Keeping Your Thyroid Healthy

Vitamins and minerals keep your thyroid gland operating at its best. In order to avoid low levels of the thyroid hormone to protect your health, you can find these nutrients in some of your favorite foods.

Try to focus on fresh, whole foods. Avoid processed foods that lose nutrients through the refining process and also contain additives and preservatives that interfere with vitamin and mineral distribution during digestion.

Selenium and iodine help process T3 and T4 hormones, which are released into the bloodstream from the thyroid. These hormones play an essential role in converting oxygen and calories to energy for optimal metabolism. A lack of iodine in the body can lead to an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, which may cause physical and emotional disorders from diminished thyroid hormone levels.

The thyroid needs selenium to transport hormones to cells and tissues. Iodine also helps the gland to function.

Zinc maintains the strength of the thyroid gland by helping to regulate the immune system.

The B vitamins help the thyroid gland function by aiding in metabolism and the production of energy. Other vitamins, such as A and E, also help your thyroid work properly.

Here are the 10 best foods that contain the nutrients necessary to keep your thyroid gland healthy:

1.   Beef and turkey have high amounts of zinc, selenium, and iodine.

2. Seafood, including tuna, is high in iodine and selenium, which help the body make hormones for the thyroid to work.

3. Dairy products, including yogurt, milk, and eggs, contain iodine.

4. Cranberries are a rich source of iodine, which is required by the thyroid gland to function properly.

5. Nuts and seeds are filled with selenium, including Brazil nuts, and sunflower, sesame, and flax seeds. Brazil nuts, walnuts, and almonds contain generous amounts of zinc.

6. Lima beans and pinto beans have high amounts of selenium.

7. Broccoli, rich in vitamin A, or beta-carotene, also provides vitamin C and selenium.

8. Cabbage offers selenium and vitamins E and C.

9. Spinach has generous amounts of selenium.

10. Brown rice has selenium and B vitamins. Brown rice is among the whole grains, such as whole wheat bread, whole wheat pasta, and oatmeal, which are high in zinc.

Source: www.newsmaxhealth.com, “10 Best Foods for Thyroid Health”, June 3, 2015.