The thyroid gland is one of the primary directors involved in managing the body's most significant functions. These include metabolism, hormone production and brain development, both in-utero and throughout childhood. Normal thyroid function is reliant on the micro-nutrient iodine and the element selenium, which works synergistically with iodine in the absorption process. Iodine comes from food and drink. Due to depleted soils in many regions, getting the needed amount of these trace elements requires supplementing the diet with iodine and selenium rich sources of food.
Primary Sources
The ocean is rich in every mineral element on earth including iodine. Many of the plants and sea creatures living within this environment, such as salmon, haddock, oysters, shrimp and sardines, are rich in iodine as well. With the help of photosynthesis, minerals from the sea are changed into an organic, thus bio-available form, in the plants of the sea. These sea vegetables such as wakame, nori, kombu, dulse and arame, provide iodine and many other life-supporting nutrients, which has earned them the designation "super foods." Kelp in capsule-form is an option for individuals who want to keep their thyroid gland healthy without adding sea vegetables to their soup or salad.
Secondary Sources
Think whole foods when aiming to supplement your diet with thyroid supporting nutrition. Land-derived sources of iodine are dependent on the mineral content of the soil the foods are grown in, which varies according to region and farming practices. Organically grown food and animal sources are more apt to provide the necessary minerals, due to stricter farming standards. Eggs, garlic, asparagus, spinach and mushrooms are some secondary sources of thyroid assisting nutrients. Foods rich in selenium for additional thyroid support are sunflower seeds, tuna, organ meats, beef and soybeans.
Iodized Salt
The World Health Organization, or WHO, recommends the addition of iodized table salt to the daily diet as the simplest way to increase iodine intake and for the prevention of thyroid disease, goiter, thyroid nodules and other common problems of thyroid dysfunction. Research by some doctors specializing in the thyroid suggests that the bio-availability of the iodine in table salt is not ideal. Nonetheless, adding iodized salt as one piece of the puzzle in providing food for the thyroid is a good idea.
References
- International Council for the Control of Iodine Deficiency Disorders: Sources of Iodine
- Iodine Remedies: Secrets from the Sea
- Women to Women: Thyroid health-Eating to support your thyroid --- simple ways to naturally preserve thyroid function
- World Health Organization: Eliminating iodine deficiency worldwide is within reach
- Optimox: The Concept of Orthoiodosupplementation and Its Clinical Implications/Iodine Metabolism in Man
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