Foods to Improve Thyroid Function

While there is no clear scientific evidence that diet affects thyroid activity, a diet high in organic and citrus foods, fresh seafood, "good" oils and certain nuts and grains can help to improve the thyroid's production, according to Dr. Ivan F. Kelley, III of The Natural Health Place and and George Mateljan, founder of the World's Healthiest Foods. These foods can help the gland absorb iodine, a key contributor in the manufacture of thyroid hormones, and can help with distribution of the hormones throughout the body. Traditional medical sources, including the Mayo Clinic, have not linked a particular diet to thyroid production.

Organic Foods

Organic eggs, oranges, grapefruit, lemons, vegetable juices, beef liver and kidney and sprouts derived from organic seeds are believed to increase thyroid activity, according to The Natural Health Place, a healthy living website. In addition, breads made from sprouted grains, such as Ezekial or manna, and sea salts are recommended.

Oils, Nuts and Seeds

So-called "good" oils, including extra virgin olive oil, organic unrefined coconut oil or organic ghee (clarified butter) are the best choices for use in cooking or dressings, according to the Natural Health Place. While peanuts should be avoided if you're trying to improve your thyroid function, cashews, sunflower seeds and sesame seeds are good alternatives.

Vegetables

Used by the Japanese in cooking for centuries, kelp, which is high in iodine, is recommended to improve thyroid function, according the World's Healthiest Foods website. Kelp, which comes in many forms including the seaweed salad you find at Japanese restaurants or the dark matter used to roll sushi, may be purchased at health food stores. It comes in brown, green and red varieties. Garlic, onions and mushrooms are all high in vitamins and minerals that play key roles in thyroid production.

Vitamin and Mineral Supplements

In addition to choosing foods with high iodine content, you may want to consider adding a vitamin and mineral regimen to your diet, according Natural Remedies health website. Vitamins A, B complex and C complex as well as sodium, potassium, selenium and zinc may help with thyroid production. Be aware, however, that if you are taking a thyroid replacement hormone, the minerals (particularly the metals like zinc) should be taken well after the supplement as they may inhibit absorption of the medication.

Thyroid Disease

If you have been diagnosed with thyroid disease, take special care with your diet. If you have an underactive thyroid, certain foods may boost your thyroid gland's production. Experts---including the Natural Health Place---recommend that you stay away from most soy products and many raw vegetables and fruits (broccoli, cabbage, lima beans, peaches and strawberries, for example). If you have been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid, these foods may further stimulate thyroid production and you may want to avoid them.