Superfoods for Hypothyroidism

Suffers of Thyroid Disease can benefit from the nutrients and vitamins found in the super foods listed below. The list is not all-inclusive but represents some of the best. Foods containing selenium helps boost the body’s production of T3 hormone, which is key to stabilizing moods, weight, and energy levels. Excellent sources of Selenium are Brazil Nuts and Fish. Vitamins B2, B3, and B6 are important for proper cell oxygenation and needed for the synthesis of Thyroxine. Vitamin C improves the function of the immune system.

Almonds can benefit the body in so many way that it is hard to believe such a small nut can pack so much. The nutrients contained in the almond are vitamin E, Vitamin B2, Protein, Magnesium and Potassium. They are high in dietary fiber and their “good fat” is monounsaturated fat. These little jewels possess an array of healing properties in heart and cellular health, promote weight loss, improve colon health, and protect you from anemia. They contain over 4 grams of fiber. You can eat almonds as an alternative to red meat for a dose of protein. Studies presented in The 2006 Obesity Societies Annual Scientific Meeting showed evidence that almonds help to satisfy hunger. In fact, eating one (1) handful of almonds of day could play a valuable role in weight management.

Apples contain natural ingredients that can help the body protect itself from heart attacks and promote longer life. One apple contains over 3 grams of fiber (peel included) and contains 8% of your daily value of Vitamin C. They are high in potassium content and the fiber found in apples can help to control Type II Diabetes. They contain Zinc, Copper Manganese, Niacin, B6, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, and Vitamin K. They can lower your LDL cholesterols up to 16%. Add two (2) apples to your diet daily for optimal benefits.

Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and probably carry more nutrients than any other fruit in the world, calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, cooper, manganese, selenium, folate, and vitamins C, B6, A, E, and K. The contain pterostilben, which in lab studies has been linked to lowering cholesterol levels as well as demonstrating the remarkable ability to slowing down the aging process. Blueberries were also noted for improving vision, especially night vision. The antioxidants in blueberries contribute to creating less stress on the brain thus helping to prevent age-related problems such as dementia and improving short-term memory.

Garlic can have a powerful antioxidant effect. Antioxidants help to protect the body against damaging “free radicals.” Nutrients include calcium, iron, magnesium, zinc, copper, selenium, manganese, niacin and Vitamins C and B6. A powerful substance called “allicin” is found in garlic and it soon became clear that allicin was a major factor that contributed to the health benefits. Allicin teams up and works with thiamine (vitamin B1); the two combine to become allithiamine, a more power force than thiamine to repair the body. Garlic also contains a substance called “scordine” which is effective for increasing stamina, helping the body recover from fatigue, and for promoting metabolism. Garlic is regarded in Herbal Medicine as a Rejuvenator.

Onions contain many powerful nutrients like Vitamin C, Vitamin B6, dietary fiber, potassium, copper, folate, and manganese. Onions are potent in sulphur compounds, which can help bring high blood pressure down. Onions also are noted for high antioxidant activity. Onions have many healing benefits. Among the best is their ability to lower blood sugar levels. They promote bone health and act as a natural antibiotic keeping infections and viruses away.

Salmon is loaded with Vitamins B6, B3, B12, D, phosphorus, magnesium, and omega-3 fatty acids. Wild Alaskan Salmon is perhaps the best in the world for it is loaded with nutrients that keep our bodies healthy. Fatty acids are good for the body, especially the Omega-3 fatty acid found in Salmon. These fatty acids help prevent heart attacks, lower blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Protects from autoimmune and arthritis disorders. Other benefits include improvement in insulin sensitivity in people with Type-II Diabetes, helping to protect the body against cancer, eases menstrual pain and discomfort, effective in combating dry eye disease. Moreover, Omega-E is linked to lowering the chances of contracting Alzheimer’s or Dementia due to aging.

Tomatoes are loaded with nutrients including Vitamins B1, B6, C, A, K, B5 and contains niacin, potassium, protein, iron, folate, copper and Lycopene. The antioxidant Lycopene helps protect the body against prostate, colorectal, and pancreatic cancer.

