Low thyroid function is increasingly gaining attention, with many people seeking alternative methods to treat this condition without prescription medications. Therefore, it’s important to understand the foods and nutrient supplements that can impair thyroid hormone function and those that can keep it functioning optimally.
**The Science of Thyroid-Blocking Foods****
When you search online for foods that can block your thyroid function, you’ll find a list of foods commonly reported by bloggers and natural health authors. However, scientific references may not be as easily available. Many of these foods contain “goitrogen”, which are substances known to interfere with thyroid function. Examples include plants in the Brassica genus, such as cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, turnip, and kale.
These vegetables contain glucosinolates that are converted into isothiocyanates by the enzyme myrosinase. Isothiocyanates are known for their anti-cancer properties. Additionally, foods that slow the thyroid include pine nuts, peanuts, flax seeds, millet, sweet potatoes, and fruits like strawberries, peaches, and pears.
**Soy Questions****
Despite soy-related foods potentially having health benefits, soy isoflavones have been shown to inhibit thyroid peroxidase (TPO), an essential enzyme needed to produce thyroid hormone naturally in your body. Iodine deficiency can worsen the anti-thyroid effect, whereas iodine supplementation can protect the thyroid.
**Recommended Foods and Supplements to Boost Thyroid Function****
Dietary ways to improve thyroid function include:
- Eat good animal protein from shellfish, fish, animal meats, fowl, cheeses, eggs, and dairy. There is also protein in fruits, vegetables, seeds, and nuts.
- Eat fresh organic produce, seeds, nuts, and non-gluten grains such as brown rice, oats, buckwheat, quinoa, cornmeal, popcorn, sorghum, teff, and amaranth. Keep in mind the goitrogenic foods and eat a balanced selection of produce.
- Eat healthy oils such as coconut oil, avocado, olive oil, and omega-3 oils.
**Gluten Complications****
Gluten is another factor affecting the thyroid gland. It’s essential to go on a gluten-free diet if you have celiac disease, which affects 1% of the American population. Its prevalence is two to five times higher in people with autoimmune thyroid disease. Going gluten-free is beneficial as autoantibodies can disappear six months after you begin this diet.
Please consult your healthcare professional before making any changes to your diet or supplement regimen, as individual circumstances may vary.
