Thyroid hormones play an important role in many functions of the body. Insufficient production, known as hypothyroidism, can cause a number of problems including weight gain from a slow metabolism, joint pain, menstrual problems and fatigue. No specific "thyroid diet" exists to abate this problem, but certain dietary changes might benefit your condition in conjunction with thyroid medication---the only means of supplementing your body's weakened hormone supply. You should discuss your diet with your doctor or other knowledgeable health care providers before making any drastic changes.
Foods that Interfere with Thyroid Function
While these foods might normally represent a healthy diet, they can negatively impact you if your thyroid cannot produce its hormones normally. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends you stay away from broccoli, mustard greens, cassava, cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, peanuts, turnips, millet, Brussels sprouts, kale, cassava, pine nuts and linseed.
Caution with Soy and Fiber
Soy products might interfere with the hormone medication you must take for hypothyroidism. If you regularly consume soy products, discuss this with your doctor so he can guide on whether you can continue to consume these foods. High-fiber foods such as whole grains, beans, fruits and vegetables can also interfere with absorption of your medication, so you should take your medication on an empty stomach. Ask your doctor for guidance on how long you should wait before consuming these foods.
Reducing Inflammation
According to physician and alternative medicine expert Dr. Andrew Weil, Hashimoto's disease---an inflammation of the thyroid gland---accounts for the large majority of hypothyroidism cases. The immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, resulting in decreased production of the thyroid hormones. Weil recommends an anti-inflammatory diet if you suffer from inflammation of the thyroid gland. This entails cutting back on animal proteins---particularly dairy. These foods contain substances that trigger the inflammatory response in the body. He also recommends cutting out trans-fats found in fried foods and most commercially prepared baked goods---look for "partially-hydrogenated" on the list of ingredients and polyunsaturated fats found in many oils such as corn, safflower, sunflower, palm kernel and mixed vegetable oils.
Anti-inflammatory foods include fruits, vegetables and healthy fats like those found in fatty fish like salmon and mackerel, nuts and seeds.
B-Vitamin Foods
The B-vitamins might help regulate normal thyroid function. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating foods rich in these nutrients, which include whole grains, sea vegetables like seaweed, leafy green vegetables, beans and peas. Animal sources also have adequate amounts of vitamin B, but you should aim for low-fat versions.
Supplementation
In addition to eating foods that benefit thyroid function, certain supplements might help as well but you should discuss this with your doctor before taking any on your own. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that fish oil supplements might quell inflammation. Supplementing with L-tyrosine, a type of protein that plays a role in producing thyroid hormone, might also help; but you should use this only under the supervision of a doctor if you currently take thyroid hormone medication. Avoid iodine supplements unless your hypothyroidism stems from iodine deficiency---rare in the developed world.
