Thyroid Health – How a Plant-Based Diet Changes Everything!

Dietary interventions can often have the most profound impact on health, which is also the case when it comes to the thyroid and a plant-based diet. Studies show that a whole food plant-based diet protects again thyroid dysfunctions such as hypothyroidism, which tends to be more common than hyperthyroidism.

Plant-based diets are also known to reduce inflammation which is usually present with autoimmune conditions such as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease. Vegan diets were shown to reduce anti-bodies that attack the thyroid and are associated with a lover risk of developing hypothyroidism.

Protein rich plant foods along with B12, also play an important role in keeping your thyroid healthy. Animal proteins, such as dairy and eggs, can trigger the creation of thyroid antibodies which attack the thyroid. Adequate high-quality protein from plant sources can help rev your metabolism. Vegan protein powders, which are low in carbohydrates and sourced from peas or seeds, such as the BCRX Vegan Protein Powder, can serve as an easy and efficient way to meet protein needs.

Protein rich plant foods along with B12, play an important role in keeping your thyroid healthy.

Adequate protein and B12 is necessary for optimal thyroid function especially if hypothyroid or Hashimoto’s is present, given that B12 deficiency is often present in those people with those conditions. B12 supplementation, such as the BCRX Ultra B12 drops, is recommended for most people, but especially those with underactive thyroid. Healthy supplementation along with a whole food plant-based diet, which is full of thyroid nourishing nutrients, are powerful tools in healing your thyroid and keeping hormones balanced. \

Reference:

Tonstad S, Nathan E, Oda K, Fraser G. Vegan diets and hypothyroidism. Nutrients. 2013;5:4642-4652.