7 Foods That Support Thyroid Health

Eating these foods won’t magically improve your thyroid health overnight, but their nutrient profile will provide your body with the nutrients it needs to help your thyroid function optimally.

Millions of women and men report feeling sluggish, experience weight loss resistance, hair loss and chronic brain fog. These symptoms are your bodies way of communicating to you that there’s something deeper going on and can be a sign that your thyroid needs support.

Shifting the diet, improving sleep patterns, lowering stress and addressing mineral dteficiencies all help to support the root causes of thyroid imbalance. Keep reading to learn all about the different types of thyroid disorders, the top foods to avoid to help your thyroid function optimally, and the top five foods for thyroid health.

Thyroid health 101

Let’s break down why the thyroid is important and what it does in your body.

The thyroid gland is part of the endocrine system, located at the front of the neck. The thyroid’s job is to make thyroid hormones, which are secreted into the blood and then carried to every tissue in the body. The main responsibilities for the thyroid are centered around producing the hormones that maintain the body’s metabolic function, body temperature regulation, influence digestive function and brain function.

While there is absolutely a genetic predisposition to thyroid disease, there is always an environmental and lifestyle component or trigger.

Types of thyroid disorders

Thyroid disorders can be difficult to diagnose, and everyone differs in the type of symptoms they experience when the thyroid is not functioning normally. Below are some of the most common types of thyroid disorders and the types of symptoms you may notice. For most thyroid conditions, a mix of thyroid hormone medication, lifesyle changes, and dietary modifications are recommended.

Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is when an underactive thyroid gland is not making enough thyroid hormone to remain active. It is important to note that it is common to oscillate between hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism so some of the symptoms listed may blend together.

The most common symptoms of hypothyroidism are:

• Fatigue
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin
• Depression
• Muscle aches
• Reduced exercise tolerance
• Irregular or heavy menses

Hyperthyroidism

Hyperthyroidism is when an overactive thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. Thyroid hormone production speeds up, influencing every function in the body. The most common form of hyperthyroidism is known as Graves Disease which is easiest to identify because the eyes appear enlarged and a swelling of the neck, near the goiter.

The most common symptoms of hyperthyroidism are:

• Rapid weight loss
• Nervousness
• Irritability
• Heart racing
• Anxiety
• Difficulty sleeping
• Loose bowel movements

Goiter

The term “goiter” simply refers to the abnormal enlargement of the thyroid gland. Most goiters are caused when the thyroid enlarges in an effort to pull more iodine in out of the bloodstream because of chronic iodine deficiency. For most people with goiters, a diet high in iodine and possibly supplementation are the most common treatment. Goiters are most commonly present with those who are hypothyroid or experiencing hyperthyroidism swings.

Thyroid Cancer

According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 64,000 Americans had some form of thyroid cancer in 2016. Surgery and medications are the most common forms of treatment for thyroid cancer, but there are many powerful dietary and lifestyle modifications that support the immune system before, during and after treatment.

Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis

Hashimoto’s is an autoimmune condition that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. It is estimated that 90% of all hypothyroidism is actually Hashimoto’s.

In this specific condition, antibodies are being directed towards the thyroid gland which leads to chronic inflammation and the inability for the thyroid to produce the necessary hormones for the body.

Hashimoto’s most commonly impacts middle-aged women and also has a genetic component. In order to diagnose Hashimoto’s a physician will look at presenting symptoms and also the presence of thyroid antibodies, Thyroid Peroxidase (TPO) and Thyroglobulin Antibodies (TGA).

Testing for a thyroid disorder

Traditionally, doctors look at the TSH when running labs, and unfortunately this doesn’t provide the complete picture of your thyroid health.

At Parsley Health we don’t just test your Thyroid Stimulating Hormone. We routinely test your Free T4, Total T4, Free T3, Total T3, Reverse T3, Anti-thyroglobulin and anti-TPO antibodies, inflammatory markers, Vitamin D and other nutrient deficiencies. Collecting this amount of data and connecting it to the symptoms present is one of the most comprehensive ways to address the root causes of thyroid imbalance.

Once our doctors have a comprehensive look at the health of your thyroid, they are can effectively create a treatment plan that brings it back into balance. Working in this comprehensive approach also helps ensure other subclinical issues are being addressed and overall quality of life improves.

Other nutrient deficiencies tested for are: Iodine, Zinc, Selenium, Vitamin D and Iron. 90% of the patients we treat are Vitamin D deficient. Vitamin D plays an integral role in modulating the immune system which is critical for those with Hashimoto’s. Vitamin D and other main nutrient deficiencies can be remedied with the help of a Health Coach to upgrade and fine tune the diet.

7 foods that support thyroid health

Here are some of the top foods to eat (and why) to improve your thyroid function.

1. Brazil Nuts

Brazil nuts are not only delicious but one of the most potent sources of selenium. Just 2-4 brazil nuts a day provide all the selenium your thyroid needs to function. A study has found that finding selenium via food, and in particular, from brazil nuts, is more effective than supplementation for this micronutrient.

