Many factors can affect thyroid health, including environment, lifestyle and dietary habits. Since symptoms often appear only for a while, then disappear again, they are often disregarded. This is why many cases of thyroid disorders go without a proper diagnosis. A healthy diet is one of the most effective ways of preventing a thyroid condition, and you can incorporate a variety of foods to obtain the needed nutrients, or supplement when necessary.
Iodine
The thyroid uses a hormone called thyroxin to regulate a number of functions. Iodine is essential for the proper production of this hormone by the gland. Supplementing with iodine is one of the most effective ways to improve or maintain proper thyroid function. Be sure to use food-based supplements of the mineral--do not ingest its antiseptic or topical versions.
Kelp is the most iodine-rich food source available. Yogurt, eggs, strawberries and shellfish can also be good food sources. Avoid foods that lower thyroid function and block iodine, such as soy. Certain raw vegetables can block iodine, but cooking them deactivates this property. These vegetables include turnips, broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and Brussels sprouts.
Selenium
The process of balancing the hormones produced by the thyroid is adversely affected without the proper amount of selenium, which is essential in the thyroid for the management of calcium absorption. You can easily increase your selenium by eating foods such as seafood, beef liver, eggs and Brazil nuts. Selenium is also available in supplement form at most health foods stores.
Thiamine
A deficiency in thiamine, also known as vitamin B1, can lead to hypothyroidism. This condition causes the gland to produce insufficient amounts of the thyroid hormone that is required for normal body functioning. Common food sources of this B vitamin are sunflower seeds, tuna, black beans and green peas.
Zinc
Zinc can improve thyroid function, as proper hormone metabolism requires adequate levels of this mineral. This is especially important for middle-aged to elderly people since thyroid concerns and zinc deficiencies become more frequent with age. Good food sources of zinc include beans, nuts, crab, lobster and whole grains.
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