My last blog looked at how your thyroid hormone levels can be ‘normal’ although you’re experiencing all the symptoms of thyroid dysfunction (if you missed it, read it HERE).
If you have received a diagnosis of hypothyroidism, Hashimoto’s or even subclinical hypothyroidism you will want to read on.
Often after diagnosis, only one option is offered: life-long thyroid medication.
Understandably not everyone wants to head down that track. I commonly get asked about holistic ways to treat an under active thyroid.
This blog will focus on nutrients that are vital to thyroid health and I’ve even put together a 5 day Easy Thyroid Diet Plan for you.
Lets begin your healing journey today by making these thyroid-supporting changes.
Whilst there are many diet & lifestyle options for you to choose from, here are some of the most consistently effective for you to consider.
Iodine-Rich Foods
Your thyroid gland takes the iodine in your food and converts it to T3 and T4.
The problem is that many people don’t eat many iodine-rich foods, which means the thyroid isn’t getting the raw material (iodine plus its cofactors) to produce hormones.
Combine this with the fact that soils have become naturally low in iodine, plus inadequate iodine impacts immunity, and you can see how thyroid problems are ripe to develop.
Some Iodine rich foods you want to include in your diet are:
If you think food sources aren’t sufficient and are considering iodine supplementation, please discuss this with your naturopath as every thyroid disorder requires individual treatment.
It’s a fine balance, if you have too much iodine, your thyroid could go the other way and become overactive.
Selenium
The thyroid gland has the highest tissue concentration of selenium in the body.
A selenium deficiency reduces the formation of thyroid hormones and the conversion of T4 to T3.
This decreased production and sends the thyroid into overdrive to produce more hormones and ultimately drives the TSH levels up and up.
Essentially this fast tracked hormone production leads to damage of the thyroid tissue. Ironically selenium is a powerful antioxidant which protects the thyroid from damage.
Selenium has also shown to reduce thyroid antibodies (TPOAb and TgAb).
Some Selenium rich foods you want to include in your diet are:
You’ll see some foods listed are rich in both Iodine and Selenium. I’ve created an Easy Thyroid Diet Plan to help you get the most out of your food.
Try Gluten Free
If you have a thyroid condition, you may be sensitive to gluten and not know it. This is the case for many people with Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s, and it’s a problem because when gluten-sensitive people consume gluten, it may damage the gut lining, interfere with hormones and can eventually cause inflammation that impacts the thyroid.
A 2019 study by Krysiak et al, found a gluten free diet reduced thyroid antibodies bringing clinical benefits to women suffering from autoimmune thyroid disease.
It’s true that being told you have Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s can be stressful; but, it doesn’t mean your future has to be filled with medication and restrictions.
On the contrary, know that many people who now feel energised and healthy were once in your position.
Being open to change and willing to explore your options is how you can return to good health too.
Simply start incorporating one, or all, of the above suggestions and see how you feel.
I’ve gone on step ahead and created a FREE 5 day Easy Thyroid Diet Plan for you. Just click the button below and get your plan.