"Life would be simpler if we could just press an undo button to revert back to normal! But the good news is IT IS POSSIBLE if you inculcate few changes..."

When the thyroid gland gets TIRED:

YES, that is hypothyroidism, when your thyroid gland secrets less amounts of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) and higher amounts of TSH (thyroid secreting hormone). Since thyroid hormones are responsible for growth and development, they are inter-linked with various other health conditions. Hypothyroidism results in elevated levels of sugar, cholesterol levels and high blood pressure.

Foods to the RESCUE -

• Iodine-rich: iodized sea salt, sea food, baked potatoes, yogurt, and banana.
• Selenium-rich: sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, soybeans and mushroom.
• Tyrosine containing: legumes, meat, dairy products (milk, cheese and yogurt).
• Vitamin B source: meat, fish, egg (both egg yolk and egg white), poultry.
• Gluten-free grains, whole grains and nuts.
• Meat, chicken, fish (salmon and tuna).
• Zinc-rich foods: oysters and other shellfish.

Which foods to AVOID and WHY-

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, kale and cabbage) are goitrogenic i.e. they interfere with iodine uptake and decrease the secretion of thyroid hormones.
• Gluten intake from wheat, rye, bread and pasta interferes with the absorption of thyroid hormone.
• Processed foods (mostly packaged and frozen food stuffs) contain high amounts of sodium which increases the risk of high blood pressure. Hypothyroidism is the secondary cause of hypertension so it is better to avoid the pressure hike.
• Fatty foods (butter, mayonnaise) and fried foods interfere with optimum secretion of thyroid hormones.

COMBO effect -

Healthy lifestyle is not just eating right or joining a state-of-the-art gym, it is a balanced combination of proper food, exercise and routine diagnosis.