2. Oysters

Oysters are high in zinc which helps to regulate the immune system and thyroid. Zinc is essential for the production of white blood cells which help protect against pathogens. Oysters are also rich in zinc and copper, both important for thyroid function and collagen synthesis.

3. Dulse Flakes

Dulse flakes contain Iodine which your thyroid needs in order to make thyroid stimulating hormone. Adequate iodine consumption also prevents and in some cases, helps reduce the presence of a goiter.

4. Avocados

This phytonutrient-rich fruit contains twice the amount of potassium as bananas and also contains monounsaturated fats, which help regulate blood sugar and provide the thyroid with a steady supply of energy to function.

5. Dark Leafy Greens

Leafy greens are not only neuroprotective, but they also help regulate inflammation in the body. Greens contain powerful antioxidants and carotenoids that help lower free radical damage.

Many people are concerned about the natural occurring goitrogens found in dark leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables however no human study has ever shown that consuming cruciferous vegetables can induce hypothyroidism. Goitrogens do block iodine uptake in the body but cooking vegetables and continuing to eat sea vegetables allow for the thyroid to have all the iodine it needs to thrive.

6. Liver and Organ Meats

While organ meats aren’t a common favorite food for many, the reality is that organ meats are extremely nutritious—containing between 10 and 100 times the amount of nutrients than their conventional muscle meat counterparts. Liver, specifically, is considered to be a nutritional powerhouse and superfood for the thyroid. It contains nature’s most concentrated source of vitamin A, the vitamin that directly supports thyroid hormone metabolism and inhibits thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) secretion. Liver is also abundant in additional thyroid supportive nutrients, including vitamins like B12 and folate and minerals such as copper, iron, zinc, and chromium.

Keep in mind that it is especially important to eat liver and other organ meats exclusively from well-sourced animals that have been pasture-raised without the use of hormones or antibiotics.

7. Pastured Eggs

Pastured eggs are an excellent source of the thyroid supportive nutrients iodine and selenium. Just one egg contains about 16% of the iodine and 20% of the selenium you need in a day. Eggs are also a convenient source of protein and contain the important amino acid tyrosine which is needed to produce the thyroid hormone known as T4. While your body can produce tyrosine on its own, just a single egg can be an easy way to get 250 extra milligrams of tyrosine into your diet. To get the most thyroid yielding benefits from eggs, make sure to eat the whole egg, as the yolk is more highly concentrated in these valuable nutrients.

Foods to avoid for optimal thyroid health

Here are four food groups to limit or avoid as you manage the health of your thyroid.

Refined sugars

Sugar is an anti-nutrient which means is impairs nutrient absorption and also wreaks havoc on the gut microbiome, a key piece in regulating immune and endocrine function. If you want something sweet, choose berries and use natural sweeteners like raw honey and maple syrup in moderation.

Dairy

Dairy products are usually loaded with lactose and added sugars, which muck up intestinal health and weaken the immune system. Over 80% of the antibiotics produced end up going to livestock which most commonly impacts dairy, chicken and red meat. These antibiotics contribute to intestinal permeability and contribute to a compromised microbiome, which ultimately impacts thyroid health.

Dairy also induces a surge insulin which impacts thyroid function and inflammatory markers. We recommend embracing dairy-free products like unsweetened coconut milk and nut cheeses.

Gluten/Wheat

A gluten free diet may be beneficial to those with thyroid issues because gluten and wheat destroy thyroid function, impairing intestinal permeability. Several studies have shown a link between gluten intolerance and thyroid disorders like Graves Disease and Hashimoto’s.

Gluten and wheat are also found in highly refined carbohydrate-laden foods that spike glucose levels and raise inflammation in the body. Eating a variety of mineral dense root vegetables, green plantains, sweet potatoes and soaked rice and lentils will provide all the healthy complex carbohydrates needed for satiety and energy. If you are still craving baked goods, try this gluten-free zucchini tomato bread.

Soy

Soy contains Isoflavones, which are estrogen-like compounds that have been shown to reduce ovulation and stimulate the growth of cancer cells. However, soy is different than the others on this list. It has a complex relationship with thyroid hormones. While soy has a modest effect on thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, it does not significantly affect free T3 or free T4 levels.

In moderation, soy is safe for individuals with normal thyroid function and adequate iodine intake. Those who already have thyroid problems may need to be more cautious and should suggest soy with a healthcare provider.

Takeaway

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms above, don’t panic and self-diagnose. Chat with your doctor to do the correct testing to determine the health of your thyroid and any changes you need to make to help address the root cause of the symptoms you are experiencing.

If you want to learn more about thyroid health, download our free guide, 7 Steps to Healing Your Thyroid, for advice on building a healthy diet and lifestyle from the medical team at Parsley Health.