Thyroid hormone regulates many body functions. Maintaining healthy thyroid hormone levels might be possible with food choices. Avoiding certain foods as well possibly helps maintain thyroid hormone balance and proper health. Toxins in certain supplements and medications and in foods might be responsible for thyroid problems. Consult your health-care provider for advice about thyroid problems.
The Thyroid Gland
The thyroid gland regulates the body's metabolism, according to the Merck Manuals. Part of the endocrine system, the thyroid secretes hormones responsible for cell growth, regulation of heart beat, the calorie burn rate, skin maintenance, heat production, fertility and digestion, according to the Merck Manuals. Levels of thyroid hormone fluctuate in kidney and liver-related illness, the early stages of hepatitis, in pregnant women or women using contraceptives and estrogens and, more subtly, in aging.
Factors Influencing Hormone Levels
The director for the Institute for Educational Therapy, Dr. Edward Bauman, states that thyroid problems are most likely not caused by one factor such as food, nutritional deficiency or disease. One solution most likely will not help, reports Bauman. Bauman goes on to say that low levels of thyroid hormones might be related to toxins such as Aspartame, mercury and hormone-raised food products. Iodized salt, because of the chemical breakdown that occurs in the iodizing process, hinders the iodine from utilization by the thyroid, states Bauman. Replacing iodized salt with sea salt will help thyroid problems. A balanced approach to dealing with thyroid disease includes nutritional and supplement support.
Soy Products
According to Research Gate Scientific Network, the isoflavones present in soy alter thyroid levels in the body. In a study reported in the journal Endocrine Regulations, the increase in thyroid hormone levels occurred during consumption of soy. The study goes on to say that when soy use ended, thyroid levels returned to normal.
Foods for Thyroid
Foods rich in iodine promote thyroid balance, reports Natural Thyroid Treatments. Kelp, asparagus tips and avocado contain iodine. Foods rich in copper and iron such as oysters and clams, which also provide iodine, are good sources to balance thyroid. Dark green vegetables such as spinach, horseradish and watercress provide the needed zinc for thyroid health, according to Natural Thyroid Treatments.
Thyroid Suppression
Too much fiber in the diet, while taking thyroid hormone replacement, suppresses the absorption of the synthetic hormone rendering much of it useless, according to MayoClinic.com. Foods that suppress absorption are walnuts, soybean flour and cottonseed meal. Medications that suppress absorption of the synthetic hormone are iron and calcium supplements, antacids containing aluminum and magnesium, ulcer medications such as sucralfate and cholesterol-lowering drugs such as cholestyramine and colestipol, according to MayoClinic.com.
References
- Merck Manuals: Endocrine Function
- Thyroid-Info: The Metabolic Detective: A Look at Nutrition for Your Thyroid
- Research Gate Scientific Network: Short-term Effect of Soy Consumption on Thyroid Hormone Levels and Correlation with Phytoestrogen Level in Healthy Subjects
- Natural Thyroid Treatments: Thyroid
- MayoClinic.com: Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid)
