Hello there! For the benefit of everyone, I will post some responses to questions paused by readers, related to the recent article on the thyroid above. If you haven’t gotten around to reading it. I would highly recommend it. *Question: Which foodstuffs can I eat to improve my thyroid health* For Beneficial Foods, you may want to Focus On - *Whole Grains* like brown rice - ⁠*Fiber-rich foods*, to manage constipation. - ⁠*B vitamins, and essential minerals.* Please check out the WhatsApp page, I posted something on vitamin B. - ⁠*Lean Proteins* like chicken, fish, and legumes to provide the body with the essential amino acids necessary for hormone production. - ⁠*Fruits* like berries and apples, I know a lot of people don’t like apples very much but are very good at controlling your blood sugar, especially in diabetic conditions, they are high in antioxidants, vitamins, and fibre - ⁠*Vegetables* like leafy greens and carrots, are packed with vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals. - ⁠*Healthy Fats* like avocado and olive oil. Lol 😝 avocados are not just for your faces people. They contain monounsaturated fats and omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health. - ⁠*Nuts and Seeds* like Brazil nuts, and sunflower seeds are excellent sources of healthy fats, proteins, selenium, and zinc. - ⁠*Dairy* if your gut can tolerate it then things like yoghurt and cheese in moderation can provide calcium, iodine, and protein. Especially iodine, this you can get from salt but you have to make sure it’s written iodized salt on the label. Cerebos is one good brand. (I’m not affiliated or a brand ambassador 🙂) Then we also have the devils to avoid, the types of food that tend to track us back from our progress. These are the Foods to Avoid as far as possible. 1. **Processed Foods** (e.g., fast food, snacks) - Often high in added sugars, unhealthy fats, and preservatives. 2. **Soy Products** (e.g., tofu, soy milk) - May interfere with thyroid hormone production in large amounts. 3. **Cruciferous Vegetables** (e.g., broccoli, cabbage) - Can inhibit iodine uptake if consumed in excess, especially raw. 4. **Gluten** (if sensitive or celiac) - May trigger autoimmune responses in some individuals. 5. **Excessive Sugar** - Can lead to inflammation and weight gain, affecting thyroid function. 6. **Excess Caffeine** (e.g., coffee, energy drinks) - Can disrupt hormone levels and exacerbate anxiety. 7. **Alcohol** - Can interfere with thyroid function and hormone regulation. This is mentioned in the article. This list is not exhaustive and it is merely a helping guide to your dietary choices to support thyroid health. If you are already in the process of treatment for your thyroid complications, please discuss with your treating physician and nutritionist about structuring your diet plan based on your unique circumstances. *Question: Can intermittent fasting affect my thyroid health* This can affect thyroid function, especially if it leads to nutrient deficiencies or excessive caloric restriction. It may contribute to hypothyroidism in some individuals but can also promote metabolic health in others. Individual responses vary widely based on body size, and food types being taken after the fasting. Those sorts of things *Question: Can thyroid Conditions be reversible* *Hypothyroidism*: Remember this is low T4, meaning that in that chain of command, we discussed in the article, something somewhere somehow is making the thyroid not create enough. So because we need the entire orchestra to be in harmony, we begin to investigate, what could be the problem. Some problems like nutrition deficiency can be rectified but some like trauma or injury might not be resolved. So in the meantime when we still investigate we give you medication (like levothyroxine)to artificially give your body T4s and recommend lifestyle changes. In some cases, as I said, dietary changes may improve thyroid function, especially if the cause is iodine deficiency or autoimmune conditions. *Hyperthyroidism*: Opposite of the above, too many T4s. May require medication to lower them, radioactive iodine treatment, or surgery. - Lifestyle changes and a balanced diet can help manage symptoms, but reversing the condition entirely may not be possible for everyone. *Question: How can I achieve this thyroid harmony-the whole orchestra thing you mentioned in the article?* Basically, it can be achieved through everything we have spoken about Here is a summary: 1. *Regular Check-ups*: Monitor thyroid hormone levels regularly. Especially if you are at risk or already in the process of treatment.. these tests are not the cheapest in the world. 2. *Balanced Diet*: Focus on nutrient-dense foods and avoid processed foods. 3. *Stress Management*: Engage in activities like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises. 4. *Adequate Sleep*: Aim for 7-9 hours per night to support overall health. 5. *Exercise*: Regular physical activity can help regulate hormones. Especially women and their estrogen. 6. *Limit Toxins*: Reduce exposure to environmental toxins (like heavy metals and plastics). 7. ⁠*Hydration*: Drink sufficient water daily. The best way to assess how much fluid intake you need per day is to use this quick mathematics. 40ml multiplied by your weight. e.g I am 70kg so I’ll say (40 x 70 =2800 ml which is approximately 2.8 litres. This is not just water but also anything I take with fluids maybe watermelon, juice coffee etc. That is why the recommended water intake is at least 8 cups (2L) to make sure you get close enough if not over. 8. ⁠*Educate Yourself*: Stay informed about thyroid health and treatment options. #beintheknow #ndlalanehealth