Short Answer: Honey is good for hypothyroidism. Because it has antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can support your immune system, reduce inflammation and improve your digestion.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck.
The thyroid gland produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, body temperature, heart rate and other vital functions.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, depression, constipation, dry skin, hair loss and menstrual irregularities.
One of the key factors in managing hypothyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hypothyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hypothyroidism, you should consume iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy products and eggs, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy products and millet.
Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, while goitrogens can interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland.
Now, honey is a sweet and viscous substance made by honey bees from the nectar of flowers or the honeydew of aphids.
People usually eat honey as a natural sweetener, spread it on bread, add it to tea or use it in cooking and baking.
Honey is good for hypothyroidism because it contains antioxidants, vitamins, minerals and enzymes that can support your immune system, reduce inflammation and improve your digestion.
Honey also has a low glycemic index, which means it does not cause a rapid spike in blood sugar levels, unlike refined sugar.
One tablespoon of honey can give you about 64 calories, 17 grams of carbohydrates, 16 grams of sugars, 0.1 grams of protein and 0.1 grams of fat.
It also provides small amounts of vitamin C, calcium, iron, potassium, magnesium, zinc and selenium.
Antioxidants can protect your cells from oxidative stress and free radical damage, which can impair your thyroid function and worsen your hypothyroidism symptoms.
Vitamins and minerals can help your body produce and use thyroid hormones more efficiently.
Enzymes can aid your digestion and absorption of nutrients, which can improve your metabolism and energy levels.
Furthermore, honey is a natural food and natural foods are good for hypothyroidism.
Because, natural foods are less likely to contain additives, preservatives, pesticides and other chemicals that can disrupt your hormonal balance and thyroid function.
You can eat one to two tablespoons of honey per day safely.
More than that can cause dental cavities, weight gain and high blood sugar levels.
Also, you shouldn’t eat honey if you have an allergy to bee products, diabetes or a compromised immune system to prevent anaphylaxis, hyperglycemia or infection.
Because, honey can trigger allergic reactions, raise your blood sugar levels or contain harmful bacteria.
You can buy fresh honey in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose raw, organic and unfiltered honey.
Because, raw honey retains more of its beneficial properties, organic honey is free of pesticides and other contaminants, and unfiltered honey contains more pollen, propolis and beeswax, which have additional health benefits.
You can store honey in a cool, dry and dark place for up to two years.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management and essential medical care is key to managing hypothyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hypothyroidism patients to follow a hypothyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.