As the master regulator of metabolism, the thyroid gland plays an important role in overall health and well-being. Hypothyroidism, Grave's disease and thyroid cancer are among many conditions that can disrupt thyroid function, causing symptoms that affect the whole body. While not a cure for thyroid disease, good nutrition is vital for the health of all organs, including the thyroid. Learning about the role of nutrition in thyroid function allows you to construct a healthy diet to meet your needs.
Types
Some thyroid diets focus on prevention while others are intended for people who already suffer from thyroid disease.
Different diets may be recommended depending on which condition is present. Hypothyroidism---or underactive thyroid---leads to a slowing of the body's metabolism, which often results in fatigue and weight gain. Hyperthyroidism has the opposite effect, speeding heart rate and metabolism while triggering weight loss. Other conditions that may require special dietary considerations include thyroid cancer, thyroiditis and goiter.
Features
While there is no single "thyroid diet," certain foods may be contraindicated in patients with thyroid disorders. According to the Mayo Clinic, foods high in dietary fiber such as walnuts, cottonseed meal and soybean flour can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications and should be consumed several hours before or after dosing.
In combination with iodine deficiency, excessive consumption of cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli has been linked to an increased risk for thyroid cancer in women, according to the National Institutes of Health, or NIH. While more research is needed, patients with thyroid cancer may benefit from limiting their intake of these vegetables if iodine deficiency is suspected.
Function
The main function of a healthy thyroid diet is to provide nutritional support and prevent deficiencies that could potentially aggravate symptoms.
Diets designed for people with specific thyroid disorders often focus on controlling symptoms of the condition. Fatigue---a common symptom of hypothyroidism---can sometimes be managed with dietary modifications. "Psychology Today" suggests eating five or six small meals throughout the day and drinking plenty of water to fight fatigue.
Prevention/Solution
A well-balanced diet is vital for healthy thyroid function. Fresh fruit and vegetables, lean meats, low-fat dairy products, nuts and whole grains form the foundation of a healthy diet, which is even more important for patients with chronic health conditions such as thyroid disease.
The trace mineral iodine plays an important role in thyroid health. According to Medline Plus, consuming adequate amounts of iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Kelp, seafood, dairy products and iodized salt contain iodine, as do plants grown in soil that contain the mineral.
Children ages 4 to 8 need roughly 90 micrograms per day of iodine, while kids 9 to 13 require 120 mcg. The daily recommended intake for males and females ages 14 and over is 150 mcg.
Considerations
There is no evidence that diet can directly prevent or treat thyroid disease. If you suffer from a thyroid condition, medical treatments such as medication or surgery may be needed to prevent serious complications.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism diet--Can certain foods increase thyroid function?
- National Institutes of Health: Role of dietary iodine and cruciferous vegetables in thyroid cancer--a countrywide case-control study in New Caledonia
- Psychology Today: Fighting Fatigue with Diet
- National Institutes of Health: Medline Plus--Iodine in Diet
