What you eat affects your overall health and well-being. Thyroid problems usually appear in people 12 years and older. However, there is always time to prevent this problem by making simple dietary changes and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
You can manage your thyroid levels because the thyroid can change your weight by exercising and eating the right foods with few calories. Therefore, one must make changes to one’s diet and lifestyle to prioritize and take care of one’s health.
Flax seeds have several benefits. Protein, fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids are all plenty in a serving of flaxseeds.
As a result, it could help maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure and cholesterol, and reduce the risk of several diseases. However, does it help to improve the condition of the thyroid?
Read on to understand the link between flaxseed and thyroid conditions.
Flaxseed – An Overview
Flax seeds are a good source of dietary fiber and omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid, phytoestrogens called lignans, which resemble the hormone estrogen, are also found in flax seeds.
In addition, the flax seed coat contains fiber. It makes people less hungry when taken before a meal. It also helps reduce the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs from food.
Flaxseed is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the flavor and texture of any recipe due to its mild, nutty flavor and crunchy consistency.
It’s a great addition to overnight oats, homemade veggie burgers, morning smoothies, and pancake batter. Moreover, flaxseeds help reduce the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, constipation, etc.
Nutritional profile of flaxseeds
According to USDAnutrients in 100 grams of flax seeds include
- Calories: 534 Kcal
- Protein: 18.29g
- Carbohydrates: 28.88g
- Fat: 42.16
- Dietary fibre: 27.3 g
- Potassium: 813mg
- Phosphorus: 642 mg
- Magnesium: 392mg
- Calcium: 255mg
- Iron: 5.73mg
- Zinc: 4.34mg
- Sodium: 30mg
- Vitamin C: 0.6mg
- Vitamin K: 4.3 mcg
- Folate: 87 mcg
- Selenium: 25.4 mcg
Thyroid gland and disease: an overview
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland on the front of your neck, just below your Adam’s apple. In about one in twenty people, thyroid abnormalities exist. These conditions can be temporary or chronic. A to study found that it is common and affects women more frequently. But sometimes men, teenagers, children and even babies are affected.
Your thyroid gland secretes the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). Proper functioning of metabolism, growth and development of the body depends on hormones. Normal synthesis of hormones by the thyroid regulates how your body functions, but thyroid disease occurs when synthesis is impaired. The synthesis of thyroid hormones generally takes two forms, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Studies indicate when your thyroid generates too many hormones, it is hyperthyroidism, which elevates your metabolism. Although men can also suffer from hyperthyroidism, women between the ages of 20 and 40 have the highest prevalence of this condition. Shortness of breath, palpitations, increased sweating and insomnia are all signs of this condition. Hyperthyroidism usually results from an autoimmune disease or a developing tumor.
Studies indicate insufficient levels of thyroid hormones are called hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. People of all ages can develop hypothyroidism, although women over 50 are more likely to have it. Your body’s metabolic rate decreases due to the drop in hormones. Symptoms of this condition include fatigue, weight gain, susceptibility to colds, slow heartbeat, headaches, and depression. One of the main reasons for hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. However, this is rare in developed countries.
Flaxseeds and Thyroid: A Healthy Connection
According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids, ALA, lignans and fiber are all abundant in flax seeds. Accordingly, they support the functionality of the thyroid gland. You can roast flaxseeds, grind them into a powder, add them to curries and chutneys, and eat them daily.
Investigations show that flax seeds contain an active component called cyanogen, which is dangerous if taken in excessive amounts. You can consume 5g to 30g per day. However, iodine deficiency (prevention of iodine absorption) may result from consuming more than 2 tablespoons (30g). So, you can consume it in moderation for optimal results.
You should definitely see an endocrinologist for medical assistance if you have hypothyroidism. One to study found that diets low in selenium, zinc and iodine can lead to thyroid problems. Flax seeds contain a significant amount of selenium and zinc. Therefore, its consumption in recommended amounts will be beneficial for thyroid activity.
Flax seed oil for thyroid
Cold pressing is a common method used to make flaxseed oil because it effectively extracts the oil from the seeds. It is best to store this oil in dark glass bottles and in a dark, cool place, such as a kitchen cupboard, as it is sensitive to heat and light. You shouldn’t use flaxseed oil for high-heat cooking techniques like frying because its nutrients are heat-sensitive.
Flaxseed oil has a higher ALA content than ground flaxseed. About 1.6 grams of ALA are present in a single tablespoon (7 grams) of ground flaxseed, while 7 grams are present in 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of flaxseed oil. However, ground flax seeds contain various other healthy elements, including fiber. Therefore, consider consuming as a whole if you want to take full advantage of it.
Flaxseed oil helps support hormonal balance and thyroid function. The ideal intake of flaxseed oil.
Here’s how to use flaxseed for thyroid
- Add 1 tablespoon of ground flax seeds to your hot or cold breakfast drink.
- When preparing your sandwich, you can add flax seeds.
- A great dessert choice for people is flaxseed with yogurt.
- You can use flax seeds in other baked goods like cookies and muffins.
Conclusion
Monitoring your metabolic health is crucial. For example, thyroid dysfunction is linked to several problems, such as uncontrollable weight gain, weight loss, and other metabolic diseases. According to studiesOmega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseeds and flaxseed oil are associated with several health benefits.
Flaxseed is beneficial for people with thyroid problems as it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can exacerbate symptoms of thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism. Moreover, flaxseeds are also rich in lignans. They have a beneficial effect on hormonal balance, especially the hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
It is important to note that flax seeds should be used in moderation as they can interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone. Therefore, people with thyroid disorders should consult their doctor before adding flaxseed to their diet. Also, medications can help restore normal thyroid function. However, full recovery in some rare thyroid conditions may not be achievable. For example, you may need to take medication for the rest of your life to keep your thyroid functioning normally.
Your thyroid levels can be tracked, monitored and analyzed using HealthifyPRO 2.0 from the comfort of your home. You also have access to a fully personalized meal plan from a certified dietician, healthy at-home recipes and workout schedules from an experienced fitness professional.
Sources of support
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