{"id":1183,"date":"2018-04-19T08:11:41","date_gmt":"2018-04-19T08:11:41","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/besthealth.guide\/?p=1183"},"modified":"2021-10-11T01:32:56","modified_gmt":"2021-10-11T01:32:56","slug":"15-foods-for-hypothyroidism","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/besthealth.guide\/15-foods-for-hypothyroidism\/","title":{"rendered":"15 Foods for Hypothyroidism"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Hypothyroidism is the result of an under-active thyroid that is not producing enough of the thyroid hormone. You can tell that you likely have an under-active thyroid if you have some of these symptoms: fatigue, joint and muscle pain, weight gain, brittle hair and nails, slow heart rate, depression, hair loss, sensitivity to cold, and constipation. The thyroid is super important in the body for growth, maturation, metabolism, brain development, bone maintenance, and more; so, it\u2019s no piece to fool around with.<\/p>\n

Hypothyroidism was much more prevalent in the pre-1900\u2019s, but it\u2019s still a condition that occurs today. Goiter had become such a prominent occurrence that, in 1924, the government decided to simply add iodine (an essential mineral for the thyroid to function) into table salt. A goiter is a large lump in the neck (where the thyroid gland is located) which grows as a result of a lack of hypothyroidism.<\/p>\n

Iodine is something our bodies need, but that we do not produce on our own. There are 7 essential nutrients, one of which is \u2018minerals\u2019; and 12 essential minerals, one of which is \u2018iodine\u2019. These nutrients can only be gathered from outside the body, necessitating our need to explore our world for these properties to prolong our life.<\/p>\n

1. Wild-caught Salmon (iodine-rich)<\/h3>\n

Due to the minerals which are present in seawater, iodine<\/a> is a mineral which is very prevalent in certain types of seafood \u2013 which is why people with an iodine allergy should avoid seafood as a whole, and women who are pregnant are advised not to eat seafood for the duration in pregnancy. Salmon happens to be very rich in iodine by nature and helps to maintain the balance of your thyroid.<\/p>\n

Salmon is delicious, though real salmon can be hard to find. Real salmon should be pink, and you should be able to see marbling on the meat like you would with a good steak. If you don\u2019t it\u2019s been dyed pink and is likely not wild-caught salmon. Make sure your salmon is authentic: It\u2019s a delicacy for many, and great for your body in many ways, and it can put a new spin on the usual fish-and-chips meal.<\/p>\n

\"\"2. Sardines (iodine-rich)<\/h3>\n

Sardines<\/a> are another fish which are particularly well known for being very rich in iodine by nature \u2013 and, if you\u2019ve ever seen the ocean during a sardine run, you\u2019ll appreciate the sheer beauty of it: Thousands upon thousands of silvery fish in the ocean, and the hundreds of boats that show up to the scene to net them. You can find sardines in many forms, and the first one that pops to mind for some people is the type of sardines you get in a can versus freshly caught sardines.<\/p>\n

There\u2019s nothing wrong with picking canned sardines \u2013 sometimes this is more accessible than freshly caught, they can be stored for a long time, and you can usually find canned sardines in brine or oil \u2013 which you pick generally depends on what meal you\u2019re planning to make with it. Check out some internet cooking websites and cooking shows for recipe ideas.<\/p>\n

\"\"3. Fennel (iodine-rich)<\/h3>\n

Fennel<\/a> is scientifically known as Foeniculum vulgare, and is actually part of the carrot family \u2013 yes, that\u2019s why fennel growing can easily be mistaken for carrot tops rising up out of the ground, at least until you notice that the leaves don\u2019t quite taste right. (And who is going to taste carrot leaves in their garden to find this out? You should know that you might have fennel in your garden if you have a spot that almost looks like carrots but has never sprouted a carrot since you\u2019ve lived there.)<\/p>\n

Fennel is usually used in foods, and it\u2019s traditional for fennel to be used in the preparation of chicken or added to the recipe of a good roast. Fennel also goes extremely well with fish, and can also be added to sauces. Oh, did we mention that fennel is also high in iodine and happens to be good for you?<\/p>\n

\"\"4. Jerusalem Artichokes (iodine-rich)<\/h3>\n

Jerusalem Artichokes<\/a> are scientifically known as Helianthus tuberoses, and the common name might confuse you as to what it is if you\u2019ve never seen one, ate one, or heard of one before you\u2019ve read this. Jerusalem Artichokes are technically not artichokes at all \u2013 they\u2019re actually a species of sunflower instead, and they don\u2019t come from Jerusalem, to begin with, which is where the confusion might come from:<\/p>\n

They\u2019re native to North America. Would you have guessed that? It\u2019s been long used as a traditional remedy for diabetes, and it\u2019s other uses include the use of its bulb as a root vegetable \u2013 in which case it\u2019s considered to be a healthy option. It can be used as one would use a potato \u2013 and even used when you\u2019re making a salad. Like potatoes, they can also be eaten as a remedy to help settle the stomach in the case of an upset stomach.<\/p>\n

