Thyroid Levels May Increase the Risk of Irregular Heartbeat; Try these Foods to Regulate Hormones

Individuals with higher levels of thyroid hormone in the blood may be more likely to develop irregular heartbeat; according to the report published in the journal Circulation, the levels could help identify individuals at risk for the condition. Irregular heartbeat or atrial fibrillation occurs when the two upper chambers of the heart, called the atria, beat irregularly and faster than the normal. Symptoms may include dizziness, sweating, palpitations, chest pain, fatigue, anxiety and fainting and can further cause stroke and heart failure, potentially associated with lifelong disability and can even prove to be fatal.

For the study, the team of researchers analysed data from 11 studies from Europe, Australia, and the US, including 30,085 individuals that measured thyroid function and the concurrence of irregular heartbeat.

The findings revealed that individuals with high blood levels of thyroid hormone, free thyroxine or FT4 had 45 percent increased risk of suffering from irregular heartbeat, compared to people with the lowest levels. "Our findings suggest that levels of the thyroid hormone, free thyroxine, circulating in the blood might be an additional risk factor for atrial fibrillation," said lead author Christine Baumgartner, a postdoctoral scholar at the University of California San Francisco.

Elevated FT4 levels may also indicate hyperthyroidism and other thyroid problems like thyroiditis or toxic multinodular goiter.

Thyroid is the most important, yet the most neglected gland in the body. It helps secrete hormones that manage essential functions. The nutrients that thyroid gland needs are easily available in various food items; here are some foods that you should include in your diet-

1. Increase your protein intake

Protein is responsible for transporting the thyroid hormone to all your tissues and further helps your thyroid function effectively. Include eggs, nuts, seeds, fish and legumes in your daily diet.

2. Feed your gut

Take probiotics or consume homemade dahi regularly as 20 percent of the thyroid function depends on good gut ecology.

3. Eat important fats

Fats are of great nutritional value to help produce and regulate hormones. Natural healthy fats like ghee, nuts, full fat cheese, butter, coconut oil, et al must be added in your daily diet.

4. Check your iodine intake

Iodine plays a critical role in the formation of the primary thyroid hormone thyroxine. However, excess iodine may also cause goiter in the long run. Prevent iodine deficiency by choosing the right amount of iodine rich foods.

With Inputs from IANS