Supporting Thyroid Function With Healthy Eating Habits

The thyroid fulfills an important bodily function by regulating the metabolism. In people with an underactive thyroid, the condition can lead to unwanted weight gain or an inability to lose weight, especially in the postpartum period. Because the thyroid is so sensitive and can be affected by what you eat, how much you exercise and what your sleep pattern is like, it is important to get medical advice, which you can achieve through affordable healthcare in Las Vegas.

The body requires energy to keep itself warm, and a low body temperature is often a sign that your body is not getting enough energy from your caloric intake when you have hypothyroidism. The body needs carbohydrates and fats for thyroid hormone to be able to convert them into bio-available energy so the body can perform at its best. Women are affected by low thyroid function more often than men, and may experience other side effects like constipation, mood swings and a craving for fats instead of sweet foods.

Getting the proper nutritional intake is important to support thyroid function, and many cases of hypothyroidism are linked to deficiencies in vitamins and minerals. Speak to your doctor about supplementing your diet if it emerges that you are deficient in iodine, iron or zinc before you start taking any extra vitamins, as a slight change in your diet could make a big difference to your thyroid function or interfere with any medication your doctor may have prescribed.

Just a handful of nuts and seeds every day, with two to three portions of fish and lots of fruits and vegetables, can ensure that you get a balanced diet to support your thyroid function.

Iodine-rich foods can boost metabolic function and are found predominantly in the sea. They include sea vegetables like kelp, dulse and wakame, as well as foods like eggs, lima beans, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and sesame seeds. Selenium is also important for the thyroid, and can be found in dietary sources like tuna, Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds and soybeans. To increase the zinc in your diet, make foods like beef, fresh oysters, sardines, split peas, walnuts, pecans, almonds and whole grains a feature of your weekly diet. Many people with underactive thyroids are iron-deficient, so make sure you get enough of your beans and pulses, as well as a healthy portion of seafood every week.

Before you start taking supplements, review your diet as your food is your best medicine. Las Vegas medical clinics will be able to give you the best advice on what to eat to keep your thyroid function healthy.