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Sea fish.
Not any fish will be beneficial in this case; prefer sea fish such as cod, salmon, herring, mackerel, flounder, etc. To obtain sufficient nutrients, aim to consume about 200-300 grams of fish daily. Besides tyrosine, iodine and selenium, sea fish are also rich in other important nutrients like phosphorus, calcium and vitamin D. Not to mention the high concentration of fatty acids, which are of great importance for everyone’s health. In general, all seafood is rich in iodine and selenium, so be sure to add shrimp, mussels and octopus to your dishes. You can use these ingredients to make very tasty pasta, thereby diversifying your diet.
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Garlic.
This plant, with its distinctive taste and aroma, contains a special composition, rich in beneficial substances essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Garlic is also rich in valuable micronutrients. However, it’s important to know that to preserve its properties, garlic should be added at different stages of cooking, depending on the dish. If you’re making soup or borscht, it should be added five minutes before it’s done. For stewed vegetables or meat, it’s best to add garlic three minutes before finishing the cooking process. Interestingly, onions are also beneficial for the thyroid and, like garlic, are best consumed raw.
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Nuts.
Ancient Greek healers recommended eating nuts to alleviate various ailments. To support thyroid health and normalize its function, it is better to consume nuts such as hazelnuts, almonds, pine nuts and walnuts. They can be eaten raw, made into infusions or added to various baked goods. For baking, it’s advisable to use raw nuts, as they enhance the dish’s flavor and aroma. However, if you plan to take nut infusions, it’s important to avoid self-medication and follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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Seaweed.
Another marine product rich in iodine and selenium is seaweed. In the past, aside from canned sea cabbage, there weren’t many other types of seaweed available in stores, but now we see a wide variety of such products. For example, you can choose crispy nori sheets for rolls, which can also be added to salads, dried kombu for flavorful broth, and chuka salad, among other options. This diverse selection allows you to choose what you like best.
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Persimmon.
Since ancient times, persimmons have been used to treat thyroid conditions, such as the development of goiter in cases of hyperthyroidism. Although it contains less iodine than seaweed, its nutrient complexes positively impact thyroid health. Each juicy fruit is rich in iron (more than apples), magnesium, potassium and vitamins A, C and P. The bright orange colors of persimmons indicate a high content of beta-carotene and bioflavonoids, which support overall health. You can find persimmons to suit any taste: sweet or slightly astringent, soft or crunchy. However, since persimmons are transported from afar, they are picked while still firm. If you buy a hard persimmon, place it in the freezer for a few hours, then transfer it to a plate and put it in the refrigerator. The persimmon will gradually thaw and become very delicious and soft.
All these products positively impact overall well-being and hormones. However, if you have a thyroid condition, such as hypothyroidism, it’s essential to take prescribed medications (e.g., Eltroxin-100, Tiromel) regardless of your diet. Only your doctor, who is familiar with your medical history, can prescribe appropriate treatment.