Alternatives to Coffee:

Green or Black Tea is a great alternative to coffee. Researchers suspect that the catechins (helpful phytochemicals) in green tea may trigger weight loss by stimulating the body to burn calories and mildly decrease body fat. So indulge in either a cup of hot or cold tea.

Hypothyroid Symptoms

Hypothyroidism is the medical term for a sluggish thyroid. It can lead to a wide range of hypothroidism symptoms:

• Severe fatigue, loss of energy, sleep disruption, insomnia, early awakening, unrestful sleep, excessive napping
• Weight gain, difficulty losing weight, obesity, cellulite, disruption of normal appetite
• Depression and depressed mood, anxiety, irritability, feelings of being overwhelmed, dysthemia, seasonal affective disorder, obsessive-compulsive feelings, attention deficits
• Dry skin, brittle nails, Brittle hair, itchy scalp, hair loss
• Joint and muscle pain, headaches, slow healing of sprains, carpal tunnel syndrome, plantar fascitis, fibromyalgia, chronic fatigue syndrome, costochondritis.
• Reduced circulation, all over achiness as if your tissues lack oxygen
• Irregular periods, PMS symptoms
• Difficulty tolerating cold and lower body temperature, temperature consistently a degree below 98.6 or lower
• Difficulty with calcium metabolism
• Constipation, irritable bowel syndrome, gallbladder disease, gout
• Sleeping more than average
• Diminished sex drive
• Fluid retention, edema, puffiness of face(smooth, unwrinkled face), swelling of hands, ankles and feet, bloat, congestive heart failure, pleural effusion
• Hoarseness
• Bruising/clotting problems
• Elevated level of LDL (bad cholesterol)
• Heightened risk of heart disease, heart palpitations, angina, tachycardia, mitral valve prolapse, eventual cardiovascular disease, congestive heart failure
• Allergies that suddenly appear or get worse
• Persistent cold sores, boils, or breakouts
• Tingling sensation in wrists and hands, ankles and feet
• Memory loss, fuzzy thinking, difficulty following conversation or train of thought
• Slowness or slurring of speech

Subclinical hypothyroidism may present itself with milder versions of hypothyroidism symptoms.

It is important to note that without treatment or relief of the underlying causes of hypothyroidism, the symptoms will generally worsen over time, eventually resulting in permanent damage. In the most extreme cases, such as Hashimoto's disease, the body forms antibodies that fight its own thyroid gland cells, creating permanently low thyroid function.

If you suffer from several or more of the above symptoms and are worried that you could have a thyroid problem, your next step is to visit your medical provider, to discuss options including a Comprehensive Thyroid Blood Panel. This should be included to help with recommendations for treatment along with the patient reports.

It is important to locate a physician who specializes in Thyroid Health:

http://thyroid. about. com/cs/doctors/a/topdocs. htm

I found my doctor through the above link. With her background, she was able to identify, direct and recommend a course of action specific to my needs.

Ten Delicious Dishes to Help Defeat Diabetes

The food you eat plays a crucial role in your health. Certain foods can even help in the prevention and treatment of diabetes. In diabetes, the cells of the body cannot get the sugar they need. Glucose, a simple sugar, is the body’s main fuel. It is present in the blood even if you don’t eat any sugary foods, because the foods we eat are broken down into glucose. A hormone called insulin signals the body’s cells to let glucose in. In people with diabetes, glucose cannot get into the cells where it is needed.

Low-fat, fiber-rich diets built from legumes, vegetables, whole grains, and fruits help individuals avoid diabetes and control blood sugar levels. Such diets can also prevent complications in people who already have diabetes.

