Ridha Arem writes in her book, "The Thyroid Solution," that one in 20 Americans, or more than 20 million people, suffer from a thyroid disorder. A well-balanced diet is key for helping thyroid imbalance. A thyroid-friendly diet should also help boost the immune system and stabilize mood. Please check with your doctor if you feel you suffer from a thyroid imbalance.
History
Kenneth Ain and M. Sara Rosenthal write in their book, "The Complete Thyroid Book," that the the name thyroid is Greek in origin and means "shield-shaped." So the Greeks thought of the thyroid as their shield, like the Germans, who named the gland schilddruse, meaning "shield gland." It is also known as the butterfly gland, since its "wings" wrap around the trachea and attach to the lower part of the larynx, or voice box.
Significance
Ain and Rosenthal write that the thyroid is supplied with blood from four major arteries. The entire body's blood volume passes through these arteries to the thyroid in one hour. The thyroid produces a hormone called follicular, which plays a significant role, affecting every cell within the body. The thyroid hormone affects the speed of cells and life force within the body. The parathyroid glands, or glands near the thyroid, are key in helping the body retain calcium in the blood and releasing phosphorus through urination.
Guidelines
Arem writes that a thyroid-friendly diet should also benefit the immune system. The diet should be high in protein and low in fat. Therefore, if you have thyroid issues, consume lean proteins such as beans, nuts, seeds, fish, skinless chicken breasts or turkey. Your diet should also be high in complex carbohydrates, or whole grains, such as brown rice, millet, barley, spelt or quinoa. Avoid simple sugars, such as fructose or milk sugars.
Supplements
Arem suggests numerous supplements for thyroid health. If you have thyroid issues, take 250 to 1,000 mg of vitamin C daily, along with 200 to 800 IU of vitamin E, 15 to 30 mcg of zinc, 50 to 100 mcg of selenium. 1.5 mg of vitamin B12, 15 to 20 mg of vitamin B3, 25 to 50 mg of vitamin B6 and 400 to 600 mcg folic acid.
Warning
Consult your primary health care provider before taking any supplements or making diet changes to support your thyroid. Thyroid disease is vast and varied, and a professional will be able to make proper tests to understand just what your body needs. Eating healthy can never hurt, but make changes slowly and with professional knowledge by your side.
References
- "The Thyroid Solution"; Ridha Arem; 2000
- "The Complete Thyroid Book"; Kenneth Ain, M. Sara Rosenthal; 2005
