Healthy snacks for people with thyroid disease

The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the front of your neck that produces hormones that support metabolic functions in the body. Sometimes, it malfunctions and has too much or too little hormones, called hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. For people suffering from the condition, it is essential to consume a balanced diet designed to maintain a healthy thyroid gland function.
A deficiency of certain nutrients, such as iodine, is one of the reasons for thyroid dysfunction. Vegetarians should consume a diet rife with fruits and vegetables, beans, and pulses to manage the disease. Also, dried fruits contain selenium which can help thyroid function. In addition, Nutritionist Lovneet Batra suggested adding the following snacks to help manage thyroid symptoms.
1. 4-5 soaked cashews
Cashews contain the mineral selenium, which plays a vital role in ensuring proper thyroid function, regulating thyroid levels and protecting the thyroid's tissue against oxidative stress
2. Coconut pieces
Coconut has high levels of medium-chain fatty acids, which increase metabolism and energy levels and help regulate blood sugar, which could contribute to improved thyroid health.
3. 1 tsp chia seeds (soaked)
Chia seeds are a rich source of omega-3. Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties that may help decrease inflammation in thyroid gland-related conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, de Quervain's thyroiditis or other forms of thyroiditis.
4. 1 tbsp roasted pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds are a rich source of zinc, critical to thyroid health and required for synthesizing thyroid hormones. Also, pumpkin seeds are a natural source of tryptophan, an amino acid that promotes sleep. The zinc, copper, and selenium in pumpkin seeds can also affect sleep duration and quality.