The thyroid is a small gland located inside your neck below the voice box. Two hormones produced by the thyroid gland are triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4. These two hormones circulate in the bloodstream and impact a variety of bodily functions including contributing to nervous system and brain development, metabolism and weight. Your pituitary gland, located deep in the brain regulates the release of the thyroid-stimulating hormone, or TSH. The TSH is needed to prompt the production of T3 and T4 before these hormones are released into your bloodstream. Any disruption in this process between the thyroid gland and the pituitary gland can result in thyroid gland disorders. Different factors contribute to the development of thyroid gland disorders with dietary habits playing a significant role in improving thyroid health once complications occur.
Goiter
Enlargement of the thyroid gland, or goiter, results from an underlying condition forcing the thyroid to grow abnormally. Deficient levels of iodine, an essential mineral consumed in foods, is the most common cause of goiter. The thyroid gland is the only part of your body that can absorb iodine and it is needed to make thyroid hormones. Disruption in thyroid hormone production from lack of iodine causes your pituitary gland to sense the thyroid hormone level as too low, resulting in the release of thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH, from the pituitary gland to the thyroid. Although your thyroid gland may not need more TSH, the miscommunication between the glands causes too much release of TSH before enough thyroid hormone is made and released, then forming a goiter.
Hyperthyroidism and Hypothyroidism
Hyperthyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too much T4 hormone. Hypothyroidism results when you thyroid gland produces too little T4 hormone. Significant fluctuations in weight signify the presence of either disorder because the thyroid regulates normal metabolism. Goiter occurs as a symptom of either condition. Hyperthyroidism symptoms also include increased heart rate, anxiety and insomnia. Hypothyroidism symptoms include slowed heart rate, depression and fatigue. In both disorders a balanced diet is significant for coping with the symptoms. However, dietary habits are not implicated as causal in the development of either condition.
Treatment and Dietary Approach
The primary treatment modality for thyroid gland disorders is hormone replacement medications. Blood tests confirming the presence of high or low thyroid hormones indicates the specific type of medication required to correct the imbalance. Nutritional habits are important once you start hormone medications because certain foods may slow the absorption of your medication. Consume variations of soy like soybeans or tofu hours before or after taking your medication to prevent interactions. Consider supplements after discussing need with your physician. In the case of iodine deficiency, several foods like kelp, shrimp and eggs provide a rich source for this mineral and supplements are not necessarily warranted.
Dietary Suggestions
Support your thyroid by eating well-balanced meals containing vitamins and minerals. Include a variety of fresh fruits and vegetables at five to eight servings a day. Produce is vitamin rich with antioxidants from vitamins A, C and E. Choose whole grains over processed for a healthy supply of B vitamins, important for facilitating the production of T4 hormone. Eat seafood like salmon, clams or lobster for a good source of iron, copper and zinc, instead of fatty red meat. Two servings a week of seafood provides essential nutrients. Limit your intake of junk foods like cookies, cakes and potato chips to reduce your intake of saturated fats, sodium and sugar. Consumption of healthy whole foods increases the chance of your immune system protecting you from additional thyroid damage and other health complications.
