Is Flaxseed Good for Thyroid? Let’s Find Out

Your diet and lifestyle significantly influence your overall health and well-being. Thyroid issues, which can appear at any age and are more common in women, involve an imbalance in thyroid hormones that must be managed with proper medical treatment. Lifestyle adjustments, including a balanced diet and regular exercise, are important for supporting your thyroid, managing weight and alleviating symptoms.

Flaxseeds have several benefits. Protein, fibre, and omega-3 fatty acids are all in sufficient amounts in one serving of flaxseed.

As a result, it could help maintain a healthy weight, control blood pressure and cholesterol, and lessen the risk of several diseases. However, does it help improve thyroid condition? 

Read on to understand the connection between flaxseed and thyroid conditions. 

Flaxseed – An Overview

Flaxseeds are a good source of dietary fibre and omega-3 fatty acids. Alpha-linolenic acid, Phytoestrogens called lignans, which resemble the hormone oestrogen, are also found in flaxseeds.

In addition, the seed coat of flaxseed contains fibre. It makes people feel less hungry when taken before a meal. It also helps reduce the amount of cholesterol the body absorbs from the diet.

Flaxseed is a multi-purpose ingredient that can enhance the flavour and texture of any recipe due to its mild, nutty flavour and crunchy consistency.

It is an excellent addition to overnight oats, homemade veggie burgers, morning smoothies, and pancake batter. In addition, flaxseed aids in lowering the risk of diabetes, high cholesterol, obesity, constipation, etc.

Nutrient Profile of Flaxseed 

According to USDA, nutrients in 100 grams of flaxseed include

• Calories: 534 Kcal
• Protein: 18.29 g
• Carbohydrate: 28.88 g
• Fat: 42.16
• Dietary Fibre: 27.3 g
• Potassium: 813 mg
• Phosphorus: 642 mg
• Magnesium: 392 mg
• Calcium: 255 mg
• Iron: 5.73 mg
• Zinc: 4.34 mg
• Sodium: 30 mg
• Vitamin C: 0.6 mg
• Vitamin K: 4.3 µg
• Folate: 87 µg
• Selenium: 25.4 µg

Thyroid Gland and Disease: An Outline

The thyroid is a little butterfly-shaped gland on the front of your neck, just below the Adam’s apple. About one in 20 people have some form of thyroid disorder. These conditions can be either temporary or chronic. A study found that it is common and affects women more frequently. But occasionally, men, teenagers, children, and even babies are affected.

Your thyroid gland secretes the hormones triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The proper functioning of the body’s metabolism, growth, and development depends on these hormones. Normal hormone synthesis by the thyroid regulates how your body functions, but thyroid disease occurs when the synthesis is impaired. Thyroid hormone imbalances usually take two forms: hyperthyroidism, which is the overproduction of thyroid hormones, and hypothyroidism, which is the underproduction.

Studies indicate when your thyroid generates too many hormones, it is hyperthyroidism, which raises your metabolism. Although men can also have hyperthyroidism, women between the ages of 20 and 40 have the highest prevalence of this condition. Shortness of breath, palpitations, increased sweating, and sleeplessness are all signs of this condition. Hyperthyroidism typically results from an autoimmune disorder or a developing tumour.

Studies indicate insufficient thyroid hormone levels get referred to as hypothyroidism or underactive thyroid. People of all ages can develop hypothyroidism, although women over 50 are more likely to do so. Your body’s metabolic rate decreases as a result of the hormone lowering. This condition’s symptoms include weariness, weight gain, sensitivity to colds, a slow pulse rate, headaches, and depression. One of the main reasons for hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. However, this is uncommon in developed nations. 

Flaxseed and Thyroid: A Healthy Connection

According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids, ALA, lignans, and fibre, are all abundant in flax seeds. As a result, they support thyroid gland functionality. You can roast flax seeds, powder them, add them to curries and chutneys, and eat them daily. 

Investigations show flax seeds contain an active component called cyanogen, which is hazardous if taken in excessive quantities. You can consume 5g to 30g daily. However, iodine insufficiency (prevention of iodine absorption) can result from consuming more than 2 tbsp (30g). Thus, you may consume this in moderation for optimal outcomes. 

You must unquestionably consult an endocrinologist for medical assistance if you have hypothyroidism. One study found that diets poor in selenium, zinc, and iodine can result in thyroid problems. Flaxseeds contain a significant amount of selenium and zinc. Therefore, consuming it in recommended quantities will benefit thyroid activity.

Flaxseed Oil for Thyroid

Cold pressing is a common method used to make flaxseed oil because it effectively extracts the oil from the seeds. It is preferable to store this oil in dark glass bottles and a dark, cold area, such as a kitchen cupboard because it is susceptible to heat and light. You should not use flaxseed oil for high-heat cooking techniques like frying because its nutrients are heat-sensitive.

Flaxseed oil has a higher ALA content than flaxseeds that have been ground. Approximately 1.6 grams of ALA are present in just one tablespoon (7 grams) of ground flaxseed, whereas 7 grams are present in 1 tablespoon (14 grams) of flaxseed oil. However, ground flaxseed contains various other healthy elements, including fibre. Therefore, consider consuming as a whole if you want its full benefit. 

Flaxseed oil helps support healthy hormone balance and thyroid function. 

You can try this Flaxseed Chutney recipe:

Ingredients:

½ Cup Flax Seeds

2-3 tbsp Cumin Seeds

1 tbsp Sesame Seeds 

2-3 Whole Dry Red Chilies  

8 Garlic Cloves 

Salt as per taste

Steps:

1. Dry roast Flaxseeds, cumin seeds, sesame seeds separately in a pan one by one, till it gives a nutty aroma. Transfer in a bowl or dish to cool.
2. Dry roast dry red chillies and garlic cloves, till it gives aroma and starts getting charred.
3. Once all the ingredients cool down, grind to fine powder and add salt. 
4. Transfer to an air-tight container and refrigerate

Conclusion

Monitoring your metabolic health is crucial. For example, thyroid dysfunction gets linked to several issues, such as uncontrollable weight gain, weight loss, and other metabolic diseases. According to studies, omega-3 fatty acids found in flaxseed and flaxseed oil get linked to several health benefits.

Flaxseed is beneficial for individuals with thyroid issues because it is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, which have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation can exacerbate symptoms of thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism. Additionally, flaxseed is also high in lignans. They have a beneficial effect on hormonal balance, including the hormones produced by the thyroid gland. 

It is important to note that flaxseed should be used in moderation, as it may interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone. Therefore, individuals with thyroid disorders should consult their physician before adding flaxseed to their diet. Also, medications can aid in restoring normal thyroid function. However, a full recovery in some rare thyroid conditions might not be achievable. For instance, you might need to take medication for the rest of your life to keep your thyroid functioning normally. 

Your thyroid levels may be tracked, monitored, and analysed using HealthifyPRO 2.0 from the comfort of your home. You also gain access to a completely personalised food plan from a certified dietitian, healthy at-home recipes, and workout schedules from an experienced fitness professional.