New Delhi: The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolic functions. It generates thyroid hormones, which control a variety of biological processes and guarantee continued good health. Numerous issues can arise when the thyroid gland is underactive or hyperactive.
The food we eat is one of the best strategies to ensure the thyroid gland is operating at its best. Numerous nutrients found in our everyday diets can assist our thyroid gland in maintaining its equilibrium or, if it is not working well, in achieving it.
As far as weight gain is concerned, an underactive thyroid may contribute to a weight gain of 5 to 7 pounds, but beyond this, the thyroid is unrelated to a major weight gain.
Here are some items that will help in weight loss if you are suffering from thyroid:
1. Whole Grains
When digesting whole grains, the body expends more energy. Since the body must work harder to digest the whole grains, the added fibre speeds up metabolism. To boost your metabolism and support your thyroid gland, try eating quinoa, brown rice, sprouts, and sprouted grain bread.
2. Drinking Ample Water:
The first step to losing weight is to stay hydrated by drinking a lot more water. Take your own water bottle with you wherever you go because it not only keeps you hydrated but also aids in digestion.
3. Eggs:
As the whites are filled with protein and the yolks are enriched with zinc and selenium, this is a fantastic alternative for thyroid patients who are trying to lose weight.
4. Beans:
Beans are a low-cost, adaptable food that is a fantastic source of long-lasting energy, which might be beneficial if you have fatigue due to hypothyroidism. Protein, anti-oxidants, complex carbs, and a tonne of vitamins and minerals may all be found in beans. Additionally, they contain a lot of fibre, which is advantageous if you struggle with constipation, a major side effect of hypothyroidism. Just be careful not to overdo it—recommended daily fibre intake for adults is between 20 and 35 grammes, but too much fibre can interfere with your hypothyroidism therapy.
5. Fresh Fruits And Vegetables:
Weight gain is an early sign of hypothyroidism. Fresh produce and other low-calorie, high-density foods are the foundation of any effective weight-loss plan. If possible, try to add fresh produce or fruit to each meal. Antioxidants, which are nutrients that are known to lessen the risk of heart disease, are also abundant in a number of certain foods, including blueberries, cherries, sweet potatoes, and green peppers.
To avoid blocking the thyroid's capacity to absorb iodine, which is necessary for healthy thyroid function, hypothyroidism sufferers may want to limit their daily intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, to 5 ounces.