The thyroid is one of the most important, if not the most important gland in the human body. It is responsible for several functions including temperature regulation, hormone production, and a bunch of other functions. Unfortunately, we rarely pay attention to its health. An impaired thyroid can have serious consequences on our health, leading to slow metabolism, fatigue, dry skin, and a range of other problems.
The two most common problems associated with the thyroid are hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Hypothyroidism affects over 25 million people around the world every year. It’s a condition that causes a bunch of symptoms and is hard to treat. Luckily, it can be resolved naturally and with a few lifestyle changes.
There are plenty of foods that can boost the function of this important gland and improve its function. Eat them often and make sure to stay hydrated and away from alcohol and cigarettes, and you should be able to resolve hypothyroidism quickly.
Foods that Boost Thyroid Function
Apples
You know how they say – an apple a day keeps the doctor away. It also keeps hypothyroidism at bay thanks to the high fiber amounts and other key nutrients. Eat apples regularly and you shouldn’t have any problems with your thyroid.
Brazil Nuts
Many studies have pointed out that hypothyroidism may be caused by lack of selenium. To boost your selenium reserves, you should add Brazil nuts to your diet. They are rich in it and will help improve the function of your thyroid gland.
Pumpkin Seeds
Pumpkin seeds are full of zinc, another key mineral for the thyroid gland. Just take a handful of the seeds every day and you should start feeling better.
Yogurt
Drinking yogurt can regulate the function of your thyroid thanks to the high vitamin D content. Since lack of it is the main cause of Hashimoto’s disease, a thyroid condition, yogurt is a great natural fighter against any thyroid problems.
Seaweed
Seaweed is full of iodine, the single most important nutrient that our thyroid gland requires. Iodine deficiency is one of the major causes of hypothyroidism. Eat seaweed often in salads or otherwise and you will boost your iodine reserves and prevent numerous thyroid problems.
Guggul
Guggul is a rare herb often used in Ayurvedic medicine. It has been a natural hypothyroidism cure for centuries, regulating the production of important thyroid hormones.
Chickpeas
Just like pumpkin seeds, chickpeas are full of zinc. Add them to your diet to boost your digestion and regulate the function of your thyroid gland too.
Sardines
Sardines are delicious and also a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. They will improve the function of your thyroid so make sure to add them to your diet often.
Supplements Against Hypothyroidism
Vitamins A and D
While the aforementioned foods are best to prevent hypothyroidism and other thyroid gland problems, you can also add supplements to your diet to improve the way your thyroid works. More specifically, we’re talking about vitamin A and D supplements. They will keep the levels of many thyroid hormones in check and enable your thyroid to work smoothly.