Best Foods for Thyroid Health and Function

The thyroid is the queen of all the glands, behind the pituitary and the hypothalamus in the brain. Thyroid sits in front of the throat and is responsible for multiple cellular, organ and gland function throughout the body. Pretty much every cell in the body requires proper thyroid hormones to function properly, to activate metabolism, to replicate and regenerate and to heal. Without proper thyroid hormone function, fatigue, hair loss, dry skin, sleep concerns, appetite changes, constipation or diarrhea, brain fog, digestive issues, hormone balance and many other symptoms set in.

Food can be used as the first line of defense to support healthy thyroid function. Below is a list of foods that support thyroid function.

Thyroid food therapy

Choose:

• Seaweed, kelp

• Cooked or steamed cruciferous vegetables

• Coconut oil, avocado oil, extra virgin olive oil, ghee sold in glass containers

• Himalayan or trace mineral salt

• Seeds: chia, flaxseed, hemp, sesame, pumpkin, sunflower seeds

• Filtered water (preferably reverse osmosis with minerals added)

• Selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, wild salmon and sardines, pasture-raised organic eggs, mushrooms, 100% grass-fed beef or lamb.

Avoid:

• Soy products, dairy and iodized salt

• Gluten (rye, oats, barley, spelt, wheat)

• Canned foods/drinks

• Tuna, halibut, swordfish to reduce metal exposure

• Teflon, aluminum foil and cookware

Learn more about natural therapeutic options for hypothyroidism and understand the thyroid’s role in aging and wellness when you read The Golden Gate book.

To have a comprehensive evaluation and personalized therapeutic plan to address your thyroid and other hormones, reach out to Holistique Medical Center.