Foods for Low Thyroid Levels - Low Thyroid Diet

The thyroid hormone is produced by the thyroid gland, which is situated just below the larynx. Thyroid gland is a key gland of the endocrine system. The basic function of the thyroid gland is to change iodine from the food ingested by the body into the thyroid hormone, which is essential for regulating the metabolism of the body. Thyroid, secreted in excess amounts as well as lesser than its demand creates several health problems. The condition of low thyroid levels in the body, also referred as hypothyroidism occurs due to low production of the thyroid hormones by the thyroid gland. Low thyroid levels in infants is referred as 'Cretinism'.

Experts suggest that there is no specific diet for underactive thyroid. However, there are certain foods that can stimulate the function of the thyroid gland thereby aiding the process of bringing thyroid levels to normal in the body along with appropriate medication. On the other hand, there are also certain foods that are harmful for those with low thyroid levels, particularly when they take the synthetic thyroid hormone. Here, we discuss both and help you discover what kind of foods may be helpful for low thyroid levels. Before we do that, let's take a quick look at the symptoms of low thyroid levels in the body.

Symptoms of Low Thyroid Levels

Both, men and women suffer from low thyroid levels; though it has been found that women are more prone to developing this condition. There are many symptoms of this silent disease called hypothyroidism. Some of them include:

• Weakness, sluggishness and fatigue
• Immune system problems
• Weight gain
• Constipation
• Hair loss
• Dry skin
• Poor memory
• Nervousness
• Cold hands and feet
• Pain in joints
• Depression
• Obesity
• Heavy menstrual periods in women

These are the initial symptoms of low thyroid levels that people often tend to ignore. These symptoms might sound very casual in the beginning, but if not diagnosed and treated early on, they can prove harmful later. Hypothyroidism is triggered by several causes, one of them being incorrect eating habits. So if you have some of the above symptoms, then it becomes essential to consult a physician and follow a healthy diet plan based on his suggestions.

Low Thyroid Diet

Low thyroid levels cause the body's metabolism rate to reduce significantly, which is why the tendency to gain weight increases. By eating certain foods and avoiding others, you may be able to enhance the function of the thyroid gland and thus control your weight. Of course, this method is likely to be more effective when it is used as a supplement to appropriate hypothyroidism medication and hormone replacement therapy if necessary. Given below is a list of some of the best nutrients for low thyroid.

Protein and Fatty Acids
Some health experts attribute low protein levels to the development of hypothyroidism. The thyroid glands may not function suitably without enough protein, so food that is rich in protein must constitute a part of your daily diet. Food rich in protein also proves very useful when it comes to controlling weight. You may obtain this nutrient by eating seafood in the form of tuna, mackerel, salmon, and shellfish, and lean meat (all animal sources of protein - including milk and eggs - should preferably be organic). Beans are also a great source of protein. Seafood (particularly salmon) also contains healthy fatty acids that help the body maintain its hormonal system. Fatty acids and proteins are also found in nuts such as almonds and pecans*, milk, and egg whites. All these foods should form a part of your daily diet.

*Walnuts and peanuts are also good sources of fatty acids, but these are not recommended for those suffering from low thyroid levels as they are known to further impair the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Iodine Rich Foods
More than 2/3 of the body iodine is secreted by the thyroid gland. Hence, iodine deficiency is the most basic reason behind underactive thyroid glands. However, hypothyroidism due to iodine deficiency is rare in developed countries because salt and other products are usually iodine enriched. Foods such as cheese, sea and table salt, seafood such as cod fish and haddock fish along with fish oil, and seaweed such as sea kelp are foods rich in iodine*. You may enhance your iodine intake only after undergoing a test for iodine deficiency and consulting your physician about the changes you wish to introduce in your diet, or before taking iodine supplements.

*While iodine is an essential nutrient for low thyroid levels, an overdose can also negatively affect the thyroid gland's ability to produce the hormone.

Selenium Rich Foods
Selenium is a great antioxidant with high amounts of essential anti-aging and anti-cancer enzymes. Selenium also helps rebuild the immune system. It has been touted as one of the most important nutrients that helps regulate thyroid levels. Selenium is present in various natural forms such as brown rice, wild rice, whole wheat, quinoa, buckwheat, Brazil nuts (only one or two should be consumed), raisins, molasses, onions, garlic, animal products like cheese and eggs, chicken, beef, and also in some fish like tuna. It is also present in other products like cod fish, turkey and oats. Shellfish are also major sources of selenium. There are chances of developing side effects of selenium, if it exceeds 400 mg in the body. Monitor these levels closely when consuming selenium-rich foods.

