Top 5 Foods To Improve Thyroid Health

It is estimated that 27 million Americans today have some form of thyroid disease. Many people suffer from thyroid disease without ever being diagnosed. Have you been wondering what foods you should eat for a healthy thyroid? Here are the top five foods that promote thyroid health.

Iodine Rich Foods

Adding iodine rich foods to your diet is one of the best ways to have a healthy thyroid. Iodine is essential for healthy thyroid function because it helps the thyroid gland produce the hormone thyroxin. Thyroxin is used by the thyroid to regulate metabolism. Good sources of iodine include sea vegetables such as kelp and seaweed, fresh fish, haddock, cod, eggs, fish oils, onions, iodized salt, artichokes and pineapple. If you can't get enough iodine from your food, take a supplement. Important Note: Never take antiseptic or topical iodine internally.

Eat Selenium Rich Foods

Selenium deficiency is a major factor in thyroid disorders. Selenium helps keep the various hormones produced by the thyroid gland in balance. Including as many selenium rich foods as you can in your diet is a great way to promote thyroid health. Good sources of selenium include wheat germ, beef liver and kidney, seafood, shellfish, eggs, mushrooms, garlic, kelp, onions, sesame and sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts. You can also eat turkey for thyroid health. Turkey is a great choice for improving thyroid function as it is high in protein, low in calories and contains selenium.

Essential Fatty Acids

Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids aid the thyroid in maintaining metabolism. Good sources of essential fatty acids are fish, shellfish, flaxseed, leafy vegetables, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, chia seeds and canola oil.

Coconut Butter or Oil

Coconut butter is a raw saturated fat that contains essential fatty acids that promote thyroid health. Long used as a healing food, coconut butter and oil is experiencing resurgence within the health food community. The fat in coconut butter and oil is quickly converted to energy and helps to regulate thyroid function. Coconut oil also stimulates the production of thyroid hormones and helps rev up the metabolism.

Copper & Iron Rich Foods

Copper and iron rich foods are vitally important to thyroid function. In fact, if you focus on no other thyroid boosting foods, make sure you focus on these two powerhouses. Copper rich foods include oysters, organ meats, clams, cashews, crab, sunflower seeds, cocoa products, whole grains and cereals containing wheat bran. Good sources of iron include red meat, poultry, beans, leafy greens and shellfish. You can increase your absorption of iron by combining it with vitamin C rich foods such as citrus, potatoes, red berries, tomatoes and bell peppers.

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