Already have an account?
Get back to the
Weight Loss

Add This Smoothie to Your Diet to Drop a Clothing Size and Heal Your Thyroid

Tags:

Not long ago, natural health guru JJ Smith debuted a pumpkin-spice smoothie on The Dr. Oz Show. Dr. Oz took one sip and raved: “It’s like you’re having pumpkin pie!” In addition to being delicious, the TV host also noted that the fall-flavored drink had several ingredients that “boost your thyroid speed and combat weight gain.”

“Even if you’re not a pumpkin-spice fan,” added Smith, “there are seasonal ingredients you’ll love that can do great things for your thyroid and waist.”

The thyroid is a small gland hidden beneath the Adam’s apple that has a big effect on the body’s overall health. A functioning thyroid regulates crucial functions like breathing and fat burning. “Eating for a healthy thyroid is just plain smart for everyone,” says Smith. “And smoothies make it easy. You load your blender with the best ingredients and have a meal ready in seconds.”

What ingredients should you put in your smoothies for thyroid health?

Smith’s 10-Day Green Smoothie Cleanse is designed for efficient and healthy fat loss. The plan requires swapping out one meal for a vitamin-rich smoothie each day. The smoothie ingredients below are some of the most important.

Pectin-Rich Pumpkin

Like many fruits, pumpkin is rich in vitamin C, a thyroid booster that facilitates efficient fat burn. Also key: “Pumpkins are full of fiber,” says Dr. Oz, including pectin, a gel-like soluble fiber that “grabs” and expels up to 75 percent of thyroid-slowing toxins.

Bonus: Pectin blunts hunger better than many diet pills and releases compounds that, according to several studies, melts belly fat quickly. Other top pectin sources: Apples, pears, and bananas.

Healing Protein

New research shows eating lots of protein-rich foods is strongly linked to the healthiest thyroid. Turns out, protein’s amino acids heal and bolster delicate thyroid tissue. Smith is a fan of plant-based protein powder, which “blends well in any smoothie.”

Super-Nutrient Crunch

Per Dr. Oz, our thyroids need amino acids like tyrosine and the mineral selenium to thrive — and most of us don’t get enough. Add daily doses to your menus, and you could see a substantial increase in your energy levels. Smith’s smoothie fix: Just whip in tyrosine-rich almond milk and selenium-rich pumpkin seeds, flaxseed, and Brazil nuts.

Spices with Kick

When a top thyroid expert surveyed thousands of patients, most reported that extra spices significantly reduced slow-thyroid symptoms. Why? Studies confirm spices reduce thyroid-stalling inflammation caused by sugar, toxins, and other irritants. “Cinnamon and ginger, for example, are potent natural anti-inflammatories,” reveals Smith.

Sweet and Zippy Greens

Research shows there’s a direct connection between getting enough zinc and having a peppy thyroid. That’s why Smith calls for adding leafy greens in most smoothies. Her favorite? “Baby spinach is pleasant tasting, not bitter at all,” she shares. Avocado, berries, and mango also provide a nice hit of zinc.

What kinds of smoothies can you make for thyroid health?

Want to get started? These thyroid-boosting smoothies can kickstart your journey. Always get your doctor’s okay to try a new diet, and never stop a prescription unless your doctor advises you to.

AUTUMN POWER RED: Blitz 1⁄2 cup pomegranate juice, 1 cup frozen berries, 1 cup frozen cauliflower, 1 banana, 1 cup nut milk, 1 cup kale, and 1 tablespoon flax.

GREEN APPLE CRISP: Blitz 1 diced apple, 1 banana, 2 cups spinach, 1⁄4 cup nuts, 1 cup oat or nut milk, 1⁄4 cup oats, ice, and a dash of vanilla and cinnamon.

BLACKBERRY PEAR: Blitz 1 cup frozen blackberries, 1 pear, 2 cups greens, 1 tablespoon flax, 1 and 1⁄2 cups nut milk, dash vanilla, and ginger.

A version of this article originally appeared in our print magazine, Woman’s World.

Use left and right arrow keys to navigate between menu items. Use right arrow key to move into submenus. Use escape to exit the menu. Use up and down arrow keys to explore. Use left arrow key to move back to the parent list.