Your thyroid gland produces a variety of hormones that influence many bodily processes, including metabolism. When you have hypothyroidism, your gland does not function effectively. The reduced amount of thyroid hormone can result in problems like weight gain, fatigue and digestive disturbances. While no official thyroid diet exists, health experts do make some general recommendations that might help. Ultimately, however, the most effective treatment entails taking synthetic thyroid hormone to compensate for the deficiency. Do not make any drastic changes to your diet without consulting with a physician.
Diet and Medication
If you want to eat a diet that will optimize thyroid function, you also want to consider interactions between foods and your thyroid medication, which offers the best chance for optimal thyroid function. Endocrinologist Todd B. Nippoldt, writing for Mayoclinic.com, cautions that certain foods can interfere with these medicines, making them less effective. He notes that soy, walnuts and cottonseed meal can interfere with thyroid medicines as can taking them in close proximity with high-fiber foods. As for this last point, ask your doctor for guidance as to when you can safely eat fiber-rich foods once you have taken your medicine.
Avoiding Goitrogens
Goitrogens are foods that can interfere with thyroid function in individuals that suffer from thyroid problems. If you do not have a thyroid problem, these foods will unlikely pose a problem. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends cutting back on these foods if you suffer from hypothyroidism; they include mustard greens, cassava, broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, spinach, peanuts, turnips, linseed, Brussels sprouts, pine nuts, millet and soybeans.
Gluten and the Thyroid
The majority of people who have hypothyroidism suffer from Hashimoto's disease, a condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Dr. Datis Kharrazian, author, chiropractic physician and expert in nutrition and endocrinology, advises you to avoid gluten, the protein found in wheat, to improve thyroid function. He explains that many studies in various countries have found a link between these two conditions. While going gluten-free can have its challenges, knowledge of this food allergy has increased and you can now find many products geared toward people who cannot tolerate this substance. While most commonly associated with wheat, you will also find gluten in other grains such as barley, rye, bulgur, graham, kamut and semolina.
Allergies and Sensitivities
Since most cases of hypothyroidism stem from improper immune response, identifying if you have any food allergies or sensitivities can help. Eliminating problematic foods can reduce stress on your immune system. A food allergy or sensitivity might not always be so obvious, so you might consider working with a doctor who can test you for food allergies. Common allergens include soy, dairy, eggs, corn and yeast. Kharrazian also suggests an elimination diet, where you take out a particular food for a certain amount of time and add it back in. All the while you track the presence or absence of symptoms, both physical and mental. Your reactions can help determine if certain foods might be problematic for you. Your best results will stem from working with a health care professional experienced in elimination diets; this will ensure you do it properly and obtain the most accurate results.
Other Dietary Recommendations
The B-vitamins in particular might help with thyroid function, and UMMC advises you to eat foods rich in these nutrients. Examples include whole grains, sea vegetables, beans, peas, leafy greens, fish, low-fat dairy and lean meats. Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables can reduce inflammation characteristic of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto's disease. Kharrazian also recommends eating a diet that will promote better blood sugar; he notes that everyone has different energy needs and does not state that you should stick to a specific amount of carbohydrates. Generally, stick to fiber-rich carbohydrates over sugars and refined, white-flour foods.
References
Kelli Cooper
Kelli Cooper has been a writer since 2009, specializing in health and fitness. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in political science from Rutgers University and is a certified personal trainer with the American Council on Exercise.
http://www.livestrong.com/article/305551-the-thyroid-friendly-diet/ 