like radish, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli. Hence we should avoid the intake of goitrogens.
4. Protein: Have good quality protein like egg white, lean meat, poultry, fish and pulses and legumes. Protein can also reduce the incidence of hair loss which is the common complaint of people suffering from under active thyroid.
5. Fiber: Thyroid diet should include fiber rich foods. Fiber can reduce the rate of digestion of foods and the insulin production is kept under check.
   
   
   
   Have fiber rich foods like whole cereals, legumes, flaxseeds, almonds, green leafy vegetables, apples and pears.
6. Vitamins and minerals: Vitamins and minerals are essential for a thyroid diet. Zinc is essential for preventing diminishing T3 levels in the body. Selenium is also needed as this mineral has a similar function. Have 15 to 25 milligrams of zinc and 400 micrograms of selenium everyday.