Underactive Thyroid Diet

An underactive thyroid in medical terms is called hypothyroidism. It means an abnormally low production of the thyroid hormone. About 3 to 5% of the population is affected with this condition. When a person has an underactive thyroid, he has a lower metabolic rate, which leads to weight gain. In addition to under-performing thyroid glands, the adrenals too do not perform at par. When the body notices that there is a lack of adrenalin, it sends a message urging the glands to start producing more adrenalin. Then it so happens that all the glands start producing, rather over-producing the hormone, and this leads to an imbalance in the body. This imbalance leads to weight gain and other problems. You can also refer to symptoms of low thyroid, before we go on to illustrate on an underactive thyroid diet.

Constituents of an Underactive Thyroid Diet
The diet for an underactive thyroid, if followed well, will help in keeping your weight gain in check. A certain amount of effort is required, but I am sure that you will take take the pains if you want to stay in good shape and more importantly, maintain your health.

Whole Food Diet
If you have hypothyroidism, it is recommended that you consume whole grains, seeds, unpolished brown rice, legumes and millet. Make vegetables and fruits your staple diet and have the other food just to compliment the vegetables and fruits. If you are able to lay your hands on organically grown vegetables, it will be all the more better.

Increase Iodine Consumption
In hypothyroidism people often suffer from low levels of iodine, therefore, it is recommended that you increase the consumption of iodine. Iodine rich foods include sea salt, iodized salt, eggs, dairy products and seafood.

Use Natural Thyroid Supplement
Use natural thyroid supplements, which will be able to support the thyroid function well and at the same time nourish your body. There are herbs available in the market, which are naturally rich in iodine. Iodine is required to bring balance to the thyroid glands. If you are pregnant or nursing, you should speak with your health care professional, before you increase iodine intake. Read low thyroid diet for more information.

Consume Vitamin E
Studies have shown that vitamin E consumed with iodine, increases the absorption of iodine in the body. The results are remarkable and are observed immediately.

Zinc
Studies have shown that zinc helps in improving thyroid gland functioning. Many patients suffering from an underactive thyroid, normally have low levels of zinc, after zinc supplements were given to them, there was remarkable improvement in the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Avoid Caffeine
Caffeine leads to an upset glandular system, causing further damage to the system. Hence, it is advised that you avoid the intake of caffeine. Remember a number of soft drinks also contain caffeine, therefore along with tea and coffee, the consumption of soft drinks should be controlled too.

Avoid Alcohol
Like caffeine alcohol also creates havoc with the functioning of the glandular system, therefore, alcohol should not be consumed to arrest further damage to the system.

Avoid Low Nutrient and High Calorie Food Products
Processed food, sugar, fried foods, meat, saturated fats, alcohol, caffeine, etc. are foods which might give you a temporary high, but at the same time it will give you a permanent weight high too. Hence, these low on nutrient value and high on calories foods should at best avoided. For information you can also refer to diet for hypothyroidism.

Avoid Fluoride and Chlorine
Fluoride and chlorine block the absorption of iodine in the body. Reduced iodine results in a reduced hormone production, which is the main cause of hypothyroidism. Hence, a person suffering from hypothyroidism is advised to keep away from fluoride and chlorine.

For more information read

• Thyroid problems
• Signs and symptoms of underactive thyroid

It is important to follow the underactive thyroid diet to keep hypothyroidism under check. It is not difficult to follow the diet. The underactive thyroid diet will not only help you improve the functioning of the thyroid glands, but it will also help you keeping your weight under control, weight issues are commonly seen in patients suffering from both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.