5 Foods You Should Eat If You Have An Underactive Thyroid

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Millions of people in the U.S. are diagnosed with thyroid disorders, many of whom suffer from hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid. If that’s the case for you, you’re probably experiencing symptoms like fatigue, depression and constipation. Though there are rarely “cures” for thyroid disorders, you can keep your metabolism in check by eating these thyroid-healthy foods. We promise your entire body will thank you for just a few improvements to your diet.

1. Fish

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If you leave an underactive thyroid unchecked, you increase your risk of heart disease. Fish like salmon, tuna and trout are packed with omega-3 fatty acids that can decrease inflammation in the body, keeping those chances low.

2. Apples

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Fruits like apples are rich in citrus pectin, which can increase urinary secretion of mercury (mercury is bad news for your thyroid) by 150 percent within 24 hours of consumption.

3. Seaweed

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Seaweed has a high concentration of iodine, which is an essential nutrient for normal thyroid function. Beware, though: too much iodine can make your thyroid issues worse, so keep your serving size in check.

4. Brazil Nuts

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Brazil nuts are high in selenium, which helps your entire body function. Primarily, it protects your glands from any inflammatory byproducts and keeps your anti-bodies strong. One Brazil nut has your entire day’s worth of selenium, so pop one to keep your thyroid strong.

5. Oysters

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Zinc is where it’s at, and oysters have plenty of zinc. The mineral complements a healthy thyroid by activating the right hormones to maintain your thyroid. About six raw oysters have 30 mg of zinc, which is plenty to balance out your hormones.