Located in the front of the neck, the thyroid gland produces the hormones triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4. They are responsible for numerous functions, including regulating the metabolism and controlling body temperature. Hypothyroidism is a medical condition in which the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough T3 and T4 hormones. Factors such as autoimmune disease, medications and iodine deficiency might be some of the causes of hypothyroidism, according to the Mayo Clinic website. Although the use of oral medications is a treatment option for an underactive thyroid gland, following the right diet can help to increase thyroid hormone output.
Symptoms
Hypothyroidism rarely causes symptoms in the early stages, but symptoms do appear over a number of years. Furthermore, hypothyroidism is more likely to affect women over the age of 50. Symptoms include decreased sexual interest, weight gain, constipation, enlargement of the thyroid and fatigue, according to the Cleveland Clinic website.
Iodine
Iodine insufficiency affects two billion people worldwide, according to the Linus Pauling Institute website. The trace element iodine is critical for normal thyroid function, since it's required for thyroid hormone synthesis. The thyroid gland can still produce hormones with mild iodine deficiency, but severe cases can lead to hypothyroidism. Include the following iodine sources in your diet: iodized salt, cod, shrimp, Cow's milk and eggs.
Limit Goitrogenic Foods
Restricting certain foods in the diet can help improve thyroid hormone output, according to the Progressive Health website. Limit foods such as rapeseed, sweet potatoes, lima beans, broccoli, cabbage and cauliflower. These foods contain the chemicals goitrogens, which disrupts thyroid hormone production. In addition to goitrogenic foods, restrict sugar intake in your diet.
Zinc
The mineral zinc plays a crucial role in boosting thyroid hormone, according to research reported in the 2006 issue of the journal of "Neuro Endocrinology Letters." Researchers discovered that zinc supplementation inhibited the downgrade of thyroid hormones that is normally associated with exercise to exhaustion. Incorporate zinc-rich foods, such as oysters, wheat germ and dairy products, in your daily diet.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary supplements can help to enhance thyroid function, according to the Progressive Health website. B vitamins can increase energy production and prevent fatigue, which is one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Other supplements, including vitamin C and tyrosine, are required for proper thyroid health. Please consult your doctor before taking supplements for the thyroid.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
- Linus Pauling Institute: Iodine
- Progressive Health: Understanding How Thyroid Supplements Help Hypothyroidism
- Neuro Endocrinology Letters: The effect of exhaustion exercise on thyroid hormones and testosterone levels of elite athletes receiving oral zinc
- Cleveland Clinic: Hypothyroidism
