Foods for Improving Thyroid Function

Located in the throat, thyroid is the name of a gland that’s responsible for controlling metabolism through the production of hormones. If the thyroid isn’t functioning properly or is disrupted in any way, it can give rise to a multitude of problems such as weight gain or loss and even lack of energy. As a matter of fact, these are some of the symptoms that are checked by doctors for determining if an individual is suffering from a thyroid condition. Although there is no scientific evidence to support the fact that diet can have an impact on thyroid activity, it has been discovered that there are some foods that assist the gland in absorbing iodine, which is said to be a key contributor in the manufacturing of thyroid hormones.

It is therefore, also helpful in the distribution of hormones in the whole body. Improving thyroid function is absolutely possible; in fact, it can be boosted with certain foods that are:

Minerals

If unrefined, sea salt is known to comprise of small amounts of minerals that can provide assistance to thyroid in order to improve its function. Regular table salts cannot give this benefit because they usually do not contain any other minerals except for chloride and sodium. Vitamins that comprise of the minerals such as magnesium, zinc, selenium and copper and even mineral water may be helpful. As iodine is useful in boosting thyroid function, eating kelp may be helpful because it contains plenty of this mineral. It is very easy to find iodine supplements at vitamin stores and pharmacies.

Vitamins

In order to produce the thyroid hormones, the body needs to eat food that are rich in Vitamin  B2, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin C and E. Mushrooms, turkey, strawberries, sunflower seeds, salmon, oranges, milk, clams, almonds, peanuts and tuna are some foods that are laden with these vitamins.

Organic Foods

It has been substantiated through research that thyroid activity can also be improved with the help of organic vegetable juices, eggs, lemons and grapefruits as well as sprouts, beef liver and kidney that has been derived from organic seeds is also beneficial. Apart from that, breads that have been made from sprouted grains such as manna and Ezekial and sea salts are also recommended for boosting thyroid function.

Foods that Should Be Avoided

Even though cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower are high in Vitamin C or E, they also comprise of progoitrin, which are known to reduce the absorption of the thyroid hormones. This substance is also found in mustard and kale. However, these foods should not be avoided entirely because they also have some health advantages. Foods without gluten should be consumed because gluten has been known to give rise to thyroid issues. Thyroid levels can be restored to normal if people avoid eating foods that are free of the wheat protein gluten. This means people should avoid every item that comprises of wheat as an ingredient. These days it is not very difficult to find gluten free products.

As long as people watch their diet, they can boost thyroid function effectively.