The thyroid gland is located in the neck and is responsible for the production of a hormone that helps control metabolism. This hormone is also necessary for the optimal functioning of almost all the cells in your body for protein creation, growth, temperature regulation and oxygen usage. When your thyroid hormone is dangerously low, your cholesterol levels can become dangerously high and you may experience fatigue, weight gain, hair loss and muscle aches. You can help any medication your physician prescribes by including foods in your diet that help improve your thyroid function.
Iodine
Iodine is a major component in the production of thyroid hormone in the body. If you have too little or too much of this mineral, the thyroid hormone's secretion is altered and can cause detrimental effects to your health. Foods that are naturally high in iodine can help to normalize this situation, according to NaturalWays.com. Foods that are high in iodine include sea vegetables such as kelp, wakame, kombu, nori, and dulse. Most fresh fish, iodized salt and sea salt are also high in iodine.
Zinc, Vitamin E and Beta-Carotene
The combination of zinc, vitamin E and beta-carotene is essential to the manufacture of thyroid hormone and helps to boost the function of the thyroid gland, according to Whole Health MD. Foods rich in these nutrients include chicken, crab, beef, turkey, wheat, Brazil nuts, avocados and peanuts as well as vegetables and fruits with yellow or orange coloring, such as apricots, cantaloupe, carrots and sweet potatoes.
Vitamin B
B-complex vitamins are required for the normal manufacture of thyroid hormone, according to Whole Health MD. Specifically, niacin, riboflavin and B6 vitamins are essential. Foods that are high in these vitamins include lamb, turkey, wheat, chicken, milk, yogurt, avocados, mushrooms, sweet potatoes, brown rice and chick-peas.
Food Limitations
As important as the foods you eat to boost thyroid function are the ones you should avoid that will reduce the efficiency of this hormone-secreting gland. If you suspect you may have a wheat allergy, avoid products that contain gluten. Within months of making this switch, your antibodies should come down and thyroid function should improve, according to pharmacist Suzy Cohen at Ask The Pharmacist. Also, limit your intake of other supplements, such as alpha lipoid acid, which can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. If you are taking a thyroid medication, eating too much fiber can impair the absorption of the medication, according to MayoClinic. Also, eating walnuts, soybean flour, calcium supplements, iron supplements or antacids can also reduce the absorption of the medication and should be avoided. Avoid alcohol, tobacco and caffeine when you are trying to normalize your thyroid hormone, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. These chemicals stress the adrenal glands, which are already susceptible to overload because of the reduced amount of thyroid hormone produced.
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