Foods to boost your thyroid naturally

If you tend to feel tired all the time, get depressed often and cannot lose weight no matter how hard you try, it may be because you have an underactive thyroid. The medical term for this condition is hypothyroidism. Even if you don’t have hypothyroidism, you could still have a slightly sluggish thyroid. Apart from getting tested and taking the prescribed medications and hormones, you can take certain steps to improve your thyroid function. Here are some nutrients that you should add to your diet to boost your thyroid naturally.

Iron: An iron deficiency can also lower thyroid function, so it is important that you eat enough iron in order to boost thyroid function. Sources: organ meats, oysters, clams, spinach, lentils, soybeans, white beans and pumpkin seeds.

Iodine: Iodine is the most important nutrient for thyroid function, since it forms the building blocks of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Sources: Iodised salt, fish, clams, shrimp, oysters, kelp, brown seaweed, eggs, garlic, asparagus, spinach, mushrooms and sesame seeds.

Selenium: This is another vital mineral for thyroid function, since it protects the thyroid gland from stress. It is also used to make proteins that control hormone synthesis, regulate metabolism and maintain the levels of the various thyroid hormones in the body. Sources: Tuna, mushrooms, beef, sunflower seeds, organ meats and soybeans.

Zinc: Low levels of zinc are associated with low levels of the key thyroid hormones. Both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) and hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid) have been known to cause zinc deficiencies. Sources: Beef, turkey, lamb, oysters, sardines, soybeans, walnuts, sunflower seeds, pecans, almonds, split peas, ginger, whole grains and maple syrup.

Copper: Copper is required for the production of thyroid hormones TSH and T4. A copper deficiency can put people with hypothyroidism at risk for high cholesterol and heart problems. Sources: Crab meat, oysters, lobster, beef, nuts, sunflower seeds, white beans, chickpeas, soybeans, shiitake mushrooms, barley, tomatoes and dark chocolate.

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