8 Foods Rich In Iodine That Stimulate The Thyroid Gland

Yogurt not only provides us with half the recommended daily amount of iodine but also helps us improve intestinal function by restoring the bacterial flora.

Iodine is an essential mineral for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Its alteration has a negative impact on the general health of the body. Consuming foods rich in iodine is beneficial for the health of this gland.

The thyroid gland is responsible for storing minerals essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, whose function is to regulate metabolism, detoxification and growth.

Deficiency of iodine in the body tends to develop a condition known as hypothyroidism. This is manifested by the decrease in the production of thyroid hormones.

This imbalance generates serious consequences in the body. Among which we notice the excessive weight gain, the feeling of fatigue, irregularities in menstruation.

Fortunately, some foods contain it in significant amounts and can prevent their levels in the body from decreasing.

In this article, we’ll tell you which healthy iodine-rich foods to eat more frequently.

8 foods rich in iodine that stimulate the thyroid gland

1. Blueberries

Thanks to their richness in antioxidants, blueberries are among the most recommended fruits for the good health of the body. Consuming blueberries regularly supports the function of the metabolism by regulating the functioning of the thyroid. It is estimated that with 110 grams of this fruit, one obtains up to 4000 μg of iodine.

We suggest eating it plain, in salads or in smoothies.

2. Plain yogurt

Plain, organic yogurt is one of the most powerful and healthy probiotics that you can add to your diet.

This food contains just over half of the iodine the body needs on a daily basis, i.e. plus or minus 90 / μg per cup.

In addition, its cultures support intestinal function by restoring the bacterial flora that prevents viral diseases. 

3. Himalayan crystal salt

Many people try to reduce their intake of conventional table salt as much as possible, and consume iodine from other foods.

But a good, healthy and complete alternative is crystalline Himalayan salt. It is a type of salt that provides 250 μg of iodine, that is to say more than 150% of the recommended daily amount.

Be careful, however, like all types of salts, it is essential to moderate your consumption so as not to suffer from side effects.

4. Cod

Cod is one of the richest fish in omega-3 fatty acids. as well as vitamin E and minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium and iodine.

It is low in fat and calories. They are also one of the best supplements for a healthy diet that is good for the thyroid gland.

85 grams of cod provide 99 micrograms of iodine. That’s almost 66% of the amount the body needs each day.

5. Strawberries

These fruits are delicious and are used in many preparations. They contain essential nutrients that strengthen the body’s defenses.

Even though they are sweet, strawberries are good for improving thyroid health thanks to their high iodine content.

One cup of strawberries contains 13 μg of iodine. That is, plus or minus 10% of the dose that each person needs each day.

6. Beans

Green beans are a vegetable that can be added to any diet.

Their regular consumption provides the body with small amounts of iodine which can be used to stimulate thyroid function.

Half a cup of this vegetable provides 3 μg of iodine, or 2% net of the recommended daily dose.

7. White beans

Beans in all their varieties are very powerful food resources that can supplement the diet. However, white beans are at the top of the list of foods high in iodine.

Half a cup of this type of beans contains up to 32 mg of iodine and very few calories. In addition, they are good for digestive health thanks to their incredible fiber intake. 

8. Potatoes

The common potato is one of the most widely consumed foods around the world and is also one of the most iodine-rich foods that can be found in the plant kingdom. 

A potato, with the skin, provides around 60 μg of iodine when it is prepared in the oven.

Adding these foods to your diet is one of the best ways to get iodine into the body, especially the thyroid.

This mineral is not produced naturally by the body and it is therefore essential to provide it through the diet.