Most of us have heard of the thyroid gland, but many do not know or understand what its functions are. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces iodine-containing hormones. These hormones are involved in the regulation of metabolism. Problems with the thyroid gland can lead to the development of several diseases, including hypertension (high blood pressure), arrhythmias (the heart beating either too slowly or too fast), neuroses and depression. A deficiency or overproduction of hormones by the thyroid gland provokes dermatitis, obesity, brittle nails and hair loss. Undoubtedly, we all know the saying – we are what we eat. What foods are harmful to the thyroid gland?

The thyroid gland is called the “conductor of the body”. Iodine, selenium and the amino acid tyrosine are essential for the comprehensive functioning of the thyroid – without them, the synthesis of the following hormones by the thyroid gland is impaired: T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone).

Correcting thyroid disorders starts with changing your food habits and eliminating foods that can provoke a hormonal imbalance in the body. Fatty meats (pork, lamb, duck) and fatty broths in soups should be avoided, as well as sausages, wieners and bockwurst sausages. Dairy products and products that contain gluten (semolina, couscous, bulgur, spelt or spelt wheat, wheat bread, traditional rye bread, pastries and pasta, noodles, breakfast cereals, wheat germ, etc.), offal (liver, heart, lungs, kidneys, spleen, brain, tongue) and animal fats, as well as smoked meat, which is favoured by many, can also provoke thyroid problems.

People with thyroid problems should limit sauces, fast food and semi-finished products in their diet. Vegetables and greens with high oxalic acid content can also have a negative effect on thyroid function: beetroot, celery, sorrel, spinach, rhubarb, and parsley. The same goes for soybean products in any form, including products with soy protein, as soybeans contain phytoestrogens that interfere with thyroid function.

If thyroid problems have manifested, tea or coffee with cakes should be set aside as a rare, exclusive indulgence, since these products are also on the list of undesirable foods. Do not forget alcohol and store-bought juices: they are not good for anyone, of course, especially for people with thyroid problems. Try replacing them with freshly expressed juices or unsweetened drinks.

With hypothyroidism (low thyroid function) it is important to eat iodine-rich foods such as seafood (seaweed, shrimps, mussels, crabs), and marine fish (salmon, pink salmon, tuna). Increase the amount of curdled milk and whole grain cereals – brown rice, oatmeal, quinoa, fruit and berries, vegetables, herbs, dairy products and walnuts in your diet. Brazil nuts are an excellent source of selenium, oysters, liver and meat are excellent sources of zinc, and seafood is an excellent source of iodine. However, it should be remembered that food supplements containing these trace elements and foods high in these trace elements should not be consumed at the same time. Supplements containing selenium, zinc, iodine and tyrosine can be used if you do not get enough of these nutrients in your diet.

The thyroid gland is an important organ of the human endocrine system, which is responsible for metabolism and the synthesis of hormones in the body. A proper diet, exercise and healthy sleep will help keep this organ healthy. A proper diet free of harmful products will improve the functional status of the body, help regulate the synthesis of hormones and prevent the development of endocrine diseases.

For insufficient thyroid gland function, or hypothyroidism, we have developed a 100% natural, Latvian-made food supplement THYROKLER. The product, which contains bladderwrack (contains more vitamins and minerals than any other food product, inter alia, it is a natural source of iodine, which is organically included in cell metabolism), the trace elements zinc and selenium and the amino acid L-tyrosine, ensures the normal development of thyroid hormones and thus also the normal functioning of the thyroid gland. 

Learn more about the product here: THYROKLER