Foods That Heal The Thyroid

The thyroid is a gland in your neck that produces hormones necessary for a healthy metabolism and positive energy levels and moods. If you have hypothyroidism, it means that your thyroid produces too few hormones. If your thyroid produces excessive amounts of hormones, you have hyperthyroidism. While foods alone won't heal thyroid problems, they may enhance conventional medical treatment, thyroid function and your overall health. For best results, discuss significant dietary changes with your doctor or dietitian.

Whole Grains

Whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the original grain plant. As a result, they contain more fiber, vitamins, minerals and protein than refined grains, such as white flour. As low-glycemic foods, whole grains also promote positive blood sugar levels and may help to manage increased appetite and weight gain associated with hypothyroidism and reduce anxiety caused by hyperthyroidism. According to research published in the "Annals of Oncology" in October 2007, low-glycemic foods may also provide protection from thyroid cancer. In the study, researchers analyzed recorded dietary habits of 339 people with thyroid cancer and 616 people without thyroid cancer and found that people who consumed a lower-glycemic diet were least likely to develop thyroid cancer. To reap ample benefits of whole grains, replace enriched breads, pasta, rice and snack foods in your diet with whole grains, such as oats, brown rice, wild rice, quinoa, barley and popcorn.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants -- nutrients that help protect your body from disease and infections. Increasing your intake of antioxidant-rich foods, such as bell peppers, tomatoes, berries and citrus fruits, may help reduce symptoms of over-active and under-active thyroid, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consume a variety of vegetables, limiting those that may interfere with thyroid function, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, spinach and kale, for optimum benefits. Replacing high-calorie snack foods with whole fruits and vegetables may help you manage food cravings and weight gain associated with hypothyroidism.

Plant-Based Oils

Fats play an important role in overall health. They help your body absorb certain nutrients and promote positive food texture and brain function. Plant-based oils, such as canola and olive oil, contain unsaturated fat -- fat that promotes cardiovascular health. Cooking with vegetable oils may help to reduce symptoms of hyperthyroidism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Replace saturated fat sources, such as butter and margarine, with plant-based oils for heightened benefits.

Fatty Fish

Fatty fish are top dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids -- fats your body needs and must obtain from food. Incorporating omega-3 fatty acids into your diet in place of less-healthy fat sources, such as red meat, is important for people with thyroid disease, according to the Harvard Medical School publication, "Thyroid Disease: Understanding Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism." Fatty fish are also rich in protein, which promotes positive and sustainable blood sugar, mood and energy levels. Consume fatty fish as parts of healthy, balanced meals, using heart-healthy cooking methods such as grilling, baking and broiling most often.