Coconut Oil and Vitamin D Can Affect Your Hypothyroid Symptoms

Nutrition is so important in helping fight your hypothyroid symptoms. In addition to the basic nutrients, there are a few other things to consider as well. Coconut oil is something you want to consider adding into your diet.

Coconut oil is mostly made up of medium-chain fatty acids. These fats are very small and passively absorb and diffuse through the cell membranes. The liver uses these fatty acids as an energy source. These fatty acids also help support thyroid function. Supporting your thyroid function helps promote a healthy metabolic rate.

Coconut oil is absorbed into your body differently than regular oils, so it is not an oil that contributes to weight gain. It can however help with losing the weight that was gained with your hypothyroid because it is helping reset your metabolism. It also contains loric acid which is a stimulus to your immune system, and contains anti viral properties. (These are the properties only found in breast milk). It can replace butter, and works great when you fry vegetables.

Coconut oil may also help to reduce your cholesterol because hypothyroid patients tend to have higher cholesterol levels. Coconut oil can be found in your local health store, and some grocery markets have started carrying it as well. If you can, you want cold pressed organic extra virgin oil. Coconut oil is not a "cure" for your thyroid, but it can be very helpful for thyroid support.

Vitamin D is also something to pay attention to. The basic function of Vitamin D is to maintain normal blood levels of phosphorus and calcium in our body. Vitamin D helps in our absorption of calcium, but it also helps with much more. Research suggests it may provide protection from osteoporosis, hypertension, cancer, and several auto immune diseases including Hashimoto's Thyroiditis.

If you are feeling fatigue from your hypothyroid, getting your vitamin D levels up to normal seems to help increase your energy. Very few foods naturally contain vitamin D, so many foods are fortified with it such as butter, cheese, cream, milk, juice, and breakfast cereals. Small amounts can be found in fatty fish such as sardines, tuna, mackerel and salmon. The best source is sunshine. Ten minutes without sunscreen about three times a week helps your body produce its natural vitamin D.

Make sure you discuss it with your Dr. if you think your levels are low. As with everything, you need to find a good balance. To much of a good thing can be just as bad as to little.