Tired, depressed, dry skin, unexplained weight gain, muscle aches, bloated, hair loss, sound familiar? I wanted to touch upon this because it is an issue many women are dealing with today.
I started suffering from these issues last year and took steps to try to correct the problem. My symptoms varied and it is different for everyone. I had the weight gain, which is tough to get off and keep off, was very tired, achy, bloated, and a little depressed. I was so frustrated and I am sure many out there are as well because I was eating super clean and getting all my workouts in; still no weight loss. Feeling tired became a normal everyday feeling. I could fall asleep if I sat down for even 10min.
All of these symptoms I was feeling are not normal. I have been working with a doctor to regulate and hopefully heal my thyroid. It hasn’t been an easy process and we are still working on dosage of medication but I am not giving up and will do whatever it takes to get healthy again.
My whole program has changed. I do less cardio but at a higher intensity. I eat a wide range of food mainly gluten-free, high protein. I try to stay away from artificial sweeteners, alcohol and sugar. With something like this you must be proactive and take the steps to get better. Here are some foods that help thyroid function for those interested about it:
Here are the top five foods that promote thyroid health:
Iodine Rich Foods
Adding iodine rich foods to your diet is one of the best ways to have a healthy thyroid. Iodine is essential for healthy thyroid function because it helps the thyroid gland produce the hormone thyroxin. Good sources of iodine include sea vegetables such as kelp and seaweed, fresh fish, haddock, cod, eggs, fish oils, onions, iodized salt, artichokes and pineapple. If you can’t get enough iodine from your food, take a supplement.
Eat Selenium Rich Foods
Selenium deficiency is a major factor in thyroid disorders. Selenium helps keep the various hormones produced by the thyroid gland in balance. Include as many selenium rich foods as you can in your diet as this is a great way to promote thyroid health. Good sources of selenium include wheat germ, beef liver and kidney, seafood, shellfish, eggs, mushrooms, garlic, kelp, onions, sesame and sunflower seeds and Brazil nuts. You can also eat turkey for thyroid health. Turkey is a great choice for improving thyroid function as it is high in protein, low in calories and contains selenium.
Essential Fatty Acids
Essential Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids aid the thyroid in maintaining metabolism. Good sources of essential fatty acids are fish, shellfish, flaxseed, leafy vegetables, walnuts, pumpkin and sunflower seeds, chia seeds and canola oil.
Coconut Butter or Oil
Coconut butter is a raw saturated fat that contains essential fatty acids that promote thyroid health. Long used as a healing food, coconut butter and oil is experiencing resurgence within the health food community. The fat in coconut butter and oil is quickly converted to energy and helps to regulate thyroid function. Coconut oil also stimulates the production of thyroid hormones and helps rev up the metabolism.
Copper & Iron Rich Foods
Copper and iron rich foods are vitally important to thyroid function. In fact, if you focus on no other thyroid boosting foods, make sure you focus on these two powerhouses. Copper rich foods include oysters, organ meats, clams, cashews, crab, sunflower seeds, cocoa products, whole grains and cereals containing wheat bran. Good sources of iron include red meat, poultry, beans, leafy greens and shellfish. You can increase your absorption of iron by combining it with vitamin C rich foods such as citrus, potatoes, red berries, tomatoes and bell peppers.
Hopefully this information can help you and give you some insight into how you can feel your best. There is always hope so don’t give up!
Thanks so much for reading! XOXO
Felicia Romero
