The thyroid, a gland located in the neck, produces two vital hormones known as thyroxine, or T4 and triiodothyronine, also known as T3. Regulated by thyroid stimulating hormone produced by the pituitary gland, the thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism of all the cells in the body. This means that all bodily functions rely on thyroid hormones. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies can lead to thyroid problems; therefore eating a healthy diet replete with vitamins and minerals supports a healthy thyroid.
Antioxidant-Rich Foods
Many problems with the thyroid gland arise due to cell damage caused by free radicals -- negatively charged atoms created during the interaction between oxygen and other molecules. The damage can lead to thyroiditis -- inflammation of the thyroid -- goiter, thyroid nodules and even thyroid cancer. Some vitamins and minerals classified as antioxidants help protect cells from the effects of the free radicals, according to MedLinePlus. Antioxidant nutrients include beta carotene, lycopene, lutein, selenium, vitamin A, vitamin C and vitamin E. Berries, such as blueberries, provide a good source of antioxidants including vitamin C. Tomatoes contain lycopene, vitamin C and vitamin E, making them a powerful antioxidant food. Green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and broccoli, serve as a good source of antioxidants, but they also contain a substance in their raw form that inhibits thyroid hormone, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Whole Grains
Whole grain foods contain grains with the germ, bran and endosperm still intact. Many processed foods, such as white rice and white bread, remove the bran and germ, which also removes much of the nutrients from the grain. Whole grains provide dietary fiber -- the portion of a plant-derived food the enzymes in the intestines cannot break down. In addition, the wheat germ contains antioxidants such as vitamin E and selenium. Whole grain foods contain B vitamins including riboflavin, niacin, thiamin and folate, iron, magnesium and selenium, which all help keep the thyroid healthy.
Iron-Rich Foods
The body needs iron for the regulation of cell growth and for the production of the protein hemoglobin found in red blood cells and responsible for carrying oxygen. Hemoglobin contains a heme group which contains an iron atom. Heme also activates thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme needed for the production of the thyroid hormones. Therefore an iron deficiency can affect the amount of available heme and the production of thyroid hormones, as described by research published by Zimmermann and Korhle in the 2002 issue of "Thyroid." Foods derived from animals, such as meats, fish and poultry, serve as a good source of heme iron -- the form of iron readily absorbed by the human body. The healthiest choices include fish such as tuna and light-meat chicken and turkey. Nonheme iron found in plants such as dried beans and peas, spinach and raisins, also helps boost iron levels while also providing other health benefits.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- MedLinePlus: Antioxidants
- United States Department of Agriculture: Grains
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Hypothyroidism
- "Thyroid": The Impact of Iron and Selenium Deficiencies on Iodine and Thyroid Metabolism; Zimmermann and Korhle; 2002
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