Let's nip this thyroid issue in the butt!

The Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland in the neck that has two kinds of cells that make hormones. Follicular cells make the thyroid hormone, which affects the heart rate, body temperature, and energy level. C cells make calcitonin, a hormone that helps control the level of calcium in the blood.

The thyroid is shaped like a butterfly and lies at the front of the neck, beneath the voice box. It has two parts, or lobes. The two lobes are separated by a thin section called the isthmus.

A healthy thyroid is a little larger than a quarter and if you have a swollen thyroid, it creates a goiter.  

This picture shows the thyroid.  (source) The two primary diseases that compromise thyroid function are hypothyroidism, which is an under active thyroid, and hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid. I understand I have both sexes read this blog, however, I am mostly approached about under active thyroid issues from women.  A reader requested a list of healthy snacks that will be able to beat her under active thyroid, but also slim down the waist line.  No problem! First lets focus on the foods and nutrients that will be helpful to your thyroid ... 1.  Selenium-  Selenium is a vital component needed by the thyroid to manage calcium absorption.  People with thyroid problems should eat foods rich in selenium that include seafood, eggs, wheat germ, brazil nuts, sesame seeds, mushrooms, garlic and onions. 2.  Thiamine-  This is a mineral that is needed by the thyroid to maintain optimum health.  When the body is lacking thiamin, the metabolism slows down and you eat way too much food.    This mineral is included in foods such as milk, fortified cereals, whole grains and vegetables. 3.  Iodine-  To make the thyroid hormone, the thyroid uses iodine. If iodine is not available in the diet, the thyroid may produce an insufficient amount of hormone therefore resulting in an under active thyroid.  You want to make sure you eat enough iodized salt, some dairy and seaweed.

You want to try to stay away from the family of cruciferous vegetables that can affect the thyroid that include cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts. Cooking the cruciferous vegetables, however, can reduce the effects of the ingredients that harm the thyroid.

Also, stay away from processed foods and excess sugar as that can be harmful to any human body!  

On to healthy snacks!

1.  2 tbsp of Brazil nut butter and endless carrot sticks.

  

To make homemade brazil nut butter, place about 1.5 cups of nuts into the food processor and blend for 10 minutes until it is creamy.  Toss in a little bit of idolized salt and a small pinch of sugar.  

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2.  Deviled eggs made with creamy avocado. 

Hard boil the eggs.  Cut them in half.  Scoop out the yolk. Mix the yolk with a ripe avocado, salt, garlic and paprika.  Spoon back into egg.

3.  Seaweed Salad

3/4 ounce dried wakame seaweed (whole or cut)

3 tablespoons rice vinegar (not seasoned)

3 tablespoons soy sauce

2 tablespoons Asian sesame oil

1 teaspoon sugar

1 teaspoon finely grated peeled fresh ginger

1/2 teaspoon minced garlic

1 small tart apple (1/4 pound) such as Granny Smith

2 scallions, thinly sliced

2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro

1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted

soak seaweed in warm water to cover, 5 minutes. Drain, then squeeze out excess water. If wakame is uncut, cut into 1/2-inch-wide strips.

Stir together vinegar, soy sauce, sesame oil, sugar, ginger, and garlic in a bowl until sugar is dissolved. Cut apple into 1/4-inch dice and add to dressing with seaweed, scallions, and cilantro, tossing to combine well. Sprinkle salad with sesame seeds.

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4.  Trail Mix

1/4 cup of honey sunshine kashi squares, 1/4 cup sunflower seeds, 1/4 cup dried blueberries, 1/4 cup 60% dark chocolate.

5.  Greek yogurt with strawberries and cocoa nibs.

6.  Shrimp cocktail

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*When trying to lose weight, focus more on vegetables, protein and healthy fats rather than a whole ton of grains.  Try to eat low glycemic fruits such as berries and green apples.  

Cheers to happy and healthy thyroids! :)