Thyroid diet

If your thyroid problems make you feel isolated, we are here to tell you something: you are not alone. It is estimated that as many 59 million Americans suffer similarly. There are measures that you can implement to get your thyroid problems under control.

Thyroid diet Guide – What to Eat

Research has shown that there is actually a thyroid diet that is very helpful in regulating the symptoms associated with thyroid problems. Increase your intake of foods like spinach, carrots, bananas, apricots and avocado, olive oil, sunflower seeds, wholegrain cereal and oily fish, for example salmon, trout and tuna.
The micromineral selenium plays an integral part in thyroid control, so your thyroid diet should have lots of tomatoes, onions, broccoli, whole wheat bread and bran, button and shitake mushrooms. Shrimps also provide a considerable amount of selenium.

Diet for Thyroid problems – Foods to avoid

The following foods hamper iodine uptake and should be used frugally in your diet for thyroid problems: peanuts, sweet potatoes, foods made from or containing soy, cabbage, mustard and linseed.
For individuals whose diets lack iodine, regular consumption of Brassica veggies like cabbage and cauliflower can severely hamper thyroid gland efficiency.
Avoid stimulants like coffee and some teas that contain caffeine, tobacco and alcohol.

Low iodine intake has been associated with hypothyroidism, and so, a basic and easily accessible source of iodine is sea salt. Japan has reported few instances of thyroid problems due to inclusion of seaweeds in the diet, at around 3 mg daily. Any supplement intake should be done under the supervision of your doctor, as misuse can cause hypothyroidism.

It was found that combining 4 mg of iodine and 600 units of Vitamin E increases intake of iodine by the thyroid glands, thus substantially increasing the presence of thyroid hormones in the system.

Studies show that many thyroid sufferers have diminished levels of zinc in the blood. One Italian study that administered zinc in the thyroid showed increased thyroid function and decreased hypothyroidism in one half of those tested thereafter.

More recommendations for thyroid sufferers include:

- Stress reduction – stress only exacerbates any health disorder, take active steps to help cope with and reduce stress and negative anxiety.
- Introduce a regular exercise regime. Exercise increases your metabolism rate and reduces weight gain. Try a workout of 30 minutes daily, and gradually increase the time as your fitness improves.
-Monitor your thyroid levels – it is important to stay on top of ever changing thyroid levels by having a check up semiannually, to ensure that any medication dosage remains current.

Thyroid problems and toxins

- Initial studies show reactions to certain chemicals in people with hypothyroidism. A study conducted on workers in a brass foundry who have low thyroid hormone levels showed high levels of lead in the blood. These persons experienced inhibited memory, tiredness ad depression.
- It appears that thyroid function is subdued in persons who are exposed to carbon disulfide and polybrominated biphenyls.


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external links
wikipedia: thyroid diet