How To Increase Your Metabolism With Hypothyroidism With A Diet

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by a thyroid gland that is underactive. The thyroid is responsible for producing and secreting two hormones in the body, T3 and T4, which regulate metabolism. If you have hypothyroidism and desire to raise your metabolism with a diet, the nutritive qualities of the foods you eat should focus on the needs of your thyroid gland.

Step 1

Consume foods that are sources of dietary iodine. Iodine is a trace mineral that the thyroid gland needs to function well. An underactive thyroid is one that is low or lacking in iodine. Additionally, iodine is needed for production of the hormones T3 and T4. Foods rich in iodine to include in a metabolism-raising hypothyroid diet include cod, shrimp, canned tuna, fish sticks, cow's milk, boiled eggs, navy beans, turkey breast and baked potatoes.

Step 2

Get enough selenium-rich foods in the diet regularly. Selenium is a mineral that regulates the amount of thyroid hormones present in the blood and tissues, helping to moderate metabolism. This mineral is in salmon, shrimp, crab meat, Brazil nuts, halibut, brown rice, light chicken meat, pork, beef, whole wheat bread, skim milk and black walnuts.

Step 3

Eat foods that contain zinc. When the body is low in zinc, it is also low in the thyroid hormones T3 and T4, according to Marcelle Pick, OB/GYN, writing on WomentoWomen.com. Eating foods that provide a dietary source of zinc can help keep more of the metabolism-boosting thyroid hormones in the system. Foods containing zinc include oysters, crab, beef, pork, chicken, turkey, yogurt, cheese, milk, cashews, almonds, peanuts, baked beans and chickpeas.

Step 4

Take supplements containing minerals needed for thyroid health. In some cases, the body secretes insufficient amounts of hydrochloric acid and cannot absorb enough minerals from food to support the thyroid. Dietary supplements may be needed. Get a physician's approval before taking any mineral supplements.