Hypothyroidism is one of the most common diseases, and it is an autoimmune condition that occurs more frequently in women than in men. In this report, we learn how to manage the thyroid gland through nutrition, according to the “health” website.
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, or hypothyroidism, is usually associated with symptoms such as infertility, hormonal imbalances, weight gain, fatigue, anxiety, muscle pain, and joint stiffness.
Some of its lesser-known symptoms include digestive and intestinal health issues such as indigestion, acid reflux, bloating, constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, etc.
How the thyroid gland and the intestine are connected
When you eat something, digestion starts in the mouth with the help of saliva. Now, once you chew and swallow your food, it reaches your stomach.
Hypothyroidism can cause imbalances in the motility or motility needed for semi-chewed food to move through the digestive tract thus creating the possibility of indigestion and poor gut health.
It is known that around 70% of your immune system resides in your gut. Therefore, an imbalance in gut bacteria is a major factor behind autoimmune diseases. Thus, there is a direct impact on hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune condition.
Gut bacteria also influence the conversion of thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3); T3 is the active form of thyroid hormone that the body uses. The enzymes needed for this conversion process are affected by gut health and a healthy population of gut bacteria.
The composition of gut bacteria also influences the body’s ability to break down and absorb key nutrients necessary for healthy thyroid function such as iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, B vitamins, vitamin A, and tyrosine.
These nutrients are often low in people with autoimmune thyroid disease.
Does food and nutrition affect the health of the thyroid gland?
Eating a healthy diet will help you better manage your condition and symptoms. Here’s what you need to consider to manage your thyroid:
1. Eliminate the trigger foods
Gluten is a major culprit for those with autoimmune disorders. It can lead to inflammation and increase thyroid symptoms so eliminating it from your diet is really necessary if you suffer from hypothyroidism. Regardless, cut out or eliminate refined and processed carbohydrates, refined sugar, and artificial sweeteners.
2. Probiotic bacteria for your gut
Thyroid function depends on the health of your gut so when you eliminate foods that cause inflammation, it can have a positive effect.
Furthermore, working on supplementing your gut bacteria with probiotic-rich foods such as pickled vegetables, sauerkraut, etc. are all good options. These foods will keep your digestive system on track.
3. Increase the quality of foods rich in nutrients
You need to include some nutrients in your diet to manage your thyroid gland. These are iodine, selenium, zinc, iron, tyrosine, B vitamins and vitamin A.
Iodine: shrimp, milk, eggs, seafood
Selenium: nuts, seafood, and poultry
Zinc: Oysters, red meat, and white pulp
Iron: red meat, vegetables, lentils and white pulp
Tyrosine: Meat, fish, shellfish, poultry, egg whites, yogurt, white pulp, and avocados.
Vitamin B: Get assorted colorful vegetables on your plate