Walnuts are a good source of selenium.
Image Credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images Thyroid disease affects millions of people in the United States, according to MedLine Plus. If your thyroid produces too much or not enough hormone, it can lead to problems ranging from weight changes and temperature sensitivity to cardiovascular issues. Thyroid problems generally require medical treatment, but in some cases, adding more walnuts to your diet may also help improve thyroid function.
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The Facts: Your Thyroid
If your thyroid’s hormone production is too low, you have hypothyroidism, a common condition that can cause you to gain weight, be uncomfortable in cold temperatures and feel tired and run down. High thyroid hormone production is rarer: This condition, called hyperthyroidism, speeds up your heartbeat in addition to causing weight loss and sensitivity to heat. If you suspect you have a thyroid condition, see your doctor for diagnosis and treatment. Don’t try to self-treat a thyroid condition with walnuts or other remedies.
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The Facts: Walnuts
Black walnuts are a good source of selenium – 1 ounce of dried black walnuts has 5 micrograms of selenium, about 7 percent of the daily recommended value for this essential trace mineral. The relationship between selenium and thyroid function is still under exploration. However, low selenium levels have links to hypothyroidism and may be a causal factor for this condition, especially when combined with low iodine levels, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Sufficient levels of selenium may also reduce your risk for swelling of the thyroid, or goiter.
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Considerations
Although the relationship between walnuts and thyroid health is unclear, walnuts can be an important part of any healthy diet. In addition to being a source of healthy fat and protein, walnuts are also one of the best nut sources for antioxidants. Your diet plays an important role in your overall health, so talk to your doctor or dietitian about how walnuts fit into your diet and your thyroid treatment.
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Warning
If you’re taking a synthetic version of the thyroid hormone like levothyroxine, you may want to avoid walnuts. Walnuts, like high-fiber foods and infant soy formula, make it harder for your body to effectively absorb the synthetic hormone, according to Drugs.com. Ask your doctor or dietitian before adding walnuts to your thyroid treatment regimen.
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references
Drugs.com: Synthroid
Endocrinology: Goitrogenic Effect of Walnut and Its Action on Thyroxine Excretion
Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
BBC News: Walnuts Are the Healthiest Nut, Say Scientists
MedLine Plus: Thyroid Diseases
Is this an emergency?
If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the
National Library of Medicine’s list
of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
references
Drugs.com: Synthroid
Endocrinology: Goitrogenic Effect of Walnut and Its Action on Thyroxine Excretion
Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
BBC News: Walnuts Are the Healthiest Nut, Say Scientists
MedLine Plus: Thyroid Diseases
Is this an emergency? If you are experiencing serious medical symptoms, please see the National Library of Medicine’s list of signs you need emergency medical attention or call 911.
Walnuts are a good source of selenium.
Image Credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Image Credit: Stockbyte/Stockbyte/Getty Images
Drugs.com: Synthroid
Endocrinology: Goitrogenic Effect of Walnut and Its Action on Thyroxine Excretion
Office of Dietary Supplements: Selenium
BBC News: Walnuts Are the Healthiest Nut, Say Scientists
MedLine Plus: Thyroid Diseases
