Hypothyroidism results when the thyroid gland fails to produce adequate amounts of thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, cold intolerance and weight gain. Although conventional medicine routinely treats hypothyroidism with the synthetic hormone thyroxine, nurse practitioner Marcelle Pick recommends testing for selenium, iodine and vitamin D levels -- along with a full thyroid panel -- to better manage the condition. While a healthy diet and other supplements may help you to manage your disease, it is not a replacement for consistent medical care. Always inform your doctor when you make changes to your diet or seek complementary or alternative treatments.
Step 1
Eat frequent, small meals to keep your blood sugar stable. Keep your daily calorie intake high enough to prevent your body from going into "starvation mode," a physical response that will cause your body to further slow the metabolism.
Step 2
Choose whole foods whenever possible. Ask your doctor whether a regimen of vitamin and mineral supplements might help to improve your thyroid function without relying upon prescription medications.
Step 3
Avoid eating raw, cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli and cauliflower; goitrogenic foods that may interfere with your thyroid function. Ask your doctor if it is permissible to eat soy products while taking thyroid medication.
Step 4
Increase your intake of oily fish, such as salmon and sardines. Oily fish are high in omega-3 fatty acids and are known to moderate the inflammatory response and support the immune system.
Step 5
Experiment with a gluten-free diet. Gluten is a goitrogenic food that may be related to autoimmune disorders, rheumatoid arthritis and thyroid disease. Substitute gluten-free grains for bread and pasta and note whether your symptoms improve.
Tips and Warnings
- Eat your food in pleasant surroundings in the company of people you enjoy. Thyroid function is affected by stress, and hurrying through your meals limits the feelings of pleasure that contribute to good health.
- If you take blood-thinning medication, do not take fish oil supplements without your doctor's approval.
