Although many do not know the importance of iodine in the body, it is the mineral in charge of the hormonal activity of our body, especially the thyroid hormone. The thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones, so it is a necessary mineral in the human diet. But, to take care of the thyroid, are foods rich in iodine necessary? Is it enough to have a healthy diet?
Tips to take care of your thyroid
- According to Dr. Ariana Paola Canche Arenas, a specialist in internal medicine and a Master’s in clinical nutrition, it is not necessary to have a diet that is especially rich in iodine. “Currently almost all foods, even salt, have iodine in their composition. If we eat a balanced diet, there is no risk of iodine deficiency”.
- In the event that there is some type of thyroid problem, this health expert recommends that the diet be reviewed by a specialist doctor and nutritionist. In this way, the foods that will best suit the patient will be recommended, taking into account the characteristics of her case.
Foods that have more iodine
To have a healthy diet, it is not necessary to be obsessed with eating foods that are rich in iodine, since a balanced diet provides the necessary contribution. As proof of this, these are some of the foods that your diet must contain and that will be providing you with iodine.
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Fish and shellfish
Fish and shellfish are one of the best sources of iodine, especially in the case of products such as herring, prawns, mussels, salmon or prawns, which are foods very rich in iodine. Also fish oil or cod liver oil. These foods, in addition to iodine, provide different B vitamins, as well as vitamins A and D.
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Dairy products and their derivatives
Milk, yogurt and cheese provide iodine as well as calcium and vitamins; as well as cereals such as rice, rye or wheat.
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Vegetables
On the other hand, we also find vegetables, especially onions, garlic, chard or green beans, as well as edible algae such as kelp.
Do not forget that the most important thing is to eat a healthy diet that includes, in a balanced way, all the nutrients that your body needs to be healthy.