Hypothyroidism may occur if your thyroid doesn't produce enough hormone, and this can result in a decreased metabolic rate. Your doctor may suggest medications to correct thyroid deficiency problems, but there are foods you can include in your diet to improve the function of your thyroid. Always seek the counsel of your physician before self-medicating for thyroid problems.
Iodine-Rich Foods
You need iodine in your diet to keep your thyroid functioning adequately, but the American Thyroid Association reports that 40 percent of the people in the world are at risk of an iodine deficiency. Iodine is often found in table salt, but you cannot rely on it to get all your iodine as salt is high in sodium -- too much sodium in your diet can trigger high blood pressure and increase your risk of stroke. Look to eggs, saltwater fish, seaweed, bread and soy milk to provide you with iodine to boost thyroid function.
Zinc-Rich Foods
Not getting enough zinc in your diet may influence thyroid function, so boosting your intake of foods high in this mineral is good for your diet. Oysters are an excellent source of zinc, containing 76.7 mg per 6-oyster serving; this is far above the daily recommended intake of 8 mg for women and 11 mg for men. Other sources of zinc, although they contain far less than oysters, include beef shanks, crab, pork shoulder, chicken legs, fortified breakfast cereals, lobster, baked beans and cashews.
Selenium-Rich Foods
The Podell Medical Practice website refers to selenium as the "sleeping giant of natural thyroid therapies" due to its role in activating certain thyroid hormones. You need 55 mcg of selenium each day; you can boost your intake of this mineral by including wheat germ, liver, butter, fatty fish, shellfish, garlic, sunflower seeds and whole grain products in your daily diet. In addition to its role in thyroid function, selenium acts as an antioxidant.
Iron-Rich Foods
Including foods high in iron in your diet is a smart move for thyroid function. A study published in the 2006 issue of the "Asia Pacific Journal of Clinical Nutrition" notes that an iron deficiency contributes to an underperforming thyroid. You need 8 to 18 mg of iron in your diet daily. You can increase iron intake by eating liver, kidneys and heart as well as meat and fish, nuts, seeds, dried beans and spinach.
References
- LifeExtension: Thyroid Regulation
- American Thyroid Association: Iodine Deficiency
- U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention; Americans Consume Too Much Sodium (Salt); February 2011
- Dr. L. Wilson; Thyroid Disease and Its Healing; L. Wilson, MD; January 2010
- Office of Dietary Supplements; Zinc; April 2011
- The Podell Medical Practice: Practical Steps: When Are hypothyroid diets, Cytomel or Armour Thyroid Alternative Thyroid Treatments Indicated?
