Low thyroid, also known as hypothyroidism, is a condition that exists when the body's thyroid gland is underactive and does not produce adequate thyroid hormones. Your butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is part of your endocrine system and is located above your collarbone area, in the lower part of the front of your neck. Hashimoto's disease is a common cause of hypothyroidism. Diet and nutrition play a key role in managing low thyroid, especially given that the thyroid gland controls the body's metabolism.
Low Thyroid
Low thyroid symptoms include fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, low body temperature, difficulty concentrating, depression, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, dry skin, constipation, infertility and muscle weakness. Because many people who have hypothyroidism also struggle with weight challenges, digestive problems and food sensitivities, diet is highly relevant to managing low thyroid. Hypothyroidism is typically diagnosed through blood tests that measure thyroid hormones, including the free T3, free T4, TSH and thyroid antibody blood tests.
Included Foods
When you have low thyroid or are trying to prevent hypothyroidism, adhering to a healthy, thyroid-supporting diet that contains high levels of vitamins and minerals is important. Include plenty of fresh, whole, organic foods that do not contain artificial or chemical ingredients. Foods that contain iodine are important, because the thyroid requires enough iodine to make thyroid hormones. The sea vegetable kelp is high in iodine. Also include plenty of quality protein, such as fish, chicken, turkey and beef. Vegetables, such as fresh tossed salads, leafy greens and other colorful fresh vegetables are nourishing. Healthy fats such as coconut oil, flax oil and olive oil can be beneficial to the thyroid gland.
Avoided Foods
Some of the key foods to avoid when you have low thyroid are soy products and goitrogenic foods, which are potentially harmful to the thyroid. Many foods contain soy, so read labels and do not purchase items that list soy as an ingredient. Goitrogenic foods include cruciferous vegetables, such as kale, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower and broccoli. Some people believe that the goitrogens are eliminated when you cook foods, so you might be able to tolerate certain amounts of these foods if you cook them. Other items to avoid include processed foods, junk food, fried food, fast food, sugars, hydrogenated oils, pesticides and food additives. If you are allergic to any foods, such as gluten or dairy, remove them from your diet.
Considerations
Although you should drink plenty of clean water, do not drink water or beverages containing fluoride or chlorine, which are harmful to your thyroid. Remove these items from your water by using a filter that eliminates them, or purchase spring water. Other items to avoid include caffeine and alcoholic beverages. When you have low thyroid, time your meals so that you keep your energy up and avert some of the fatigue that comes with low thyroid. Do not wait too long between meals, and do not skip breakfast.
References
- "Thyroid Power: 10 Steps to Total Health"; Richard L. Shames, M.D., and Karilee Shames, R.N., Ph.D.; 2002
- "Living Well With Hypothyroidism"; Mary J. Shomon; 2000
- Low Thyroid Diet: Low Thyroid Diet Plan
- Women to Women: Eating to Support Your Thyroid---Simple Ways to Naturally Preserve Thyroid Function
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; James F. Balch, M.D. and Phyllis A. Balch, C.N.C.; 1997
- "Healthy Healing"; Linda Page, N.D., Ph.D., 2000
