A normal-functioning thyroid gland helps you metabolize foods and nutrients and maintain healthy energy levels. If your thyroid is under-active -- a condition known as hypothyroidism -- you may feel sluggish, depressed and experience weight gain, sleep difficulties and menstrual abnormalities. Hypothyroidism is treatable, typically through synthetic thyroid medications. A healthy dietary lifestyle may also help relieve your symptoms and help prevent or manage potential complications. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Whole Grains
Whole grains contain all nutritious parts of the grain. As a result, they produce less glycemic stress, meaning they have a lesser impact on your blood sugar levels than refined grains. Managing glycemic stress often helps restore healthy thyroid levels, according to women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup, and it leads to fewer bothersome symptoms. As fiber-rich foods, whole grains may also promote fullness between meals and help prevent or reverse weight gain associated with thyroid disease. For best results, replace enriched breads, pasta and snack foods in your diet with whole grains, such as brown rice, wild rice, oats, pearled barley, quinoa and popcorn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables are top sources of antioxidants -- nutrients that promote your body's ability to fend off and recover from infections and disease. Consuming antioxidant-rich foods and avoiding those that may interfere with thyroid function, such as leafy greens, brussels sprouts and turnips, may help reduce symptoms of hypothyroidism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fruits and vegetables that are particularly rich in antioxidants include berries, cherries, citrus fruits, plums, tomatoes, red and green bell peppers, carrots and winter squash.
Cold-Water Fish
Cold-water fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, flounder, lake trout, halibut, mackerel and herring, provide more omega-3 fatty acids benefits than other foods. The UMMC recommends that people with hypothyroidism consume omega-3 fatty acids regularly for improved immune system function and reduced inflammation. Omega-3 fats may also play an important role in brain function and cardiovascular health. For heightened benefits, choose grilled, baked or broiled cold-water fish instead of fatty protein sources, such as red meat, dark meat poultry and fried chicken.
Nuts and Seeds
Nuts and seeds provide heart-healthy, unsaturated fats and a variety of helpful nutrients. In her book, "The Hypothyroid Sourcebook," M. Sara Rosenthal recommends cutting back on saturated fat sources, such as butter and margarine, and consuming more plant-derived fats. In addition to supporting heart health, nuts provide B-vitamins -- nutrients that support healthy energy levels and metabolism. Flaxseed and walnuts provide the added benefit of omega-3 fatty acids. Since fats help your body absorb certain nutrients, consume nuts and/or seeds with nutritious foods, such as vegetables, fruits or whole grains.
References
- Dr. Northrup: Thyroid Disease
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- "The Hypothyroid Sourcebook"; M. Sara Rosenthal; 2002
