Posted on December 13, 2007 in Latest News
Thyroid is a butterfly shaped organ (or gland) located in the front of the neck, just below the voice box. Similar to liver, heart, kidney and brain, thyroid has a specific function and role to play. The thyroid of a normal adult weighs 15 to 25 grams. It secretes two important hormones, called T3 and T4 that are vital for physical and mental growth.
Iodine, is required by the body for the synthesis of the thyroid hormones. T4 contains 4 iodine atoms and when it is one atom less it is T3 with 3 iodine atoms. If there is deficiency in Iodine then the human body will not be able synthesize the hormones. Goiter, or enlargement of the thyroid gland, is due to this iodine deficiency. The enlargement of the thyroid is caused due to over stimulation of the thyroid gland by thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), as the body attempts to produce thyroid hormones despite the lack of available iodine.
In order to avoid thyroid disorders one needs to take care of one’s diet as well. One suffers from weight problems- one is either overweight or under-weight. A proper diet is essential to alleviate these conditions.
Tips for Diet for Thyroid
- The thyroid diet should be low-glycemic, high fiber, low calorie diet, optimal timing of diet for maximum hormonal impact. One should avoid thyroid-damaging diet. Take herbs.
- One should take iodine, which is necessary for the proper functioning of thyroid. Along with amino acid tyrosine it gets converted into the two thyroid hormones. One have it through fish, seaweed, iodized salt, and shellfish etc
- Low glycemic foods which need to be avoided are beets, carrots, corn peas, potatoes, bananas, grapes, oranges, white bread, rolls, baked foods, sugar etc. If one wants to take them, they should not be taken alone
- One should have protein derived from lean meats, fish, white meat poultry, legumes, egg white, lean cuts of beef etc An adequate intake of protein will prevent hair loss which occurs due to under active thyroid
- High fiber diet should be taken such as lentils, kidney beans, apples, pears, broccoli cauliflower, green leafy vegetables, whole grains etc
- One should take plenty of vitamins and minerals. Zinc is a required mineral for the prevention of diminishing T3 levels, especially when one is trying to reduce calories for weight loss. Selenium is also good for this
- Herbs and nutritional supplements should also be taken
- Diet plays an important role in the proper functioning of the thyroid. It should be adequate. Weight fluctuations can be controlled by it
Gout can be avoided if one takes proper diet. One should exercise restraint on certain foods and the same time one need not avoid some foods.
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