What is good about it?
Antioxidants
The auto-antibodies in auto-immune thyroid disease (Hashimoto’s and Graves) create inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to thyroid damage. In hyperthyroidism (Graves or not), the overactive thyroid leads to damage in other parts of the body, such as the eyes and heart. The key to reducing some of this damage is to boost your intake of antioxidants, found mainly in brightly coloured fruit and vegetables.
Fibre
Fibre feeds good gut bacteria. Good bacteria is necessary for good gut health. Good gut health is essential for a balanced immune system (80% of your immune cells are in your gut). Simple really! Fibre also helps regulate blood sugar levels, which is important for sustained energy throughout the day (we all know how tired thyroid disease can make us). Fruit and vegetables are an excellent source of both soluble and insoluble fibre.
Collagen
One of the key nutrients to help repair the gut lining.
Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Gluten and dairy are highly inflammatory. They will contribute to gut lining damage (and therefore autoimmunity) and increase inflammation in the body.
Goitrogen Free
Vegetables from the Brassica or cruciferous family can be goitrogenic when eaten raw. This means they interfere with the uptake of iodine into your thyroid. Iodine is an essential component of thyroid hormones. Cruciferous vegetables include kale, cabbage (green, white, red, Chinese), broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts. These are all nutrient-packed veggies, just make sure to cook them lightly before eating them.
AIP-Friendly
Knowing what you can and can’t eat on the AIP (AutoImmune Protocol) can be challenging at first. It gets easier!
Summer Smoothie Recipe
- 1 orange, peeled
- 1 lemon, peeled
- 1 cup frozen strawberries
- 1/2 cup parsley
- 1 teaspoon nettle powder (or handful baby spinach, but NOT kale)
- 7 mint leaves
- 1 tsp acai powder (optional)
- 2 teaspoons collagen powder
- 1 handful ice
- 1/2 cup water
Blitz ingredients in a blender, and enjoy on a hot summer day!
