Eating a healthy diet may provide more than just protein, fats, vitamins and minerals that your body requires for peak performance. Some foods contain high levels of nutrients that promote thyroid function and increase the rate at which your body burns calories. Choosing these foods may make you healthier and help you reach your weight-loss goals faster.
Seaweed
Sea vegetables, such as dulse, kelp and hijiki are high in iodine, which your thyroid gland uses to produce thyroid hormone. Feed your thyroid gland and promote thyroid hormone production by making sea vegetables a regular part of your diet. Many sea vegetables are available in powder or flake form and make a tasty garnish to soups, salads, rice and other dishes. Thyroid disorders are rare in Japan and other cultures where these foods are eaten on a daily basis, says herbalist Brigitte Mars, author of the book "The Country Almanac of Home Remedies: Time-Tested & Almost Forgotten Wisdom for Treating Hundreds of Common Ailments, Aches and Pains."
Seafood
Some forms of seafood, such as lobsters, crabs, oysters and other types of shellfish are sources of thyroid-promoting iodine. If you are allergic or do not have access to shellfish, eggs are also a source of iodine. One egg yolk may contain up to 3,000 mcg per kilogram of iodine.
Fruits and Vegetables
Foods rich in beta-carotene and vitamins C and E have been found beneficial for thyroid cancer in some patients and may promote healthy thyroid function, says Dr. Beth Ann Ditkoff in her book "The Thyroid Guide." Beta-carotene is found in red, yellow and orange vegetables. Vitamin C can be obtained from many fruits and vegetables, including citrus, berries and bell peppers. Green leafy vegetables and some orange vegetables, such as carrots and sweet potatoes contain vitamin E.
Chromium
Include chromium-rich foods such as brewer's yeast, liver, chicken and whole grains in your diet to promote thyroid function, says Sheldon Zerden, author of the book "Best of Health: The 100 Best Books." A study published in the October 2000 issue of the journal "Environmental Research" found that high levels of chromium are associated with increased activity of the hormone prolactin, which influences thyroid function. Arsenic, cadmium, copper, lead, manganese, molybdenum and zinc cause low prolactin levels. Researchers called for further studies to improve understanding of the effect of metals on thyroid function.
Considerations
Some foods inhibit thyroid function, and you should avoid or limit them if you have low thyroid function. These include cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and mustard greens. Also avoid spinach, turnips and radishes and fruits, such as peaches and pears, says Phyllis Balch, author of the book "Prescription for Natural Healing."
References
- "The Country Almanac of Home Remedies: Time-Tested & Almost Forgotten Wisdom ..."; Brigitte Mars; 2011
- "Veterinarni Medicina"; Iodine Content in Consumer Hen Eggs; J. Travnicek; 2006
- "The Thyroid Solution: A Revolutionary Mind-Body Program for Regaining Your ... "; Ridha Arem; 2007
- "The Thyroid Guide"; Beth Ann Ditkoff; 2000
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing"; Phyllis A. Balch; 2006
- "Best of Health: The 100 Best Books"; Sheldon Zerden; 2004
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