\"\"5. Cranberries (iodine-rich)<\/h3>\n

One cup of cranberries<\/a> can provide you with plenty of nutrients, including the vitally important iodine \u2013 about 400mg of it to that one cup, which is about the same that you would find in supplements over the counter. Cranberries are a great way to get your daily five, and you can use them in everything from marinades to sauces to roasts \u2013 what on earth is a traditional Thanksgiving dinner without the cranberries?<\/p>\n

They also pair extremely well with sweet things \u2013 they are berries after all \u2013 and a cranberry reduction goes well with most types of cakes and even some savory things. Cranberries can also be dried and eaten as an on-the-go snack \u2013 but remember that cranberries are also a well-known diuretic, so avoid them if you know you won\u2019t have time for a few bathroom breaks after eating the cranberries. (And never underestimate the diuretic effect, either! Just trust us.)<\/p>\n

\"\"6. Basil (iodine-rich)<\/h3>\n

Okay, so if you know someone who is actually called basil<\/a>, then there might be some confusion and\/or panic when the family member closest to you asks you to pass the scissors. But all terrible puns about names and eponymous herbs aside, basil is a herb known for its peppery, rich flavor. It\u2019s also known as St. Joseph\u2019s Wort (not to be confused with St. John\u2019s, which is something entirely different!), and in Greek, it literally translates to the \u201croyal plant\u201d.<\/p>\n

Its use in food is traditional, and some would say it\u2019s even an essential part of some dishes. A traditional spaghetti can always do with a few fresh basil leaves put on-to the sauce to release their flavor, and basil leaves can even be tossed into a salad as-is \u2013 just remember to wash them before you do. They come in several varieties, including dark opal basil \u2013 which you should be able to identify by its purple tinge on the leaves.<\/p>\n

\"\"7. Seaweed (iodine-rich)<\/h3>\n

Seaweed<\/a> is another food that happens to be extremely rich in iodine to support your thyroid gland, and it\u2019s also known as a wonderful antioxidant in general that can help your body detox and get rid of the inflammation that\u2019s been causing you pain. That makes it an excellent addition to your diet \u2013 though many people have no idea what they would find seaweed in already or what to do with it when they buy it on its own.<\/p>\n

First, seaweed is naturally found in sushi \u2013 that\u2019s the green stuff that holds it all together, more often than not; you can also buy seaweed at most grocery stores, if you have trouble finding it just take a look in the health foods aisle. Seaweed is extremely good for you \u2013 and very high in the right vitamins and minerals, including iodine. For some, it\u2019s an acquired taste \u2013 but its versatility could be enough to convince you.<\/p>\n

\"\"8. Cinnamon (metabolism-boosting)<\/h3>\n

Cinnamon<\/a> is one of the only spices that we know of that is actually the bark off a tree and not made from seed or dried leaves; yes, that\u2019s why cinnamon is so extremely dry \u2013 and has the effect that it does on the lungs and throat when you inhale it by accident. Most people associate the flavor and smell of cinnamon with their favorite dessert \u2013 for some people, it\u2019s cinnamon sprinkled over a bowl of custard, and for others, it might be cinnamon that\u2019s sprinkled over their pancakes.<\/p>\n

It can also add a completely new flavor to many savory dishes, including spicy ones like curries. Cinnamon is one of the healthiest things you can consume \u2013 though not if you\u2019re doing it to take the Cinnamon challenge. Remember what we told you earlier? Cinnamon is for adding spice and flavor to food \u2013 at no point should it be inhaled!<\/p>\n

\"\"9. Ginger (metabolism-boosting)<\/h3>\n

Ginger<\/a> is well known for being able to boost metabolism \u2013 this aids hypothyroidism, but also many other conditions which include obesity. If you want to lose weight, increasing your metabolism will be one of your end-goals, and there are many good reasons (including this one!) why your healthy diet should include a fair helping of ginger. The plant itself is a root, and ginger can be freshly used and crushed, or it can be purchased as a powder \u2013 which is easier for some if they want to use ginger in their drinks, soups, and foods.<\/p>\n

Ginger should be used sparingly \u2013 even in ginger cookies and savory dishes \u2013 because it can be extremely overpowering, especially in the powdered form, and especially if your hand were to slip over the bowl. To keep ginger fresh, it should ideally remain sealed \u2013 tie the end of the root where you cut it off with some rice paper.<\/p>\n

\"\"10. Avocado<\/h3>\n

There are good fats and bad fats \u2013 and it\u2019s one of the first things a dietitian will tell you during a consultation to work out a diet that\u2019s better for health and for losing weight. Now, bad fats are generally the things that you already think of as typically fatty, greasy, and bad: The fat that drips off of fried bacon and a cheeseburger? That\u2019s bad fat. And you can almost feel it killing you when you\u2019re eating a hugely greasy burger. Good fats are found in other things, and avocado is one of these things.<\/p>\n

