The Ideal Diet for Hypothyroidism
The Ideal Diet for Hypothyroidism
Weight gain goes hand in hand with hypothyroidism and to some people it gets rather difficult to lose weight with this condition.
There are key nutrients and foods that a diet for hypothyroid should include. On the other hand, there are certain foods that should be avoided.
What Your Diet Should Have
A healthy diet for someone with hypothyroidism would include whole grains, natural foods, plenty of fruits and vegetables and a good supply of seafood and other lean protein. You should cut back on fatty meats. A multivitamin is probably a good idea if you don't already take one.
An Important Mineral
Selenium may be the most important nutrient in a diet for hypothyroid.
Why?
This trace mineral is an antioxidant and is essential for converting the thyroid hormone your body produces, T4, into its active form, T3. Brazil nuts are an incredibly good source of selenium, but you can also get it from some lean meats.
Fiber is Key to Control Your Weight
Another tactic that will be very helpful for you if you're trying to lose weight is eating more fiber. Fiber makes you feel full and can help you lose weight, in addition to being helpful for constipation, another side effect of hypothyroidism.
You can ingest your fiber in pill form or through one of those over-the-counter fiber concoctions, but it is so much better if you get your fiber from actual foods, like beans, rice and other grains, whole wheat and oatmeal.
Strive for whole grains, also known as complex carbohydrates, over refined grains (things made with white flour or sugar). They're better for you, help maintain your blood sugar stable and will make you feel fuller.
Alcohol should also be avoided because it can cause blood sugar fluctuations.
A Diet With More Meals
Ideally, a diet for low thyroid function will include small meals spread out through the day rather than three big meals. If you eat five or six small meals it will help balance the slow metabolism that is part of hypothyroidism. Just remember, keep these meals around 300 calories each, and include exercise if you want to lose weight, too.
Some doctors recommend the Zone diet to those with hypothyroid. The why behind the system is somewhat complicated, but it has to do with balancing out your insulin reaction to food, limiting the spikes and crashes you probably feel right now. Carbs are a big part of this diet, particularly those refined grains we were just talking about.
The diet calls for drinking lots of water (a good idea for anyone), eating more fruit and vegetables and less pasta, bread and starches, and a small amount of lean protein through the day. Most of your carbs should come from fruit and vegetables, with other starches used sparingly. You also should not go more than five hours between meals.
Red Light Foods
As we were saying before, your diet should not include certain foods. Some vegetables, fruits and grains can depress the function of your thyroid gland. To learn about these foods visit diet for hypothyroid.
Pam Brown is an editor at yourbodycanheal.com. To learn more about diet and hypothyroidism visit diet for hypothyroid.
For information on natural health remedies and to obtain a FREE health report that includes Healing Foods for Hypothyroid Conditions visit: alternative safe remedies.
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