Foods That Effect Thyroid Function

The thyroid is a small gland in your neck that produces hormones that help regulate your body temperature, heartbeat, blood pressure and metabolism. Conditions that affect your thyroid include hypothyroidism, in which your thyroid produces too few hormones; hyperthyroidism, in which the thyroid produces too many, cancerous and non-cancerous growths; and an overgrown thyroid, or goiter. In addition to medical treatment, a healthy diet that eliminates foods that interfere with thyroid function, helps manage this condition.

Soy

Soy is a protein and nutrient-rich legume variety. Its impact on thyroid function and thyroid-related health conditions has been debated for over 70 years. When soy-based infant formulas were introduced in the 1960s, an influx of goiters arose, leading researchers and the public to believe that there may be a correlation. Infants with thyroid conditions who consume soy-based formula may require more thyroid medications that infants with thyroid conditions who do not. A diet containing modest to moderate amounts of soy in food-form, however, appears not to affect the thyroid negatively and provides benefits. In addition to supplying nutrients, such as calcium and iron, soy contains less overall fat and saturated fat than animal proteins. If you consume large amounts of soy, dietitians Reed Mangels and Virginia Messina recommend ensuring sufficient iodine intake, which can prevent goitrogenic effects. Table salt, fish, seafood and potatoes are valuable sources of iodine.

Fruits and Vegetables

Fruits and vegetables are top sources of antioxidants, such as beta-carotene and vitamin C, which strengthen your body's ability to fend off and heal from infections and disease. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating foods rich in B-vitamin and iron, such as seaweed and fresh vegetables for improved thyroid disease symptoms, and limiting foods that may interfere with thyroid function, such as broccoli, cauliflower, leafy greens, turnips, Brussels sprouts and cabbage. Antioxidant-rich varieties that improve thyroid-related symptoms include tomatoes, cherries, blueberries, bell peppers and squash.

Nuts and Seeds

Nuts and seeds provide heart-healthy, unsaturated fats and nutrients, such as vitamin E and selenium. Vitamin E provides antioxidant benefits. Selenium deficiencies may contribute to hypothyroidism, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements. Because peanuts, pine nuts and linseed may interfere with thyroid function, choose other selenium-rich varieties, such as Brazil nuts and walnuts more often. Choose almond butter instead of peanut butter and flaxseed, instead of linseed. Flaxseed provides omega-3 fatty acids and reduces inflammation while increases immune function.

Grains

Grains provide glucose -- your body's main dietary source of energy. Refined grains, such as white flour, contain fewer nutrients and have a greater impact on your blood sugar and energy levels than whole grains. Whole grains provide rich amounts of B-vitamins that often improve thyroid disease symptoms. The whole grain millet, however, may interfere with thyroid function, according to UMMC. If you have an allergy to gluten, a protein in wheat, barley and rye, most commercially baked breads, cereals, pasta and other gluten-containing foods will likely worsen your symptoms and cause additional complications. Gluten-free grains include brown, wild and basmati rice, gluten-free oats and air-popped popcorn.