In my previous article, we looked at what the thyroid gland does, and the main two thyroid disorders that people suffer from. This article we will be looking at thyroid dietary recommendations to help you manage your thyroid condition.
Foods alone may not cure your thyroid disorder. However, a combination of the right nutrients, diet and lifestyle changes can help restore thyroid function and minimize your symptoms.
If you have a thyroid issue, I suggest that you take into consideration the following thyroid dietary recommendations:
Avoid
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Sugars particularly sweets, biscuits, cakes, pastries, white potatoes.
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Deep fried foods and trans fats in pizza, hamburgers, chips, and processed foods, etc.
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Dairy products like milk, cheese and ice-cream.
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Gluten containing grains like breads, cakes, biscuits and pastas.
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Excessive amounts of caffeine and alcohol.
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Processed foods containing Artificial flavours, colours, preservatives, sweeteners, glutamates like MSG.
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If you have an autoimmune condition you should be careful with nightshade vegetables like tomato, white potatoes, eggplant, capsicum and chili.
Take
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Grass fed meats, including lamb, beef, chicken, kangaroo, etc.
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Wild caught fish like salmon, snapper, wild barramundi, flat head.
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Adequate amounts of vegetables: — cruciferous vegetables are fine to eat in moderate amounts, especially when cooked.
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Fresh fruits: especially berries, papaya, pineapple, cherries.
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Gluten free grains and seeds: rice, buckwheat, quinoa, chia seeds, and flax seeds.
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Beverages: filtered or spring water and other non-caffeinated beverages like herbal teas.
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For low thyroid include seaweed in your diet or sea salt to increase iodine levels. Hyperthyroid patients should avoid seaweed except in small doses.
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Probiotic foods like water or dairy kefir and miso.
Supplementation
Many cases of hypo or low thyroid hormones are due to deficiencies in iodine, selenium and zinc which results in inadequate production of thyroid hormones whereas hyperthyroidism may be due to an excess of iodine resulting in the overproduction of thyroid hormones. The best way to check your thyroid levels is through a urine test.
There are many herbal supplements which may assist with thyroid conditions such as Withania, Siberian Ginseng, Astragalus, Bacopa for low thyroid and Lemon Balm and Motherwort for hyperthyroidism. However, it is best to consult with a trained herbalist for a personalised formula.
Thyroid Management Plan
Exercise and stress management also form a vital part of any thyroid management plan. Yoga, pilates and cardiovascular exercises like swimming, cycling, walking and jogging should be a regular part of your routine at least 4 times per week. Breathing, exercises and meditation are also good ways to reduce stress.
Unfortunately I find many thyroid disorders go undiagnosed so if you are suffering from unexplained low mood, fatigue or unexplained weight gain, it is important to find a practitioner who takes the time to listen and order the appropriate tests to assess your thyroid.
Please note: that thyroid disorders are one of my areas of specialities within my private practice, so, if you have any concerns regarding your thyroid condition, please get in contact with me.
