No scientific evidence has shown there is a specific diet to help increase thyroid functioning in people with hypothyroidism, according to the Mayo Clinic. Nutritional tips may help reduce symptoms, such as slow pulse, weight gain and fatigue, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, as well as promote thyroid health in healthy individuals. These tips include eating foods rich in vitamin B and iron, healthy fats and fresh fruits and vegetables.
Foods Rich in B Vitamins and Iron
Whole grains, such as barley, buckwheat, millet, oats, rye and wheat, and whole-grain products are rich in vitamin B. These foods aid the thyroid gland, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Other foods rich in vitamin B include turkey, kefir, beef, lentils, potatoes and black-eyed peas. Parsley, turnip greens and beets are rich in iron and also help support thyroid functioning.
Eating sea vegetables for a healthy thyroid is the advice of Edward Bauman, associate dean of nutrition at the University of Natural Medicine in Santa Fe, New Mexico. Adding seaweed and algaes, such as chlorella, to your diet can be helpful to your thyroid, as well as eating other sea vegetables, such as kelp, dulse, digitata and nori.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
People suffering from hypothyroidism are often medically treated with synthetic thyroxine. Fresh fruits and vegetables, because they are rich in antioxidants, help support the absorption of thyroxine, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, and can aid in reducing the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Antioxidants fight free radicals known to cause disturbances in the thyroid gland. Pomegranates contain the three antioxidant polyphenols, anthocyanins, ellagic acid and tannins. Eating pomegranates or drinking pomegranate juice can support your thyroid and your synthetic hormone therapy. Other supportive fruits include raspberries, blueberries, blackberries, strawberries, cherries, cranberries and tomatoes. Antioxidant-rich vegetables include red cabbage, beets, spinach, bell peppers, squash and kale.
Healthy Fats
Omega-3 fatty acids, the healthy fats found in cold-water fish, help reduce thyroid inflammation, and eating fish, such as tuna, mackerel and herring, helps support thyroid functioning. The University of Maryland Medical Center advises cooking with vegetable oils and olive oil, high in healthy fats, for thyroid health. Flax seeds, flaxseed oil and walnuts also contain omega-3s.
Avoid Excess Fiber and Goitrogens
Eating too much fiber can hinder the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone, according to the Mayo Clinic. High-fiber foods, such as soybean flour, walnuts and cottonseed meal, should be eaten in moderation or several hours before or after thyroid medication. Dietary fiber is generally good for people with hypothyroidism because of the sluggish digestion and constipation often suffered with this condition. Avocados, bran cereal, lentils, black beans and rolled dry oats are among foods high in fiber content.
Certain foods can interfere with thyroid functioning. Foods containing natural goitrogens not only can interfere with thyroxine synthesis, they can also contribute to enlarging the thyroid gland. Consult your doctor to be certain, but you may need to avoid otherwise healthy foods such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach, kale, mustard greens, pak choy, lima beans, watercress, peanuts and soybeans, according to the University of Michigan Health System.
Food for Hyperthyroidism
If the thyroid gland is overactive, a diet rich in protein from cold-water fish, lean meat and beans may be helpful. Because hyperthyroidism can cause bone-thinning, foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, such as milk, orange juice and yogurt, are important. Food additives, alcohol, white flour products and caffeine are better avoided. Always check with your doctor to determine what foods are good for you and your thyroid condition.
References
- MayoClinic.com: Hypothyroidism Diet: Can Certain Foods Increase Thyroid Function?
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- Thyroid-Info: The Metabolic Detective: A Look at Nutrition for Your Thyroid
- MayoClinic.com: Hyperthyroidism
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- University of Michigan Health System: Hypothyroidism
