Your thyroid gland is located at the front of your neck. It's shaped like a butterfly and located just under the Adam's apple. The thyroid gland is responsible for producing and secreting thyroid hormone. You can suffer from thyroid conditions in which there is too much thyroid hormone produced or too little. In both cases, it is helpful to eat a diet that supports the activity of your thyroid gland.
Thyroid Hormone
Thyroid hormone is used by the body to keep your metabolic rate stable and keep your energy-producing processes in balance, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Thyroid hormone also plays a role in calcium balance in the body. The production and release of thyroid hormone is a complex process controlled by your pituitary gland, that in turn is controlled by the hypothalamus.
Iodine
Proper iodine levels must be maintained in your body to stimulate thyroid function, according to Dr. David Williams, practicing chiropractor and authority on natural healing. Iodine is used in the production of thyroxin, which is a precursor to thyroid hormone. Food sources of iodine include iodized salt, cod, shrimp, tuna in oil, milk, eggs and baked turkey breast, according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University.
Goitrogens
Dr. Williams warns that you should also avoid foods that block the absorption of iodine. These goitrogen foods include soy products and raw turnips, mustard greens, broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cress, cauliflower, kale and kohlrabi. Cooking the vegetables will deactivate the iodine blocking agents in the foods. Linus Pauling Institute also lists smoking tobacco as a factor that may increase your risk of thyroid deficiency.
Selenium
As your thyroid gland produces thyroid hormones, they must be produced and secreted in balance. According to Dr. David Williams, selenium is used in the process of balancing the ratio of the different thyroid hormones. Food sources of selenium include eggs, sunflower and sesame seeds, garlic, onions, kelp, Brazil nuts, mushrooms, and beef liver and kidney.
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