MYTH OR FACT: CAN BRAZIL NUTS HELP PROVIDE SOME RELIEF TO THOSE WITH HYPOTHYROIDISM?

Can Brazil nuts help you if you have hypothyroidism? (Source: Freepik)

Harvested from the Brazil nut tree in South America, Brazil nuts are the source of several essential nutrients and are used in a variety of foods including salads, sauces, smoothies, and butters.

Nutritionist and content creator Deepsikha Jain claimed in a reel recently that these nuts can prove to be very beneficial to those with hypothyroidism. “Brazil nuts have the right amount of selenium which is a nutrient much needed for hypothyroid patients. Soak it prior to eating and can do magic in activating the thyroid gland again (sic),” she captioned the post. 

To confirm this theory, indianexpress.com spoke to consultant dietician and diabetes educator, Kanikka Malhotra along with Dr Ashok Kumar Jhingan, senior director, Centre for Diabetes, Thyroid, Obesity and Endocrinology at BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital.

Dr Jhingan explains, “Hypothyroidism is a common condition where the thyroid doesn't create and release enough thyroid hormone into your bloodstream. This makes your metabolism slow down. Also called underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can make you feel tired, gain weight and be unable to tolerate cold temperatures.”

Thyroid tissue has the highest concentration of selenium, he adds, required for the production of the thyroid hormone T3, as well as proteins that protect your thyroid from cellular damage.

Malhotra adds that the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be subtle at first, like fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. If left untreated, it can lead to more serious and adverse health problems.

Are there any specific nutrients or compounds found in Brazil nuts that could potentially benefit individuals with hypothyroidism? 

Brazil nuts are high in selenium, Dr Jhingan agrees, which is a trace mineral vital for proper body function. “Selenium ensures a healthy thyroid function and helps to keep your immune system functioning at its best. Higher levels of selenium can help strengthen your immune system,” he states. 

Concurring, Malhotra says that those with hypothyroidism may benefit from the selenium content in Brazil nuts to support proper thyroid function.

Clinical dietician, Kanikka Malhotra, says that the symptoms of hypothyroidism can be subtle at first, like fatigue, weight gain, and feeling cold. (Source: Freepik)

Can the consumption of Brazil nuts interfere with thyroid medication or exacerbate thyroid-related symptoms?

Consuming excessive amounts of selenium can lead to toxicity, Malhotra cautions, with symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and a metallic taste in your mouth. 

“The good news is, you only need a small amount to reap the benefits. Excessive consumption of Brazil nuts, due to their high selenium content, can potentially interfere with thyroid medication or exacerbate thyroid-related symptoms,” she reveals.

Furthermore, she advises everyone to maintain a balanced intake of selenium and consult with a qualified dietician is crucial to ensure the safe consumption of Brazil nuts alongside thyroid medication. 

Appropriate intake or serving size of Brazil nuts

“Eating just two Brazil nuts a day can help to maintain or increase your selenium intake as effectively as a supplement,” Dr Jhingan recommends. It's essential to monitor selenium intake from all dietary sources, Malhotra says, to prevent selenium toxicity. 

What are the other proven methods to get relief from symptoms of hypothyroidism? 

Besides incorporating Brazil nuts, other proven methods to alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism, as suggested by Dr Jhingan and Malhotra, include: 

  • Ensuring a well-balanced diet rich in essential nutrients like iodine, zinc, iron, and vitamins A, D, and E. 
  • Adding probiotic-rich foods like yogurt to help regulate the immune system and improve thyroid function.   
  • Consuming zinc-rich foods that can support thyroid hormone production and metabolism.   
  • Regular physical activity that supports metabolism and overall health.
  • Consuming fermented foods to support a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for thyroid health.   
  • Proper management of stress levels and adequate sleep.
  • Adopting a gluten-free diet for patients with autoimmune thyroid disease to improve thyroid function.  
  • Avoiding excessive iodine intake and being cautious with dietary supplements to prevent adverse effects on thyroid function.
  • Increase intake of omega-3 fatty acids found in fatty fish to reduce inflammation and support thyroid function.   

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2024-04-06T08:52:58Z dg43tfdfdgfd