Natural Thyroid Diet

The thyroid is a small gland that makes a huge difference in the way your body burns calories and uses energy. Located in the front of your neck, it secretes the hormones thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). By absorbing iodine in food, your thyroid is able to produce these hormones, which control your metabolism. It is vitally important to eat the proper diet in order to sustain thyroid function. Incorporate thyroid-benefiting foods and see the difference it makes in how you feel.

Iodine

To enhance thyroid function, it is very important--whether you have a normal thyroid or have hypothyroidism--to include iodine-rich foods into your diet, such as dairy products, whole grains, eggs, shellfish, soy sauce, seaweed, oily fish, yogurt, and soy products. Refrain from using toothpaste with fluoride, which blocks iodine receptors in the thyroid gland. You should also refrain from drinking tap water that you suspect contains fluoride. Never digest iodine. It is poisonous to the body in concentrated amounts. If you want to use iodine as a supplement, make a small round circle of iodine on your stomach before you go to bed. When you wake up in the morning, check and see if it is still there. If your iodine patch disappears, you probably have an iodine deficiency. Make a small circle every other night until you still have it in the morning.

Selenium

Low selenium levels greatly hinder thyroid function. It is very common for those with hypothyroidism to not have enough of this nutrient. Fill your diet with selenium-rich foods like onions, garlic, shellfish, brazil nuts, kelp, sunflower seeds, eggs and mushrooms. Selenium is not the only nutrient you need for a healthy thyroid function. You may want to take supplements like zinc, l-tyrosine, vitamin B, and iron. Iron deficiency is another common cause for thyroid problems. Eat plenty of leafy greens, oysters, lean red meat, chicken, and dried fruit. Refrain from any food containing antacids and phosphates. These foods include beer, carbonated drinks, chocolate and ice cream.

Foods to Avoid

There are foods that block iodine that should be avoided if you have hypothyroidism or low iodine, or worried you may have thyroid malfunctions that do not include hyperthyroidism. These iodine-blocking foods are all soy products, mustard greens, cabbage, turnips, kale, broccoli, peanuts, cauliflower and bok choy. Eliminate refined flour, fatty foods, sugar and processed foods. Get plenty of exercise and drink at least 8 glasses of 8 oz. water a day to flush out toxins.