Choosing the right foods can make a world of difference to your health. Look for delicious, minimally processed foods from plant sources. Here are ten tasty choices for the prevention and management of diabetes:

1. Mixed Greens with Apples and Walnuts — This low glycemic index fruit is a great choice, along with fresh apricots, peaches, and pears. The glycemic index (GI) is a measure of how quickly a food releases its sugars. Foods with low GI raise blood sugar levels more slowly than high-GI foods. It’s helpful to raise blood sugar slowly so that your body can properly remove them from the blood. Walnuts are high in important omega-3 fatty acids, which do not adversely affect glycemic control, unlike the saturated fats found in meats and cheeses. Omega-3 fatty acids also help keep your heart healthy by decreasing triglyceride levels in the blood and reducing the risk of fatal cardiac events.

2. Steamed Artichokes — Serve this beautiful vegetable upright on a plate with rice wine vinegar as a dipping sauce. Artichokes are low in calories, nearly fat free, and delicious. They’re also rich in fiber, which slows down the absorption of natural sugars from the starchy foods we eat and has been shown to reduce insulin resistance.

3.Hummus Dip with Baby Carrots — Hummus is a hearty dip made from chickpeas, sesame seed paste, garlic, and lemon. Chickpeas provide protein and fiber, while sesame seeds are a great source of vitamin E. Vitamin E is an antioxidant that can help protect and improve circulation in the eyes. Use carrots to dip with and get double the eye- and anti-oxidant protection from the beta-carotene in the carrots. People with diabetes frequently develop eye problems, particularly diabetic retinopathy, or damage to the retina. This can lead to a gradual loss of vision.

4. Old-Fashioned or Irish Oats with Fresh Strawberries — Here’s a breakfast that fills you up without filling you out. It’s also a good source of vitamin C, vitamin B6, and soluble fiber. Vitamin C is an antioxidant and a potent eye protector, while vitamin B6 may help prevent diabetic retinopathy (retina damage). Soluble fiber, in addition to helping keep blood sugar under control, can help lower blood cholesterol levels. People at risk for diabetes—and those already coping with it—have a high risk for heart disease. Therefore, it’s important to choose meals that decrease cholesterol levels.

5. Quinoa Tabouli — This protein-rich whole grain can help head off those carbohydrate cravings with a healthy choice. Some individuals crave muffins, cookies, cakes, and white bread—all foods that raise blood sugar levels unnecessarily. Tasty and healthier whole-grain foods can satisfy the need for carbohydrates.

6. Mushroom Barley Soup — Barley has the lowest glycemic index of any grain, and mushrooms are tasty and magnesium-rich. Magnesium helps maintain nerve cells and may also play a role in preventing diabetic retinopathy (retina damage).

7. Edamame (boiled fresh soybeans in the pod) — A delicious, hearty, protein- and fiber-rich snack that is fun to eat and chock-full of disease-fighting phytosterols (a plant compound that can lower cholesterol, among other things). Look for fresh edamame at your local farmer’s market, or check the frozen vegetable case in the supermarket. Most kids love them.

8. Fruity Spinach Salad — An attractive salad decorated with sunflower seeds, oranges, sweet red pepper, and cucumbers and flavored with raspberry vinaigrette fat-free dressing makes a delicious first course or side dish. Spinach is great for magnesium; sunflower seeds provide vitamin E, selenium, and magnesium; and oranges and red peppers are good sources of vitamin C. Selenium is an important antioxidant. This mineral protects the cells of the heart and blood vessels from damage, which is important because of diabetes’ strong association with heart disease.

9. Curried Cauliflower and Peas — This dish is low in fat, high in potassium (which lowers blood pressure), rich in disease-fighting phytochemicals, and high in flavor. Serve it as a main dish with brown rice and a side salad for a simple but delicious meal.

10. Basmati and Wild Rice Pilaf — Whole grains and nuts are good sources of chromium. Chromium works with the hormone insulin to get glucose into the cells, where we can use it for energy. A deficiency in chromium can lead to high blood glucose levels. Chronically high blood sugar levels damage the body, especially the eyes, kidneys, and nerves.

Author: The Physicians Committee for Responsible Medicine

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A health diet is very important to our relationships. When we feel healthy our self esteem and confidence is lifted.

Best wishes ~ Brenda