Hypothyroidism is caused by an underproduction of thyroid hormones, and common symptoms include fatigue, weight gain, dry skin, hair loss, difficulty concentrating, loss of appetite, intolerance to cold, a slow heart rate and in women, painful menstrual periods. According to the Canadian School of Natural Nutrition, or CSNN, a poor diet can cause or contribute to hypothyroidism and dietary modification can help to treat it.
Follow a Hypoallergenic Diet
The most common cause of hypothyroidism is autoimmunity, a condition where the immune system makes antibodies that attack your own bodily tissue. CSNN reports that there is a clear correlation between autoimmune diseases and food allergies and recommends following a hypoallergenic diet for four weeks to determine if you have elusive food allergies. The diet involves eliminating the most commonly allergenic foods including wheat, gluten, dairy, sugar, coffee, citrus fruit, strawberries, eggs, soy and chocolate. After one month, reintroduce one food item per day and monitor your symptoms closely. A worsening or return of symptoms indicates a food allergy, and should this occur, that food item should be removed from your diet.
Foods to Eliminate
CSNN recommends eliminating caffeine, sugar, alcohol, refined grains, cigarette smoke and recreational drugs from your diet, because they are thought to reduce thyroid function. The school advises to avoid consuming raw brassica vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, turnip, rutabaga, bok choy, millet, cassava and cabbage. These vegetables have goitrogenic properties, which means that they interfere with the production of thyroid hormones and lower thyroid function. Cooking these foods is thought to reduce their goitrogenic properties however, making them safe for consumption in hypothyroid individuals.
Eat Iodine Rich Foods
Iodine deficiency is a common cause or contributing factor to hypothyroidism. As such, CSNN recommends eating an iodine-rich diet, and states that salt, kelp, seaweed, seafood and vegetables grown near the ocean, are all good sources of iodine. You can have your blood tested for iodine deficiency, and if your are clinically deficient, take 150 to 600 mcg of iodine daily, in supplemental form.
Filtered Water and Additional Dietary Advice
According to Phyllis Balch, C.N.C., in her book "Prescription for Nutritional Healing," you should only drink steam-distilled water. Balch explains that chemicals such as fluoride and chlorine, found in tap water, block the production of certain thyroid hormones and may contribute to hypothyroidism. Consume a whole foods based diet, emphasizing foods that promote healthy thyroid function. These foods include apricots, dates, egg yolks, molasses, parsley, potatoes, prunes, raw seeds, raw milk, whole grains, fish and chicken.
References
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis Balch; 2003
- "Pathology and Nutrition"; The Canadian School of Natural Nutrition; Lilieana Stradler Mitrea; 2008
