It is estimated that nearly 10 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease, most of which are diagnosed as being hypothyroid, according to the Endocrine Web website. Common symptoms include fatigue, intolerance to cold, constipation, headaches, depression, weight gain, memory loss and difficulty concentrating. Medication is almost always prescribed to help re-balance thyroid levels, but your food choices may also help to boost your under-active thyroid and possibly help to alleviate some of your symptoms.
Iodine-Rich Foods
Iodine deficiencies can play a role in hypothyroidism. Eating foods rich in iodine may help to boost thyroid function. Sea vegetables, like kelp, arame, hijiki, dulse and kombu, contain some of the highest sources of iodine. Sea vegetables are versatile and can easily be used in dishes, such as soups, stir-fried dishes and salads. Dulse and kelp also come in a powdered form that can be used as an iodine-rich substitute for table salt.
Vitamin B-Rich Foods
Vitamin B plays a role in energy, cognition and brain function and may be useful in preventing mild depression. As we age, our ability to absorb this specific nutrient decreases. Menopausal women, baby boomer men and the elderly who have been diagnosed with thyroid disease should pay extra attention to their Vitamin B levels. Whole grains, mushrooms, nutritional yeast, avocados, nuts, seeds, milk, eggs, oysters, beans, chicken, tofu, tempeh, potatoes, shellfish and dark leafy greens all contain various forms of B vitamins.
Essential Fatty Acid-Rich Foods
Essential fatty acids are necessary for the proper function of the thyroid gland and can actually help to produce thyroid hormones. They are also a necessity for good brain and heart health, help to reduce hormonal irritability, are useful in reducing inflammation in the body and are anti-aging. Your body does not produce essential fatty acids on its own, so it is vital you get them through your diet. Flax seeds, walnuts, avocado, olive oil, olives, hemp oil, sunflower and sesame seeds and soybeans are vegetarian sources of essential fatty acids. Additional sources include fish, like salmon, halibut, cod and scallops.
Foods to Avoid
Many people find it beneficial to reduce or eliminate gluten from their diets when living with hypothyroidism. This means avoiding or limiting products that contain wheat. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, peaches and strawberries, can interfere with thyroid hormone production, further suppressing your thyroid function. These foods should be eaten in moderation. Avoiding processed foods, sugars and white flours can be beneficial as well.
References
- Natural Solutions Magazine
- Endocrine Web
- "Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition;" Phyllis A. Balch; 2000
