Recipes for a healthy thyroid: How to make restorative herb balls
01/27/2022 / By Joanne Washburn / Comments
Recipes for a healthy thyroid: How to make restorative herb balls

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located at the base of the neck. It uses iodine, a mineral found naturally in the soil and in oceans, to make two main hormones, namely, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4).

These thyroid hormones are used by the body to determine how much energy to use. They are also essential for the optimal functioning of the brain, kidneys and liver. Moreover, thyroid hormones help regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle, maintain body weight and support normal growth and development.

In some cases, the thyroid becomes overactive or underactive, producing too much or too little of those essential hormones. This can lead to disorders like hyper- and hypothyroidism, goiter and Hashimoto’s disease.

Fortunately, you can restore thyroid function by tweaking your diet to include foods that are great for thyroid health. These include fish, shellfish, sea vegetables and salt-brined foods.

Experts say patients with thyroid issues should also calm their nervous system and reduce stress to better support the health of their thyroid. That can be done by taking adaptogenic herbs like Siberian ginseng, ashwagandha and licorice. Adaptogenic herbs help the body adjust to stress and return to a balanced state called “homeostasis.”

Recipe for restorative herb balls

This recipe for restorative herb balls features several adaptogenic herbs to restore balance to your thyroid.

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup tahini (sesame seed paste)
  • 2 tablespoons raw honey
  • 2 tablespoons almond butter
  • 1 1/2 tablespoons Siberian ginseng
  • 1 tablespoon ashwagandha
  • 1 tablespoon cured He Shou Wu (tuber fleeceflower)
  • 1 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • Toasted sesame seeds

Preparation:

  1. In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients except for the sesame seeds.
  2. Roll the mixture into small balls.
  3. Roll the balls in the sesame seeds. Store in the refrigerator. Take 1-3 balls daily for 1-3 months.

Recipe for Moroccan chicken stew

This recipe is a nice twist on chicken with its warm, aromatic spices and full-bodied flavor. It is a soothing meal, and it’s incredibly easy to make. More importantly, it’s full of nourishing vitamins and antioxidants. One of the spices that brings warmth to this chicken stew is turmeric, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties. Turmeric contains curcumin, an antioxidant that may have a protective effect on the thyroid.

Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2 large sweet potatoes, cubed
  • 1 13.5-ounce can coconut cream
  • 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cups cauliflower florets
  • 2 cups diced mushrooms of choice
  • 2 cups chicken broth
  • 2 tablespoons coconut aminos
  • 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast
  • 1 tablespoon turmeric
  • 2 teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

Preparation:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sweet potatoes. Cook for 8-10 minutes.
  2. Push the sweet potatoes to one side of the skillet. Add the chicken cubes to the other side. Cook for 8 minutes, stirring the chicken cubes occasionally.
  3. Once the chicken browns, mix it with the sweet potatoes. Add the cauliflower florets and mushrooms. Cook for 3-4 minutes.
  4. Add the chicken broth, coconut cream, coconut aminos and spices. Turn down the heat. Simmer for 12-15 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
  5. Let cool slightly before serving.

Recipe for Thai cauliflower rice with basil

Cauliflower rice is a great base for meals because it’s a versatile food. Cauliflower is also loaded with vitamins C and K, both of which are vital for healthy thyroid function.

Ingredients:

  • 8 ounces skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 2-3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 limes, quartered
  • 2 cups raw cauliflower rice
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons sliced shallots
  • 1-2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, finely chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fish sauce
  • 1 tablespoon coconut aminos
  • 1/2 tablespoon raw honey
  • 1/8 teaspoon dried ginger
  • 1/8 teaspoon turmeric

Preparation:

  1. Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the garlic and saute for 1-2 minutes or until fragrant.
  2. Add the chicken cubes and cook for 5 minutes or until almost cooked through.
  3. Add the cauliflower rice and cook for 2 minutes or until tender.
  4. Stir in the fish sauce, honey and coconut aminos. Add the remaining ingredients and cook for 1 minute.
  5. Serve with lime wedges.

If you have thyroid problems, taking restorative herb balls may help restore balance to your thyroid. Although there’s no specific diet for thyroid problems, making healthy food choices that include fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats and seafood can help improve your overall health.

Sources:

EndocrineWeb.com

IntegrativePractitioner.com

FoodCourage.com 1

FoodCourage.com 2

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Related Articles
Comments
comments powered by Disqus

100% Fresh Food News, Right at Your Fingertips!
Find out everything you need to know about clean and healthy eating when you sign up for our FREE email newsletter. Receive the latest news on all the top superfoods, recipes, natural remedies, diets, food tips, and more!
Your privacy is protected. Subscription confirmation required.

Popular articles