If you have a sluggish, or under-active, thyroid, you might have difficulty waking up in the morning, wonder why your normally healthy energy levels have plummeted and your clothes are fitting too snugly. Hypothyroidism occurs when your thyroid gland produces too few hormones important for a healthy metabolism, energy and overall health. While dietary changes won't "cure" hypothyroidism, they might help improve your hormone levels and support other forms of treatment, such as medications.
Fish
Fish provides heart-healthy alternatives to protein sources high in saturated fat, such as red and processed meats. Eating fish regularly can also help reverse or prevent iodine deficiencies, a potential cause of hypothyroidism, according to dietitian Dina Aronson. For improved immune function and reduced inflammation, consume fatty fish, such as salmon, albacore tuna, herring, lake trout, flounder, halibut, mackerel and sardines, which contain valuable amounts of healthy fats known as omega-3 fatty acids.
Whole Grains
Carbohydrates provide glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Whole grains are low-glycemic carbohydrates, meaning they have a mild impact on your blood sugar levels. Managing glycemic stress in your body often brings thyroid hormones back to healthy levels, according to women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup. To reduce your glycemic load, swap enriched white breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods in your diet for healthy whole grain equivalents. Nutritious examples include steel-cut oatmeal, long-grain brown rice, wild rice, pearled barley, 100 percent whole grain breads and air-popped popcorn.
Fruits and Vegetables
Fruits and vegetables help strengthen your immune system by supplying assorted antioxidants. As valuable fiber sources, fruits and vegetables might also help relieve constipation linked with hypothyroidism and help you manage your appetite and weight. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends limiting varieties that might interfere with thyroid function, such as broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts and dark leafy greens, and consuming plentiful antioxidant-rich varieties, such as berries, tomatoes, citrus fruits, squash and bell peppers.
Flaxseed, Walnuts and Canola Oil
Flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil are additional sources of omega-3 fatty acids. Flaxseed is also rich in fiber and might help treat constipation and promote fullness between meals. As unsaturated fat sources, flaxseed, walnuts and canola oil provide heart-healthy alternatives to butter, margarine and shortening. Because fats promote nutrient absorption, consume them as components of nutritious meals for heightened benefits. Enjoy flaxseed and walnuts on their own or added to smoothies, cereals, yogurt and baked goods. Canola oil is "tasteless," meaning you can use it as a fat source in recipes without altering the food's flavor.
