As promised last episode, Dr. Chiara D’Adda, surgeon and nutritionist, speaks to us today in the heading “Food is Life” of a very important and interesting topic, or what are the best foods for a good functioning of the thyroid and to try to prevent potential disorders. So let’s see together with the Doctor, what are the foods that are good for the thyroid.
Artichokes are good for the liver and therefore protect the thyroid
The artichokes ➡️ keep the liver healthy and efficient, which is the organ in which the fundamental event occurs, that of the conversion of T4 into T3. They contain purifying substances and iron. If you eat them raw, sliced into thin slices and seasoned with lemon juice and oil and a little salt, they will maintain the many properties they have.
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C, which increases iron absorption.
Coconut oil, many benefits for the thyroid
Coconut oil, also an ingredient in our kitchen and that you should learn to use more! Rich in lauric, caprylic, capric acid, which are included in healthy fats. It has beneficial and above all anti-inflammatory effects for the intestine and consequently for the immune system it contains. And it is known that the immune system helps the balance of thyroid function.
Whole grains, a panacea to relieve inflammatory processes
➡️ Whole grains have a low glycemic index and therefore insulin will not have excessive spikes, which are the ones that favor the inflammatory processes that can influence the general hormonal pattern. Insulin in stillness is the passport for a condition of health of our body. Prefer those without gluten! And soak them 6/8 hours before cooking, as this will eliminate phytates, phytonutrients that cover them and hinder the absorption of vitamins and minerals.
Dried fruit in shell, a well-being explosion
Pistachios contain tyrosine, amino acid precursor of thyroid hormones. Brazil nuts contain selenium in good quantity. Do you know that with three nuts a day you get the amount necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid?
Marine products, fish, bivalve molluscs, crustaceans, iodine source
Be careful, however, the fish should not be overcooked, otherwise the Omega3 contained in it will be altered.
Meats rich in zinc, such as beef, turkey and lamb
Another beneficial food for the proper functioning of the thyroid is meat, in this case the meat rich in zinc, such as beef, turkey and lamb.
Wheat germ, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, sesamoo seeds.
These types of seeds are rich in zinc, a mineral very important for the thyroid, because it promotes enzymatic reactions useful for the metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Probiotics like yogurt, fermented milk, sauerkraut, miso
They keep the intestinal flora in balance, contrasting permeability, reducing inflammation and strengthening the immune system.
Cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli
Abounds with cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, but well cooked, because over-cooking disables the mechanisms with which crucifers interfere with the action of iodine on thyroid hormones, limiting their function..
Seasonal fruits and vegetables
➡️ better raw vegetables, because minerals, large thyroid allies, and at temperatures over 60 degrees reduce vitamins are dispersed in cooking water. Remember that leeks and asparagus also contain iodine.
Foods that are harmful to the thyroid?
Trying to limit gluten-containing foods can give rise to “molecular mimicry”. No excesses with milk and cheese, potentially at risk of molecular mimicry and rich in calcium, a mineral very precious for the bones, but tendentially antagonist of iodine and therefore little friend of the thyroid.
