Best superfood for thyroid patients, according to a US doctor

Thyroid diseases are becoming common worldwide. In the US alone, about 20 million people have some type of thyroid condition. As the thyroid gland’s main role is to control the speed of your metabolism, even a slight imbalance can lead to significant health issues.While taking the medications your doctor has prescribed is important to maintain thyroid levels, there is a superfood that can improve thyroid function. Dr Pal Manickam, a California-based, board-certified gastroenterologist, has shared information about an often overlooked nutrient that plays a critical role in thyroid health. “One of the main nutrients that helps in maintaining thyroid activity and metabolism is selenium,” the doctor said in a video shared on Instagram.Selenium is a micronutrient that works as a building block for selenoproteins, which are essential proteins in the human body. In fact, the thyroid gland contains the highest concentration of selenium compared to any organ in the human body. “Selenium levels in the body depend on the characteristics of the population and its diet, geographic area, and soil composition. In the thyroid, selenium is required for antioxidant function and for the metabolism of thyroid hormones,” Dr Pal said.He further explained the role of selenium in thyroid function. “Selenium is very crucial for your thyroid gland. Many people who are diagnosed with hypothyroidism or are taking thyroxine supplements are usually on the heavier side because their metabolic rate is very low. One of the main nutrients that helps in maintaining thyroid activity and metabolism is selenium.”Among all food sources, Brazil nuts stand out as an excellent source of selenium. A single Brazil nut contains approximately 75 micrograms of selenium.For healthy adults, the daily requirement of selenium is 55 micrograms per day. However, patients with hypothyroidism can take up to 400 micrograms per day, according to Dr Pal. Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid disease) is a condition in which your thyroid gland does not make or release enough hormone into your bloodstream. This leads to a slow metabolism, which can cause unintentional weight gain. People with hypothyroidism often feel exhausted all the time.While Brazil nuts are rich in selenium, the doctor cautions against eating them in excess. “It is absolutely important not to go overboard. Two to three Brazil nuts per day will suffice,” he said.There are numerous foods that contain selenium. Fish, eggs, milk, and yoghurt are excellent animal-based options. Sunflower seeds and mushrooms are some plant-based options.