Our thyroid is one of the most important parts of our endocrine system; this gland regulates everything from our mood, our weight, our body temperature, metabolism, and even digestion. The confusing part about understanding if you have a thyroid problem is also realizing that all of these health issues can be both a cause and effect on the thyroid. One of the most “testy” glands in the human body, it’s essential to our overall wellness and is constantly changing to adapt to our current state of health. It acts as a modulator but is also very susceptible to our actions and as a result, it can become out of balance quickly.
What Our Thyroids Do on a Day-to-Day Basis
Our thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that is found in the front of our throats right below our Adam’s apple (the larynx). It’s responsible for regulating our thyroid hormones on a day-to-day basis. But what do those hormones do? There are three thyroid hormones, two of which are commonly known as T3 and T4. The other is lesser-known, yet still important, and called calcitonin. These hormones control the body’s metabolic rate as well as contribute to heart function, digestive health, muscle control, bone maintenance, and even brain development and mood. The release of these hormones is completely controlled by the TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone) that’s produced by the pituitary gland. They are utilized in the body to assist with energy and also affect how other hormones in the bodywork as well.
Possible Thyroid Problems
It’s estimated that 30 million people have a thyroid disorder of some kind. Many people suffer from an underactive thyroid, known as hypothyroidism, while others suffer from an overactive thyroid disorder or hyperthyroidism. Both can be detrimental to one’s health and cause a host of other health issues to occur as a result. Hypothyroidism is most common, especially in women. It can lead to weight gain, a slowed metabolism, low energy, depression, digestion upset, mood problems, joint pain, poor memory, muscle stiffness, headaches, and more. It often leads to autoimmune disease disorders known as Hashimoto’s and Grave’s disease due to the way the thyroid affects all major parts of the body. Hypothyroidism can cause anxious-like energy, problems gaining weight, higher body temperatures, trouble sleeping, and overactive digestion.
The reasons for a thyroid disorder are hard to pinpoint since many things can cause an imbalance quickly. A poor diet, too much or too little exercise, consistent stress, trauma, a food allergy, lack of rest, metabolic disorders, other hormone disorders, medication and birth control pills, and so many other things can affect one’s thyroid. Many women in their early 20s and 30s begin to show thyroid problems, but it can occur at any age, even in babies and young children.
Nutrients Needed for a Healthy Thyroid
One of the main nutrients needed for a well-functioning thyroid is iodine, yet too much can pose a problem and lead to hypothyroidism, therefore it’s crucial not to just assume that taking an iodine supplement will fix the issue. Other nutrients necessary for a healthy thyroid (and metabolism) are B vitamins, good clean sources of fat, substantial amino acids (protein), and a variety of fruits and vegetables that supply high-quality vitamins and minerals. Though many animal foods contain B vitamins and some even have good sources of fat, such as fish, eating these foods is not necessary to maintain a healthy thyroid. Though fish is a natural source of iodine, it’s also dangerously high in mercury, with more and more research being found every day just how toxic fish is to our bodies. Mercury can cause not only problems to our thyroid but also permanent neurological damage. And while foods like eggs and lean poultry supply B vitamins and are a better option than red meat, they are overall not the best source of nutrition for long-term health.
How to Take Care of Your Thyroid on a Plant-Based Diet
Eating a diet that supports your thyroid is completely possible to do without animal products. The key thing to remember is to stay away from processed foods as much as possible because remember: Whatever you put in your body is used as either fuel or has to be circulated through the organs to be detoxified because it’s a foreign agent to the body. This slows down all the body’s intended purposes, including producing thyroid hormones. Your body doesn’t recognize chemicals, additives, hormones, pesticides, and excessive amounts of processed salts and sugars. It needs real food.
Here are some key nutrients to focus on and the best sources:
Iodine
Source: Spirulina Snackies
One of the best sources of iodine in a plant-based diet is blue-green algaeand kelp,which is where fish obtain their omega’s and their iodine from.Spirulinais one type of blue-green algae andsupplies a plentiful amount of iodine with 10 percent of your daily needs. In conjunction with a well-balanced diet, one would be able to get enough iodine without worrying about an overdose on this single nutrient. A teaspoon a day in a smoothie would be a perfect amount to add just enough. Plus, it’s also an incredible source of food-based iron which is needed for optimal metabolism. Raw, unrefined pink sea salt is another excellent source of natural iodine from the earth and also contains other alkaline minerals such as magnesium, potassium, and sodium your metabolism needs to function at its best. Too little quality sodium and too much refined sodium can lead to blood pressure problems, metabolic disorders, and also thyroid disorders. Skip iodized (highly refined) processed salts and use real salt from the earth instead.
