Short Answer: Omega-3 is good for hypothyroidism. Because it has EPA and DHA, which can reduce inflammation, regulate the immune system, and lower cholesterol and triglyceride levels.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the base of your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, growth, and development.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, hair loss, constipation, 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-rich foods like seaweed, fish, dairy products, and eggs, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, peanuts, and millet.
Now, omega-3 is a type of polyunsaturated fatty acid that is essential for your health.
People usually get omega-3 from eating fish, such as salmon, tuna, and sardines, or from taking supplements, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil.
Omega-3 is good for hypothyroidism because it contains EPA and DHA, which are anti-inflammatory and immune-regulating.
Omega-3 can also help lower bad cholesterol and triglyceride levels, which are often elevated in hypothyroidism.
Omega-3 is beneficial for both primary and secondary hypothyroidism, as well as Hashimoto’s disease, which is an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism.
One tablespoon of fish oil can give you about 1.6 grams of EPA and 1.1 grams of DHA, which is about 80% and 73% of your daily needs, respectively.
EPA and DHA can positively affect hypothyroidism by reducing inflammation, which can impair thyroid hormone production and action.
EPA and DHA can also modulate the immune system, which can prevent or reduce the autoimmune attack on the thyroid gland in Hashimoto’s disease.
Furthermore, omega-3 is a fat-soluble nutrient and fat is good for hypothyroidism.
Because, fat can help increase the absorption and transport of thyroid hormones, as well as support the conversion of T4 to T3, which is the more active form of thyroid hormone.
You can eat two to three servings of fatty fish per week safely.
More than that can cause excessive bleeding, bruising, or vitamin A toxicity.
You can also take omega-3 supplements, such as fish oil or flaxseed oil, as directed by your doctor or nutritionist.
However, you shouldn’t take omega-3 supplements if you have a bleeding disorder, are taking blood thinners, or are allergic to fish or flaxseed.
Because, omega-3 can increase your risk of bleeding, interact with your medication, or cause an allergic reaction.
You can buy fresh fish in your local market or can order it online.
Always choose wild-caught, organic, and sustainably sourced fish.
Because, farmed, non-organic, and overfished fish can contain harmful contaminants, such as mercury, PCBs, and antibiotics.
You can store them in the refrigerator for up to two days or in the freezer for up to six months.
You can buy omega-3 supplements online as well as offline.
To buy it online, there are many brands and marketplaces to choose from.
But as a nutritionist, I recommend Nordic Naturals Omega-3 from Amazon.
Because, they are third-party tested, molecularly distilled, and have a high concentration and purity of omega-3.
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.