The thyroid gland helps regulate your body's metabolism by producing needed hormones. According to the Cleveland Clinic, approximately 20 million Americans suffer from some type of thyroid disease each year. The most common thyroid diseases are hypothyroidism, a condition that occurs when your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, and hyperthyroidism, a condition that arises when your body produces too many thyroid hormones. Thyroid nodules and thyroid cancer can also affect thyroid function. Certain foods can help keep your thyroid healthy. Knowing which foods support thyroid health can help keep your thyroid functioning at an optimal level.
Yogurt
Adding yogurt to your daily diet can reduce side effects commonly associated with hyperthyroidism, an autoimmune condition that occurs when your body produces too much thyroid hormone. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating yogurt helps your thyroid because it contains lactobacillus acidophilus, live and active bacteria that strengthen and maintain your immune system.
Olive Oil
If you have thyroid problems, try using healthy unsaturated oils like olive oil when cooking. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, olive oil is rich in omega-3, fatty acids that can strengthen your immune system and decrease inflammation. Other foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids are salmon, tuna, sardines, mackerel, walnuts, almonds, sesame seeds, flaxseed, canola oil and soybean oil.
Cod
Adding fish like cod into your daily diet can help your thyroid. According to the Linus Pauling Institute, cod contains large amounts of iodine, an element that helps your body produce thyroid hormones and supports normal thyroid functioning. Foods rich in iodine include shrimp, iodized salt, fish sticks, oil-based canned tuna, cow's milk, boiled eggs, cooked navy beans, baked turkey breast and seaweed.
Fruit and Vegetables
A healthy diet consisting of fresh fruits and vegetables can help your thyroid. Many fresh fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, nutrients that not only strengthen your immune system, but also protect your body from viruses and diseases. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, eating fresh fruits and vegetables like blueberries, raspberries, cherries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers can help you manage an overactive or underactive thyroid.
Whole Grains
Improve the health of your thyroid by incorporating whole grains into your daily diet. Whole grains like oats, brown rice and whole wheat are rich in niacin, folic acid, biotin and pantothenic acid, B vitamins that support thyroid function. The University of Maryland recommends eating whole grains if you have a thyroid condition. Other grains that help your thyroid include bulgur, barley, cornmeal, wheat flour, millet and popcorn.
Tuna
Adding limited amounts of tuna into your daily diet can keep your thyroid healthy. Tuna is rich in selenium, a mineral that is especially beneficial if you have an underactive thyroid. According to the website For Sciences, selenium is needed to convert thyroid hormones into a form that can be used by your body. It also strengthens your immune system and regulates thyroid function. Other selenium-based foods include oysters, Brazil nuts, turkey, swordfish and herring. According to the Office of Dietary Supplements, excessive amounts of selenium may cause toxicity, so it is recommended that adults limit their consumption of selenium-rich foods to 400 micrograms per day.
References
- Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University: Iodine
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- Tufts University: Omega 3 Fatty Acid Content
- For Sciences: Foods That People with Hypothyroidism Should Eat
- Cleveland Clinic Health: Thyroid Trouble?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
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