Thyroid Gland Diseases & Disorders- How Nutrition Can Help

Hypothyroidism  

  and 

Hyperthyroidism

What is the difference? 

Hypothyroidism is the result of reduced effects of thyroid hormone on tissues. 

Hyperthyroidism / Thyrotoxicosis is the result of excess thyroid hormone on tissues.

Both conditions produce a long list of symptoms. 

 

Many individuals who have problems with their thyroid go back and forth between hyper and hypo. It can be a challenge to get the thyroid level at normal.

 

There are medications for both conditions. However, whether medication is used or not, nutrition can help.

 

In some cases, nutrition along with specific herbs can keep thyroid levels normal without any medication.    

 

The following are some suggestions to help treat thyroid problems with nutrition:

Millet is a great food to eat to treat any thyroid condition.

Iodine- Main sources:

Sea vegetables: Kelp, nori, kombu, dulse, arame, wakame, hijiki

Seafood: Haddock, clams, salmon, shrimp, oysters, sardines, Iodized sea salt 


Eggs, spinach, garlic, asparagus, Swiss chard, mushrooms, summer squash, sesame seeds, lima beans

Selenium
Tuna, mushrooms, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts

Zinc
Walnuts, sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts, pecans, almonds, split peas, ginger root

Copper
Nuts, sunflower seeds, beans (white beans, chickpeas, soybeans), shitake mushrooms, pearled barley, tomato paste, dark chocolate

Iron
Organ meats, oysters, clams, spinach, lentils, soybeans, white beans, pumpkin seeds, blackstrap molasses
Vitamin A (beta-carotene)
Broccoli, asparagus, lettuce, kale, carrots, spinach, sweet potatoes, liver, winter squash/pumpkin, cantaloupe

Vitamin C
Broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, greens (mustard, collard, kale, turnip), parsley, peppers (chili, Bell, sweet), strawberries, guava, papaya, citrus, kiwifruit

Vitamin E
Peanuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, beans,  asparagus, leafy green vegetables

Vitamin B2
Egg yolks, wild rice, almonds 

Reference: Woman to Woman

Foods to Avoid:
Sugar, Wheat, Processed Foods, Most Starches -As Well As Most Dairy.

Minimal dairy with no added sugar is okay such as plain Kefir Probiotic drink.

                       By Diane Gammon M.S. Clinical Mental Health Counselor 

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