There are many uses for an avocado<\/a> \u2013 including turning it into guacamole, putting it into a salad, adding it to a pizza for the fresh element (usually after it emerges from the oven). When choosing an avo, the best ones are not too firm to the touch, and also not too soft \u2013 if they\u2019re not ripe when you buy them, wrap them in newspaper and store them in a dark cupboard.<\/p>\n

\"\"11. Pumpkin Seeds<\/h3>\n

Most of us are already familiar with what you can do with a pumpkin<\/a> \u2013 or at least the basics. There\u2019s pumpkin soup, which is pretty simple to put together \u2013 just some water, cream, salt, soup, pumpkin, herbs optional, though not necessarily in that order; pumpkin pie is traditional at many events, usually with some cinnamon added to the mix.<\/p>\n

And then, of course, there\u2019s the traditional carving of pumpkins when Halloween comes around \u2013 and there\u2019s nothing wrong with using the insides of the pumpkins for a dish afterward. But what we\u2019re actually trying to tell you about here are the seeds. These, baked in the oven for a little while at low heat, make a great snack on the go \u2013 yes, for a little more decadent snack you can also cover them in chocolate of your choice. This is a great, healthy way to replace daily snacking with something more healthy.<\/p>\n

\"\"12. Coconut Oil<\/h3>\n

Coconut oil<\/a> can be purchased at most grocery stores, they can usually be found in the health food aisle and it comes in two basic forms \u2013 normal coconut oil, which you\u2019ll find still has some of the flavor of coconut added to the mix, and deodorized coconut oil, which is especially useful if you\u2019re using it to cook with and don\u2019t want everything to taste like coconut.<\/p>\n

It\u2019s well known for its health benefits, including stimulating the thyroid and counteracts autoimmune disorders: You can cook with it, or you can eat a spoon of it in the morning; you can also use it in an ingredient in, for example, your own homemade ice cream. You should know that coconut oil is extremely versatile. Heated up slowly and over a long period of time with some herbs, you can turn the herbs into a tincture that can be topically applied or consumed.<\/p>\n

\"\"13. Sweet Potato<\/h3>\n

Sweet potatoes<\/a> make a great alternative to regular potatoes, and there are so many things you can do with them once you get started. First, sweet potatoes are great if you stick them in the oven (under the grill) with just a little bit of herbs and oil \u2013 give them about twenty minutes and check if they\u2019re ready by poking them with a knife. If the knife goes in easily, your potatoes are ready. (The same applies if you happen to boil them or add them to a stew.)<\/p>\n

Remember to add plenty of salt to the water when you boil them, as they tend to draw salt out of water during the cooking process. Sweet potatoes can also be turned into a dessert and eaten with butter, sugar, and cinnamon sprinkled over; you can also turn these into sweet potato cookies just by adding flour and an egg to the mix.<\/p>\n

\"\"14. Tomatoes (selenium-rich)<\/h3>\n

Tomatoes<\/a> come in many forms \u2013 small and tiny, and bright and dark. Some are even purple! And there are literally a hundred thousand things you can do with them. They are great on sandwiches, whether fresh or toasted; they go well with stews and they\u2019re the base for hundreds of sauces \u2013 including traditional bolognaise sauce. Tomatoes are also the base for tomato sauce, which is in itself a classic ingredient for many dishes \u2013 including the cheeseburger and fries.<\/p>\n

Tomatoes make a great addition to your diet \u2013 but they should be used with caution for people who have digestive issues and stomach ulcers as they might worsen the stomach\u2019s sensitivity. (This is mainly because they happen to be family of nightshade, and tomatoes are very acidic \u2013 too much for the ulcerated stomach to handle at the best of times.) But if you have no stomach issues, you should be adding tomatoes to your diet.<\/p>\n

\"\"15. Mushrooms (riboflavin-rich)<\/h3>\n

Mushrooms<\/a> are an essential addition to your diet if you have thyroid issues \u2013 and also happen to be essential if you\u2019re a vegetarian trying to replace the nutrients (and even feel) of meat. Mushrooms are a great meat-replacement when used in stews \u2013 and, yes, done properly the texture is even spot on. You should only be avoiding mushrooms if you have a known allergy; there are no other contraindications.<\/p>\n

Trust mushrooms that you purchase from the store \u2013 be extremely careful of mushrooms picked yourself, as you really have no idea what they are unless you have a degree. Mushrooms go well with almost any savory dish, including stews, soups, and breakfasts \u2013 what\u2019s a full breakfast without bacon and mushrooms on the plate too? Oh, and did we mention that mushrooms are extremely good for you? They can even be eaten raw in a salad \u2013 you\u2019d be surprised at the elements it can add!<\/p>\n\r\n

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