Short Answer: Oat milk is good for hypothyroidism because it has selenium and zinc, which can support your thyroid function and health. It also has fiber and beta-glucan, which can lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and improve your immune system.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, a small, butterfly-shaped organ in your neck that produces hormones that regulate your metabolism, growth, and development.
In hypothyroidism, your body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones, which can slow down your metabolism and cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, and hair loss.
This can also lead to various health problems, such as high cholesterol, heart disease, and depression.
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, selenium, and zinc rich foods like seaweed, eggs, and oysters, and avoid goitrogenic foods like soy, cruciferous vegetables, and millet, which can interfere with your thyroid hormone production.
Now, oat milk is a plant-based milk alternative that’s made from oats, water, and sometimes added oil, sugar, or flavorings.
People usually drink it as a substitute for dairy milk, or use it in coffee, smoothies, or baked goods.
Oat milk is good for hypothyroidism because it contains selenium and zinc, two nutrients that can support your thyroid function and health.
One cup (240 mL) of oat milk provides about 20% and 10% of the daily value (DV) for selenium and zinc, respectively.
Selenium can help protect your thyroid from oxidative stress and inflammation, and also help convert the inactive thyroid hormone T4 into the active form T3.
Zinc can help regulate your thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, and also enhance the effects of T3 on your metabolism.
Furthermore, oat milk is a good source of fiber and beta-glucan, a type of soluble fiber that can lower your cholesterol and blood sugar levels, and improve your immune system.
These benefits are especially important for people with hypothyroidism, who are at a higher risk of developing cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
You can drink up to two cups of oat milk per day safely.
More than that can cause bloating, gas, or diarrhea, due to the high fiber content.
Also, you should choose unsweetened and organic oat milk, as added sugar and pesticides can worsen your hypothyroidism symptoms and inflammation.
Also, you shouldn’t drink oat milk if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as oats may contain traces of gluten that can trigger an immune response and damage your intestines.
Because oats are naturally gluten-free, but they may be contaminated with gluten during processing or growing.
You can buy oat milk in most grocery stores or online.
Always choose brands that are fortified with calcium, vitamin D, and vitamin B12, as these nutrients are often lacking in plant-based milks and diets.
Because calcium and vitamin D are essential for your bone health, and vitamin B12 is important for your nerve function and energy production.
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.