Healthy Food For Thyroidectomy

Having no thyroid gland is a bit like having a high-functioning car with little fuel. Your body needs the thyroid gland for a healthy metabolism, energy level, weight and mood. Your doctor may suggest a thyroidectomy -- removal of your thyroid gland -- if yours is enlarged or develops a cancerous or non-cancerous growth called a nodule. Following surgery, you may require synthetic thyroid medications. A healthy diet may support medical treatment and help minimize your symptoms.

Fruits and Vegetables

Antioxidants are nutrients that enhance your body's ability to protect itself and heal from infections and disease. Your symptoms following a thyroidectomy may be similar to those of hypothyroidism -- a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too few hormones. Consuming more antioxidant-rich foods may help manage these symptoms, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), and protect you from additional health problems. As relatively low-calorie, fiber-rich foods, replacing high-calorie snack foods with fruits and vegetables may help you reverse or prevent weight gain. Varieties particularly rich in antioxidants and fiber include berries, citrus fruits, tomatoes, artichokes, bell peppers and winter squash. Limit your intake of cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, and dark leafy greens, which may interfere with thyroid function.

Whole Grains

Unlike refined grains, whole grains have retained valuable nutrient and fiber content during food processing. Because of this, they are low-glycemic, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels. Managing glycemic stress in your body can help improve your thyroid levels, according to author and women's health expert, Dr. Christiane Northrup. To accomplish this, swap white bread, enriched pasta and other "white" carbohydrate sources in your diet out for whole grains. Whole grains may also help relieve constipation caused by thyroid problems and promote fullness between meals. Examples of nutritious, whole grain foods include 100 percent whole grain breads, pasta and cold cereals, brown rice, wild rice, pearled barley, steel-cut oats and air-popped popcorn.

Cold-Water Fish

Cold-water fish supply valuable amounts of protein, which promotes healthy blood sugar levels, and more omega-3 fatty acids than other foods. The UMMC recommends that thyroid disease patients consume omega-3 fatty acids regularly for heightened immune function and reduced inflammation. Fish particularly high in omega-3 fatty acid content include salmon, albacore tuna, sardines, herring, halibut, lake trout, flounder and mackerel. To keep your saturated fat intake low, try replacing fatty red meats, organ meats and fried chicken with grilled, baked or broiled cold-water fish.

Flaxseed

Flaxseed is one of the top plant-derived sources of omega-3 fatty acids. As fiber-rich seeds, they also promote digestive function and appetite control. In her book, "The Thyroid Diet: Manage Your Metabolism for Lasting Weight Loss," Mary J. Shomon recommends adding ground flaxseed or flaxseed oil to your meals for slowed digestion and reduced hypothyroidism symptoms. Choose ground flaxseed over whole seed for optimum absorption. Try topping yogurt, oatmeal, cold cereals and baked good with ground flaxseed or use it as a nutritious ingredient in smoothies. For heightened benefits, choose flaxseed over saturated fat sources, such as butter, margarine, shortening and high-fat cheese, regularly.