Dos and Don’ts in Hypothyroidism

Check Your Thyroid Levels Regularly

Make sure your thyroid levels are checked regularly, so your medication is kept at the correct dosage. Thyroid function can change quite quickly and needs to be monitored at least every 6 months.

Get Active

Take regular exercise. Physical activity is especially important if you suffer from hypothyroidism. It is essential in order to help speed up your metabolism and increase weight loss. A daily 30 minute workout, building up to 45 minutes is fine. If you currently take regular exercise, it will help to increase what you do by just 10 minutes extra per day.

Selenium

It is also believed to help if you increase your selenium intake. This can be done by eating foods such as whole wheat bread, bran, Brazil nuts, tuna, onions, tomatoes. Include some of these foods on a regular basis.

Helpful Foods

Foods that are helpful for the thyroid function are: carrots, spinach, apricots, asparagus, olive oil, avocado, sunflower seeds, whole grain cereals, bananas, oily fish, so choose meals that include these foods.

Unhelpful Foods

Foods to eat LESS of as they may interfere with iodine uptake are: cabbage, kale, broccoli, mustard, lima beans, linseed, sweet potato, peanuts, soy products, so keep these to a minimum. You don’t need to cut them out completely.

Avoid Stimulants

Avoid caffeine drinks like coffee, cola; avoid stimulants like smoking and alcohol as these all effect the thyroid function. Avoid Aspartame, natura sweet, or other artificial sweeteners, cane sugar, corn syrup, chocolate and other foods containing concentrated sweeteners. Pre-packaged and processed foods are best avoided.

Reduce Stress

Stress is a major factor and is thought to be a contributing factor to the development of hypothyroidism. One of the best ways to reduce stress is to take regular exercise.

List of foods to be included in your diet:

1. Iodine sources: lettuce, turnip, carrots, garlic, onion, oats, pineapple, whole rice, tomatoes, strawberries, guavas, citrus fruits, egg yolk, sea foods.
2. Metabolism, boosting foods: fish, soya oil, canola oil, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, flaxseeds, leafy vegetables, walnuts.
3. Selenium in your foods: wheat germ, seafood, shell fish, liver, kidney, sesame seeds, mushrooms, garlic, onions.

YOGA ASANS

1) Deep breathing exercises like paranayam help in regulating thyroid hormone levels
2) Brahmi – this deep breathing asana helps to regulate thyroid gland.