Many people today are suffering from some form of thyroid disease. It can be said that more and more people are suffering from this problem. Many factors play a role in the development of thyroid disease. Inadequate nutrition, or more specifically certain nutrient deficiencies, can be one of the causes, but also constant and persistent stress can contribute to the development of the disease. In this article we look at what nutrient and dietary deficiencies can lead to the development of thyroid disease.
The thyroid gland needs iodine, one of the many nutrients it needs to function properly. Many people do not consume enough salt precisely because they believe it is dangerous even in moderation. The best thing to do is to consume iodised salt to get iodine into your body to keep your thyroid healthy.
Green leafy vegetables, such as cabbage, are a rich source of magnesium. This is a mineral that is involved in many bodily functions. This mineral also helps to alleviate thyroid symptoms, but also to reduce fatigue, relieve muscle spasms and eliminate heart rhythm disturbances.
Nuts and seeds are rich in iron, which is also needed by the thyroid gland. Brazil nuts help the thyroid in two ways. As well as containing high levels of iron, Brazil nuts are also rich in selenium, which also supports the thyroid gland and plays an active role in maintaining the health of this important organ.
Fish and seaweed are also a great source of iodine. However, there are some conditions – including thyroid disease – where it is not allowed to take extra iodine. This should always be checked with your doctor.
Offal such as kidneys, liver and heart contain large amounts of lipoic acid. This can also be important for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. It is forbidden to consume large amounts of this substance and some thyroid medicines also exclude its consumption.
If you are celiac or gluten intolerant and do not follow the dietary rules, you may develop autoimmune thyroid disease. But if you are not already ill and follow a gluten-free diet, you can avoid thyroid disease.