*Lots of websites may tell you that soybeans are also good sources of selenium. However, soy affects healthy function of the thyroid gland and should therefore be avoided in all forms including tofu, edamame and soy milk.

Fiber and Vitamins
Dietary fiber* is essential for healthy digestion and aids weight loss. Vitamins A and D are essential for healthy function of the thyroid gland, and deficiencies of the same may result in low thyroid levels. It is therefore important to include foods rich in all these nutrients in your diet. While foods mentioned in the aforementioned lists are rich in these nutrients, there are some more that you should consume. Most fruits** are beneficial for their fiber and vitamin content, egg yolks are good for vitamin D, and carrots are great for their vitamin A levels.

*Fiber is extremely healthy, but an excess can affect the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone.
**Among fruits, peaches, pears and strawberries should be avoided as these are not very healthy foods for low thyroid levels. The intake of bananas, avocados, dates, and plums should be limited.

Some More Helpful Food Items

The relationship between food and low thyroid levels has become quite apparent. Apart from the aforementioned foods, there are several others that you may consume, and others that should completely avoid. Here's a list of some more foods that you may consume:

• Vegetables: Peppers, Okra, Artichokes, Cucumber, Celery, Carrots, Tomatoes, Zucchini, Leeks, Mushrooms, Potatoes (limited quantity), Squash, Pumpkin, Sea Kelp
• Beans: Kidney Beans, Navy Beans, Mung Beans, Lima Beans, Black Beans, Pinto Beans
• Meat: Chicken, Seafood, Lean Turkey, Beef and Lamb, Eggs
• Fruits: Prunes, Figs, Cranberries, Raspberries, Blueberries, Apples, Grapefruit, Papaya, Kiwi, Cherries, Pineapples

Herbs such as turmeric, ginger and black pepper are also great and allow for the stimulation of the thyroid gland. Some of the aforementioned foods are also rich in iron, which is helpful when trying to regulate thyroid levels in the body.

While some experts suggest that coconut oil may be helpful in stimulating the thyroid gland and should undoubtedly be a part of the hypothyroidism diet, there is no specific evidence to prove the same. It may be consumed but in limited amounts.

Food to Avoid with Low Thyroid Levels

It is very essential to keep in mind the food you should not eat when suffering from hypothyroidism. Patients suffering from low thyroid levels must avoid food products that can enhance thyroid problems. Here's a list of foods you should NOT be consuming (excluding those that have already been mentioned above) when following a low thyroid diet.

• Broccoli
• Cauliflower
• Spinach
• Kale
• Radish
• Cabbage
• Turnip
• Brussels Sprouts
• Millet
• Mustard Greens

These foods are popularly known as goitrogens as they hamper the function of the thyroid gland when you are already suffering from hypothyroidism.

Additional Helpful Tips

Finally, here are some tips that will make your diet for underactive thyroid a little more effective.

• Excessive amount of sugar intake can actually impair the function of the thyroid as well as adrenal glands. So sugar intake must be reduced considerably.
• Sometimes the casein present in milk products can harm the endocrine system.
• Junk food, fast food and alcohol should be consumed in minimal amounts.
• Daily exercise is an absolute must when following such a diet. It enhances the metabolism of the body and therefore may help regulate thyroid levels. You may choose whatever form of exercise you enjoy and are comfortable with, and perform it for 45 minutes to one hour everyday.
• Since low thyroid levels indicate poor functioning of the thyroid gland, health experts suggest eating 5-6 small meals daily rather than three large ones. Doing so keeps the metabolism active by providing constant fuel and energy to the body, and is likely to help regulate the function of the thyroid gland.

What has been listed above is arguably one of the best diet plans for people with underactive thyroid glands. Following a healthy diet with proper exercise, and getting a timely diagnosis of low thyroid levels with the appropriate treatment for this condition will help maintain your physical and mental well-being.

Disclaimer: This Buzzle article is for informative purposes only and does not, in any way, intend to replace the advice of a medical expert. Any changes in your diet for low thyroid levels should be made only after consulting your doctor.