Short Answer: Onion is good for hypothyroidism. Because it has sulfur compounds and flavonoids, and they can reduce inflammation, oxidative stress, and autoimmunity in the thyroid gland.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism and many other functions.
This can lead to various health problems, such as weight gain, fatigue, depression, high cholesterol, and heart disease.
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 cheese, eggs, seafood, and Brazil nuts, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, and millet.
Now, onion is a vegetable that belongs to the allium family, along with garlic, leek, and chive.
People usually eat onion raw, cooked, or pickled, as a flavoring or a side dish.
Onion is good for hypothyroidism because it contains sulfur compounds, which have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.
These compounds can help reduce thyroid inflammation and oxidative stress, which are common in hypothyroidism.
One medium onion (110 g) can give you about 10% of your daily needs of vitamin C, 9% of folate, and 6% of manganese, which are also beneficial for thyroid health.
Sulfur compounds can positively affect hypothyroidism by modulating the immune system, enhancing the production of glutathione, and inhibiting the growth of thyroid autoantibodies.
Furthermore, onion is a source of dietary flavonoids, such as quercetin, which have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antithyroid effects.
Quercetin can inhibit the activity of thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme that is involved in the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
However, this effect is not strong enough to cause hypothyroidism, and it may actually be beneficial for people with autoimmune thyroiditis, a condition where the immune system attacks the thyroid gland.
You can eat one to two onions per day safely.
More than that can cause gastrointestinal discomfort, bad breath, and allergic reactions.
Also, you shouldn’t eat onion if you have an allergy or intolerance to it, or if you are taking blood thinners, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.
Because onion can interact with some medications, such as lithium and cyclosporine, you should consult your doctor before eating it if you are taking any drugs.
You can buy fresh onion in your local market or can order it from online.
Always choose onion that is firm, dry, and free of sprouts or mold.
Because onion can lose its flavor and nutrients over time, you should store it in a cool, dark, and well-ventilated place, and use it within a few weeks.
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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.
