Your thyroid is a gland that produces hormones important for positive energy levels, moods and metabolism. A diagnosis of hypothyroidism means that your thyroid produces too few hormones -- a condition that may cause slow heartbeat, lethargy, weight gain, depressive moods, constipation, menstrual abnormalities, confusion and cold sensitivity. Hypothyroidism is treatable, often with synthetic hormone medication. A healthy diet may enhance medical treatment, reduce your symptoms and promote your overall health.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables supply rich amounts of nutrients, many of which strengthen your body's ability to protect itself from infections and disease. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables may help reduce symptoms of underactive thyroid. As fiber-rich foods, fruits and vegetables can help remedy constipation and enhance satiation. They also provide low-calorie alternatives to processed snack foods. Limit consumption of vegetables that may interfere with thyroid function, such as broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, Brussels sprouts and leafy greens. Fruits and vegetables rich in disease-fighting nutrients that you may consume more freely include blueberries, cherries, red plums, kiwifruit, tomatoes, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash and red and green bell peppers.
Whole Grains
Like fruits and vegetables, whole grains provide significant amounts of fiber and nutrients, including B vitamins, which contribute to your metabolism and energy levels, as well as the mineral selenium. Selenium stimulates thyroid function, according to women's health expert and coauthor of "Energy Medicine for Women," Dr. Christiane Northrup. Whole grains are also low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar. Maintaining proper blood sugar balance can help ensure sustained energy levels and fullness between meals. To reap ample benefits of whole grains, replace enriched flour products, such as white bread and pretzels, with healthier foods, such as 100 percent whole-grain bread, whole-wheat pasta, brown rice, oatmeal, pearled barley, quinoa and air-popped popcorn.
Fatty Fish
Oil found in fatty fish, such as salmon, mackerel, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout and flounder, contains omega-3 fatty acids -- essential fats associated with positive heart health and brain function. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that people with hypothyroidism consume omega-3 fats regularly for improved immune system function and reduced inflammation. As protein-rich foods, fatty fish also promote healthy blood sugar levels and provide nutritious alternatives to protein sources rich in saturated fat, such as red and processed meats.
Poultry
Poultry provides rich amounts of protein and nutrients, including B vitamins, zinc and iron. Iron deficiency is common among postmenopausal women and may cause symptoms similar to those of hypothyroidism, such lethargy, confusion and headache. If you have hypothyroidism, iron deficiency may worsen your symptoms. Since iron supplements can interfere with thyroid medications, incorporating iron-rich foods into your diet is important. Choose lean poultry varieties most often, such as baked, roasted or grilled chicken and turkey breasts, served without the skin. Chicken eggs are also rich sources of protein. To avoid excessive saturated fat and cholesterol intake, consume egg whites over yolks most often.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- "Energy Medicine for Women: Donna Eden, David Feinstein, Christiane Northrup; 2008
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Iron Fact Sheet
