An underactive thyroid gland, referred to as hypothyroidism, causes your thyroid gland to reduce the amount of hormones it releases into your system. As a result, your body slows down and produces symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, slow pulse, cold sensitivity and headaches. One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is an iodine deficiency, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Changes in your diet and synthetic hormones are used to treat the condition.
Vegetable Juice
Vegetable juices that are high in B vitamins and iron are healthy to drink if you have hypothyroidism. Fresh-squeezed vegetables are the healthiest, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Make your own in a blender, but refrain from using vegetables that can interfere with thyroid production. Cabbage, soybeans, spinach, broccoli, turnips and cauliflower should be avoided. Read the label on prepared vegetable juice to avoid those vegetables.
Herbal Tea
While herbs generally are safe for making teas and tinctures to reduce the symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, you should consult with your doctor before introducing them into your diet to make sure they don't interact with other medications you may be taking. Herbal leaves and flowers should be steeped for five to 10 minutes, while roots require 10 to 20 minutes for steeping. Herbs that may reduce hypothyroid symptoms include guggul, bladderwrack and coleus.
Fruit Juice
The antioxidants in fresh fruit juice may be helpful for healthy thyroid functioning. Antioxidants found in fresh fruit such as oranges, pineapples, blueberries, apples, grapefruits and cantaloupe directly affect the activity of the thyroid gland and can reduce your symptoms, allowing you to lose weight more successfully, according to a study published in the "Indian Journal of Experimental Biology" in June 2002. Look for fruit drinks that are high in vitamins C and E for the healthiest alternatives.
Avoid
Avoid alcohol and caffeine when taking medicine to control your hypothyroidism. Caffeine interacts negatively with some thyroid medications, making them ineffective. Avoid soy milk and other beverages that contain soy because the isoflavones in soy affect hormone production with their hormone-like properties. Soy isoflavones attach to hormone receptors and can block the reception of your natural hormones, mitigating any relief from your treatment. Dairy products in general may lower your thyroid activity as well, according to Analytical Research Labs. Excessive consumption of calcium lowers potassium production, which you need to properly synthesize your thyroid medication.
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