Many studies have indicated that thyroid problems are on the rise. A combination of factors may be involved, especially poor thyroid diet, and rising levels of environmental toxins.
As you may remember from your biology class, the endocrine glands communicate constantly not only with one another but also with the nervous and immune systems. Together with the pituitary gland, the thyroid influences virtually every function in the body, since metabolism establishes the base temperature at which the systems operate. For this reason, a balanced thyroid diet is very important to allow the thyroid gland to function properly.
It has already been well-established that nutrition status has a direct bearing on the impact of hormones. The proper thyroid diet and the minerals and other nutrients available in the body have an effect on how thyroid hormones are synthesised and utilised. Conversely, thyroid hormones influence how the body metabolises fuel sources from fats, proteins and carbohydrates.
Several nutrients are needed in a balanced thyroid diet for the thyroid gland to function properly. Thyroids need the trace elements iodine, chromium, and selenium, the mineral zinc, and the amino acid tyrosine, in order to produce T4. If the thyroid diet does not supply these nutrients in sufficient quantities, thyroid function is diminished.
A person may lack these nutrients because of dysbiosis (where the normal balance of microorganisms in the gastrointestinal mucosa is disrupted). Taking oral contraceptives may deplete many nutrients, especially selenium and zinc, while having too much processed foods in the diet deprives you of chromium, zinc and selenium which are easily destroyed during food processing. Selenium and zinc must be in the thyroid diet to enable the enzyme iodothyronine deiodinase to convert T4 to T3.
In addition to iodine, zinc, selenium and L-Tyrosine, other nutrients found in a thyroid diet that support the gland are the B vitamins, vitamin A and vitamin E. Sources of iodine include cod, sea bass, Swiss chard, turnip greens, garlic, watercress, pears, artichokes, citrus fruits, kelp and other sea vegetables.
Zinc can be found in lamb, Brazil nuts, pumpkin seeds, sardines, oats, almonds and chicken. Onions, kelp, mushroom and milk contain selenium. Most protein sources contain the amino acid produced from phenylalanine, L-Tyrosine.
The B vitamins can be found in green leafy vegetables, coloured fruits and vegetables, eggs and fish oil. Vitamin A and beta carotene, on the other hand, are present in orange-coloured fruits and vegetables, spinach, and asparagus. Olive oil, whole grain cereals, avocado, sunflower seeds and wheat germ are good sources of vitamin E that should be found in a balanced thyroid diet.
Natural Thyroid Treatment
Thyroid health is a concern for nearly 11 million Americans and the number is growing by the day. A healthy thyroid supports healthy weight and cholesterol. Fortunately there is help in the form of Thyromine, an all-natural thyroid supplement that works with your body’s own systems to help the thyroid produce the right amount of hormone for your everyday needs.
If you have an under-active thyroid, read about the 23 Hypothyroidism treatments your Endocrinologist would never prescribe but are proven to work to relieve you of Hypothyroidism symptoms. Written by Joe Barton, this book highlights the common effects of Hypothyroidism and how it can finally be treated with home remedies.
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