Short Answer: Lentils are good for hyperthyroidism. Because they have selenium, iron, and folate, and they are low in iodine and glycemic index.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the base of your neck.
In hyperthyroidism, your body produces too much thyroid hormone, which regulates your metabolism, heart rate, temperature, and other functions.
This can lead to various health problems, such as weight loss, anxiety, tremors, irregular heartbeat, osteoporosis, and eye issues.
One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hyperthyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hyperthyroidism, you should consume selenium-rich foods like Brazil nuts, tuna, eggs, and legumes, and calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt.
These nutrients can help support your thyroid health and prevent bone loss.
You should avoid iodine-rich foods like seaweed, iodized salt, dairy products, and processed foods, and caffeine-rich foods like coffee, tea, chocolate, and energy drinks.
These substances can worsen your thyroid function and increase your symptoms.
Now, lentils are legumes that are high in protein, fiber, iron, folate, and other vitamins and minerals.
People usually eat them cooked in soups, stews, salads, or as a side dish.
Lentils are good for hyperthyroidism because they contain selenium, which can help improve some of the symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease, such as thyroid eye disease.
Selenium can also help reduce the inflammation and oxidative stress that can damage the thyroid gland.
One cup of cooked lentils can give you about 6 micrograms of selenium (11% of your daily needs), 6.6 milligrams of iron (37% of your daily needs), and 358 micrograms of folate (90% of your daily needs).
Selenium can help regulate the production and metabolism of thyroid hormones.
Iron can help transport oxygen to your cells and prevent anemia, which can be associated with hyperthyroidism.
Folate can help synthesize DNA and red blood cells, and prevent birth defects in pregnant women with hyperthyroidism.
Furthermore, lentils are a low-iodine food and a low-glycemic food.
Low-iodine foods can help reduce the excess thyroid hormone production and prevent thyroid enlargement.
Low-glycemic foods can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and prevent weight loss and fatigue.
You can eat one to two cups of lentils per day safely.
More than that can cause gas, bloating, and digestive discomfort.
Also, you shouldn’t eat lentils if you have gout, kidney stones, or a legume allergy, to prevent worsening your condition.
Because lentils contain purines, oxalates, and lectins, which can trigger these problems.
You can buy fresh or dried lentils in your local market or order them online.
Always choose organic, non-GMO, and preservative-free lentils.
Because these are healthier and safer for your thyroid and overall health.
You can store them in a cool, dry, and dark place for up to a year.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing hyperthyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hyperthyroidism patients to follow a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.