You eat for energy, you eat for strong bones, you eat for brain-boosting benefits and you eat to improve your heart. But do you eat a diet that would benefit your thyroid? More so, if you already have been diagnosed with a thyroid problem, like hypothyroidism, do you know what you should be eating and what you should be avoiding?

Our thyroid is often overlooked unless a doctor raises concerns about it. Although you may not think about it much it plays a major role in producing hormones and regulating our metabolism. When this process is thrown off it can cause hypothyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a disruption in the normal processes carried out by the thyroid. Production of hormones reduces which can lead to weight gain, constipation, changes in skin?—?becoming too dry?—?fatigue and even depression.

Hypothyroidism can occur if the thyroid is removed through surgery, stress or simply if it stops functioning as normal.

The good news is hypothyroidism is manageable and one way to do so is through diet.

Hypothyroidism and diet

Just as our body requires nutrients for it to function properly, so does the thyroid either. This is why hypothyroidism and diet is so important for proper management.

There are certain types of food which are best for hypothyroidism. They are iodine rich foods and selenium rich foods. Before we outline foods for hypothyroidism let’s discuss the importance of iodine and selenium.