Thyroid Health | How Important Is Your Diet?

Chances are, you knew you had a problem with your thyroid and it took a little while for your blood work to catch up to the inevitable. We know our bodies better than anyone else, and thyroid health is often one of those conditions that have us feeling a little frumpier, perhaps putting on weight or having the inability to lose it. We might notice our thyroid health, or lack thereof, effecting things like our hair or bowel movements. 

The ‘lucky ones’ are sometimes given a prescription to help ‘regulate’ all things, and the rest is history, or is it? Most people aren’t that fortunate, and in some cases the medical route is not always the way people want to go. 

The good news is however, that thyroid health can be manipulated with diet from mild to more severe cases. 

Symptoms of Poor Thyroid Health

• Fatigue
• Sensitivity to the Cold
• Constipation
• Dry Skin
• Weight Gain
• Puffy Face Appearance 
• Muscle Weakness 

….and others. 

In the event you are experiencing these symptoms and have yet to see the doctor, you may consider trying some of the suggested foods below, as you may be able to notice a difference before that appointment even rolls around. Please know that I am by no means wanting to deter you from seeing your doctor, but these are natural adjustments you can make that could potentially have you seeing positive changes on your own. 

Untreated, an underactive thyroid not only can make you feel lousy, it can also harm your health. … People with untreated hypothyroidism are at greater risk for developing a goiter—an enlargement of the thyroid gland. If a goiter grows large enough, it can cause problems swallowing or breathing. (www.healthguides.com) 

Foods to Eat for Optimal Thyroid Health

Cruciferous vegetables

Consider consuming these raw, cooked or even juiced (or blended). Amongst the many known benefits of cruciferous vegetables they rank as the most nutrient dense foods on the planet. There have been some suggestions that these vegetables are not good for those who suffer from poor thyroid health, however, this is only true in the event that there are very low levels of iodine in the body. 

Cruciferous Vegetables include; 

• Arugula
• Bok Choy
• Broccoli
• Brussel Sprouts
• Cabbage
• Cauliflower
• Collard Greens
• Kale
• Mustard greens
• Radish
• Turnip
• Watercress

Brazil Nuts

These are the richest dietary source of selenium, which is essential in converting thyroxine to its active form, T3. You need selenium for glutathione production to help decrease thyroid antibodies. A suggested serving in a small handful 3-5 nuts, every day. 

Sea Vegetables

Remember that concern for low iodine mentioned above? Sea vegetables to the rescue! Sea vegetables are rich in iodine. Iodine attaches to tyrosine (an amino acid) to form thyroxine. Having enough iodine in your diet is important to limit the ability of thyroid hormones which can inhibit thyroid function. 

Sea Vegetables include; 

• Nori
• Kelp
• Hijiki
• Kombu
• Wakame
• Arame
• Dulse

Chlorophyll

You might consider consuming a shot of chlorophyll every morning, or I might suggest foods that are also rich in this area;

• Dark, leafy greens especially spinach, kale, chard & collards
• Fresh herbs like parsley, dill and cilantro
• Sprouts
• Wheatgrass
• Matcha whole leaf green tea
• Green vegetables & fruit like peas, asparagus, broccoli, grapes & celery

Two Foods You NEED to Avoid for Thyroid Health

Gluten! Stay away! The molecular structure of gliadin, the protein portion of gluten, closely resembles that of the thyroid gland. When gliadin breaches the protective barrier of the gut, and enters the bloodstream, the immune system tags it for destruction. These antibodies to gliadin also cause the body to attack thyroid tissue. This means if you have AITD and you eat foods containing gluten, your immune system will attack your thyroid. (mind, body, green) 

Soy Protein Isolate – BIG no no! This means no junky soy foods like soy cheese, soy yogurt, energy bars with soy protein isolate, soy burgers and soy-based ‘meats’. There are mixed reviews overall on soy protein, but there are too many relationships between that two (2) that it is recommended to avoid the confusion and/or likelihood and stay away. 

Lastly, manage your stress, eat clean and consider the right types of supplements (in the event your diet lacks the necessities) to help prevent, manage and restore your thyroid health. 

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Thank you so much for visiting! I hope you have found some valuable information, if so, I’d love to hear about it! Please feel free to share this post with anyone who might benefit, and comments are always welcomed and appreciated. 

I look forward to connecting with you next time!

And be sure to check out why you should order your family’s next meal courtesy of Ki’s Kitchen  

From our kitchen to yours,

Love + Peace

Kiran 

– See more at: https://kiskitchen.com/2017/04/20/plant-based-iron/#sthash.Dr6Wvjv5.dpuf