B Vitamins
Source: Steamed Sweet Potatoes With Wild Rice and Tomato Chili Sauce
B vitamins assist with metabolism, energy levels, digestion, mood health, and thyroid health. They are found abundantly in plant-based foods. Some of the best sources are avocados, greens, sweet potatoes, broccoli, bananas, figs, nuts, seeds, spirulina, coconut, whole grains, sprouted grain (flourless) bread, beans, legumes, and nutritional yeast. Be sure to take a vitamin B12 supplement, preferably a sublingual or liquid form that is absorbed immediately in the bloodstream. Lack of vitamin B12 can also cause thyroid problems, but a supplement ensures everyone gets enough.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D acts as a hormone in the body; it plays a part in your mood, digestive, bone, blood, heart, and thyroid health. A shortage of vitamin D can lead to bone loss, digestion problems, depression, or just general sadness, and fatigue. It’s also directly linked to Hashimoto’s disease, one of the autoimmune disorders tied to hypothyroidism, but is not yet known to be a direct cause or just a side effect. Either way, everyone should be obtaining optimal vitamin D levels as much as possible. Don’t rely on fortified foods (or even milk) as your go-to source; these foods contain the form of vitamin D known as vitamin D2, not vitamin D3, the optimal form. Vitamin D3 is the easiest for your body to absorb and use efficiently. Itcomes from the sun, therefore the best way to get enough is to get 15 minutes of sunlight daily. If you live in a cloudy location or can’t get outside daily, do look into a supplement. Be sure to purchase vitamin D3 (not vitamin D2) and double-check that it’s plant-based so you’re not taking in lanolin (sheep’s skin) or fish oil found in most vitamin D3 supplements.
Selenium
You may have heard this mineral is good for your skin, hair, or is great for men’s health — and you’d be right! Selenium is great for your skin and hair, along with men’s prostate health, but it’s also crucial to healthy metabolism and thyroid. It’s primarily found and stored in the thyroid gland where it’s used to assist with the enzymatic breakdown of the thyroid hormones so they can be used by their body. Because when you think about it, even if these hormones are being produced, if your body can’t use them efficiently they aren’t going to do you much good. Selenium also supports the immune system and fertility in both men and women. The easiest way to get enough? Eat one Brazil nut a day; they have over 100 percent of your daily needs in just one nut. If you’re not a fan of the taste, just toss them in a smoothie; you’ll never taste them! Though seafood offers natural selenium too, no other food rivals that of Brazil nuts. As a bonus, it’s easy to digest and has 2 grams of fiber plus plenty of healthy fats your body also needs for optimal thyroid function.
Good Fats
Source: Cacao Protein Bars
If you’re on a fat-free diet for too long it could lead to thyroid problems. One reason is that healthy fats, specifically good saturated fats (found in coconut, cashews, and cacao) are all necessary for a healthy thyroid. Theyhelp prevent high blood sugar levels that can lead to insulin swings which can alter metabolic health, increase stress hormones, and lead to hypothyroidism as a result. Try your best to avoid animal products with cholesterol since these have consistently been linked to other health issues like heart disease. You can get plenty of good saturated fats in your diet from raw coconut meat or raw coconut products (butter, shreds, flour), along with nuts like cashews that have a higher amount of saturated fats than some other nuts. Just a few tablespoons of these fats a day is all you need to Support your body long-term. Other healthy sources of good fats to include in your diet include almonds, avocados, dark chocolate (choose at least 85 percent cacao or higher or raw cacao), seeds, walnuts, and pecans. Avoid vegetable oils and try to only use coconut oil or olive oil if you choose to use oil at all.
What to Avoid to Take Care of Your Thyroid
Excess caffeine, processed food, added and refined sugar, alcohol, and unhealthy fats can all cause problems with the thyroid and prevent optimal absorption of thyroid hormones in the body. There is also a great deal of controversy surrounding soy and cruciferous veggies due to their effects on the thyroid. The reason for this is that these foods contain natural goitrogenic properties.Goitrogens are a substance that prevents the use of thyroid hormones in the body. Know that though these foods do contain goitrogens, their effects on thyroid health only pose a negative problem if a great deal of them are eaten consistently on a day-to-day basis. It’s always best not to consume too much of any food, including these.
Eat Plenty of Greens
Source: Green Smoothie
Rotate your greens in your green smoothies, eat different sources of protein without only relying on soy, and eat plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, and a variety of beans and legumes if you tolerate them well. A well-varied diet is a key part of taking care of your thyroid long-term. There is also not enough research out yet that proves soy and cruciferous vegetables (kale, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower) are substantially harmful in small to moderate amounts. Use your discretion with these foods; if they make you feel great, keep eating them but if you notice problems, be sure to eat other healthy plant-based options instead.
Hopefully, now you know what you need to thrive on a plant-based diet, not just for your thyroid but for long-term health too. Be sure you explore our Plant-Based Nutrition Guide which can answer more health questions you may have. All in all, eat more plants, and real food, get enough movement, and sunlight, and try to manage your stress daily. These are the best things you can do for your thyroid and overall health.
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