Many people suffer from thyroid disorders including hyperthyroid disorder, hypothyroid disorder and goiters. If you are being treated for any of these conditions, you should know that there are certain dietary measures that can help with your treatment and recovery. By improving your diet, you could speed your journey to a healthy thyroid.
Foods that Decrease the Absorption of Thyroid Hormone
If you have a hypothyroid condition such as Hashimoto's disease, you know that the primary method of treatment for hypothyroidism is to replace the missing thyroid hormone with a synthetic alternative. It is important that this orally administered synthetic thyroid hormone is absorbed by your body. According to MayoClinic.com, excessive dietary fiber, walnuts, soybean flour and cottonseed meal can block the absorption of thyroid hormone. Patients being treated for hypothyroidism should try to remove these products from their diet.
Iodine
Iodine is used by the thyroid to produce thyroid hormone. Iron deficiency can cause an enlargement of the thyroid, known as a goiter. To prevent goiter, you should make sure you eat enough iron-containing foods like iodized table salt, breads, cheese, seaweed, soy milk, eggs and yogurt. However, the American Thyroid Association notes that extremes of iodine intake can also cause thyroid disorders. Therefore, they recommend you consult your physician about achieving your personal optimal iron level.
Soybean
Patients with hyperthyroid disorders often experience an increase in basal metabolic rate, leading to weight loss and hunger. A study by Benjamin Ershoff explored the effects of soybean on hyperthyroid rats. The study concluded that rats given a full-fat soybean diet had improvements in their growth but not their basal metabolic rate. This suggests that soybean may help alleviate some, but not all, the symptoms of hyperthyroidism. The presence of fat in the soybean is essential, so do not replace full-fat soybean with low-fat alternatives. Patients with hypothyroid should avoid soybean.
Foods That Interfere With Thyroid Function
There are several foods that the University of Maryland Medical Center identifies as interfering with thyroid function. This list of foods includes broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soybeans, peanuts, linseed, pine nuts, millet, cassava and mustard greens. While these foods are fine sources of nutrients for people with healthy thyroids, those with hypothyroidism should try to avoid them.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Certain thyroid conditions are caused by auto-immune reactions. The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as fish oil, can help decrease inflammation. If your thyroid condition is caused by an autoimmune reaction, you might want to consult your physician about starting a fish oil regimen.
