Thyroid has butterfly shape, it is located in the neck. Thyroid gland is responsible for the regulation of metabolism, mood, energy levels, heart rate, blood pressure and body temperature.
When thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones, this leads to variations in weight, fatigue and depression. This condition is known as hypothyroidism. On the other hand, overactive thyroid condition is called hyperthyroidism.
Now we will introduce some foods that can stimulate or inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.
1. Soy– there are contradictions for how exactly soy affects the thyroid function. According to recent research, soy beans interferes with the assimilation synthetic variants of thyroid hormones, which are in the form of tablets for hypothyroidism.
If you do not suffer from iodine deficiency, there is no problem to consume soy.
2. Kale – this is a vegetable like cabbage. This green superfood contains (goitrogens), a substance that interferes with the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland and thereby inhibits its function. This leads to reduced production of thyroid hormones.
This means that vegetables rich in this substance (Kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts) are perfect for your diet if you take sufficient amount of iodine. If you suffer from iodine deficiency (hypothyroidism), the consumption of these foods is not recommended.
3. Consumption of animal organs (liver, heart, kidney) – they contain large amounts of lipoic acid. Unfortunately, lipoic acid may interfere with the work of the gland, such as reducing the levels of thyroid hormones.
4. Salt – it is very well known source of iodine. Most of us consume iodized salt for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland.
Note that if you suffer from iodine deficiency it is not recommended to consume sea salt. Sea salt, and the salt used in the most processed foods do not contain iodine.
5. Gluten – the subject for gluten is very discussed nowadays that many people who do not suffer from celiac disease (gluten intolerance), restrict its intake with the food. If you do not have a problem with gluten, you can safely eat foods containing gluten without affecting the thyroid gland.
But if you suffer from gluten intolerance, the consumption of gluten can lead to disruption of thyroid function and lead to hyperactivity or hypoactivity of the thyroid gland.
6. Seafood – seafood is high in iodine, a mineral that is essential for the effective functioning of the thyroid gland.
If you suffer from iodine deficiency, thyroid gland can increase its size, you become apathetic, tired, depressed and suffer from lack of energy.
If you suffer from hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), diet with high content of iodine can exacerbate symptoms like increased heart rate, palpitations, mood swings, tremor and anxiety.