Thyroid Diet

Natural foods, dietary changes and life style modifications which helps in treatment of hypothyroidism:

In my last posting, I explained the role ashwagandha in the management of hypothyroidism.
Here I will explain natural foods which are necessary for better thyroid hormone production, function and overall thyroid health.

We have to choose foods that gives nutritional support for thyroid. 

1) the production of thyroid hormones requires amino acid
Tyrosine, iodine and omega 3 fats

A) tyrosine; the best dietary sources of tyrosine includes;
Spirulina: it’s a sea wead, eggs, fish and lean meat.
B) iodine: best source is iodised salts.
Potatoes; richest vegetables source 
Cheese, yogurt, eggs and sea vegetables.
C) omega -3 fats ; foods such as fish flax seeds, walnuts are good sources.

2) Conversion of t4 to the active t3 requires selenium.

Brazil nuts are the best source of selenium. Other good sources are garlic, mushrooms, broccoli sunflower seeds and sea foods like tuna fish.

3) Binding of t3 to cell receptor and for its function require 

A) vitamins a b) vitamin d, c) zinc. 
Pumpkin seeds, dark chocolates and garlic are good sources of zinc.

Natural supplements will help in better thyroid function. Try to eat them in natural form.
My suggestion is these foods should be used along with thyroxine replacement pills.

In case of borderline or sub clinical hypothyroidism, only natural foods and supplements can be tried.
Note: in pregnancy, hypothyroidism must be treated immediately with thyroxine replacement pills and should not try only natural remedies.

Foods to avoid in hypothyroidism 

Processed foods, sugar, food additives and gluten.
These foods increases inflammation, insulin resistance and worsen autoimmune conditions like autoimmune thyroiditis which is becoming more common now a days.

Goiterogens: vegetables, such as cabbage, brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower, spinach etc.
As these vegetables have many benefits.
We can not take them out completely from diet.
Steam, or cook these vegetables to reduce the goitrogenic compounds and eat them in moderation.

Life style changes to improve thyroid health.

1) Exercise – stimulates thyroid secretion. 
Weight training and aerobic exercises also helps in faster weight reduction which is a common symptom of hypothyroidism.
2) Manage stress: studies have shown that stress can ignite autoimmune reactions (autoimmune thyroiditis can be worsened) and worsen inflammation. 
Meditation and yoga helps in managing stress. Yoga also helps in increasing blood flow to thyroid.
3) Acupuncture ; helps in faster response to treatment.
4) No smoking – toxic chemicals in cigarettes such as mercury and cadmium significantly affect thyroid function. So quit smoking.