Top 7 Foods to Improve Thyroid Function

Thyroid hormones have been linked to regulating metabolism, body temperature, muscular action, and heartbeat.

When the thyroid gland becomes overactive - also known as hypothyroidism - it can cause fatigue, depression, constipation, and other major health issues.

Hypothyroidism develops when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones to satisfy your body's requirements.

Although several medications may help restore thyroid hormone levels, they also come with some severe side effects.

That is why more and more people are turning to natural ways to heal and balance thyroid hormones. And of all the ways, consuming thyroid friendly foods is the most appropriate option to ensure optimal functioning of the thyroid gland without putting your body at risk.

“Thyroid function can be bolstered by taking a well-balanced diet,” says Gregory B. Dodell, MD, assistant clinical professor of medicine, endocrinology, diabetes, and bone disease at Mount Sinai in New York City.

In light of this, we’re going to take a look at the top 7 foods that help restore thyroid hormone levels.

However, for faster results, you can check out our Thyroid Rescue 911, a blend of proven antioxidants, amino acids & anti-inflammatory ingredients to support the optimal functioning of your thyroid gland.

And before we shed light on these thyroid enhancing foods and how exactly they help restore thyroid functions, let’s bust some myths surrounding something called the “thyroid diet”:

❌ Cruciferous Vegetables Aggregates Thyroid Problems

The common misconception is cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, kale, and others alter the way the thyroid uses iodine – which plays a pivotal role in thyroid hormone production. This is not backed by science and is as true as the existence of unicorns!

❌ You Must Consume Iodine Supplements

You shouldn’t consume iodine supplements if you have the availability of items that contain iodine, such as seaweed, eggs, chicken, fish/shellfish, etc.

❌ Thyroid Patients Need Special Diets

The importance of eating a healthy, balanced diet cannot be overstated, regardless of whether a person is with or without health complications. Thyroid-related issues cannot be caused or treated by diet alone.

❌ Hypothyroidism Causes Weight Gain

An under active thyroid may contribute to a weight gain of 5 to 7 pounds, but beyond this, the thyroid doesn’t impact weight as much.

Now let’s look at some proven thyroid-friendly foods you can add to your diet today:

1. Fiber-Rich Beans

Beans are a low-cost, adaptable food and are an excellent source of long-lasting energy, which might be beneficial if you have fatigue due to hypothyroidism.

Protein, antioxidants, complex carbs, and other vitamins and minerals may all be found in beans.

Additionally, they contain a lot of fiber, which is advantageous if you struggle with constipation - a side effect of hypothyroidism.

If you've never had beans before, there are many different kinds to try, such as you can add them to soups, salads, stews, and entrées as a basis or as a side dish.

2. Selenium-Rich Brazil Nuts

One of the richest sources of dietary selenium is Brazil nuts, which contain 1917 mcg of selenium per 100 g serving. Selenium aids thyroid gland function by accelerating thyroid hormone synthesis and increasing metabolism.

Having optimal selenium in the body is essential because selenium insufficiency diminishes T-3 hormone levels and the T-3/T-4 ratio. The perfect T3 and T4 ratio is essential to regulate how your body utilizes energy and ensure the optimal production of the thyroid hormones.

And it’s one of the chief ingredients of our powerful Thyroid Rescue 911.

Besides containing selenium, Brazil nuts contain arginine, which helps reduce body fat.

3. Winner Winner Chicken Dinner!

Protein and selenium, two nutrients crucial for thyroid function, are both plentifully found in chicken.

A 100-gram portion of raw chicken breast includes about 0.68 gram of tyrosine, a non-essential amino acid needed for thyroid hormone production.’

Chicken is also high in dopamine, which help promotes metabolism and controls food cravings.

And since chicken is a rich source of vitamin B-12, it helps keep the thyroid gland functioning properly. Vitamin B-12 deficiency is linked to reducing the conversion of T-4 to T-3.

4. Delicious Whole Grains

One typical symptom of hypothyroidism is constipation. Foods made from whole grains, such as cereal, bread, pasta, and rice, are all rich in minerals and fiber, both of which can promote regular bowel movements.

However, too much fiber may prevent your hypothyroidism treatment from succeeding.

Some hypothyroidism patients opt to forgo whole grains altogether. However, if you decide to consume them, “it is advised to take your thyroid medication many hours before or after consuming dietary fiber-rich foods,” says Virginia Turner, MS, RD, LDN, clinical nutrition manager with Morrison Healthcare based in Tennessee.

5. Tasty Baked Fish

Omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, which both works to reduce inflammation, are abundant in fish.

Selenium is required for thyroid hormone, metabolism, reproduction, DNA synthesis, and protection against infection and damage caused by oxidative stress.

And since thyroid problems could be significantly impacted by inflammation, one of the most important approaches to managing the symptoms is to reduce inflammation.

To receive a good serving of Omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, baked salmon, cod, sea bass, haddock, or perch are all optimal options for lunch or dinner.

6. Iodine Dense Seaweed

Iodine, a vital vitamin for thyroid function, is found abundantly in seaweed. Iodine, according to Dr. Dodell, is a precursor to the creation of thyroid hormone. Sushi, soups, and salads can all be made with seaweed, which comes in the forms of nori, wakame, and dulse. Additionally, seaweed is a wonderful source of calcium, fiber, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.

Dodell warns that the overconsumption of iodine may exacerbate thyroid illness.

However, the American Thyroid Association asserts that taking iodine-containing supplements increases your risk of developing this condition. Before increasing your iodine consumption, consider consulting with your doctor.

7. Do You Like Eggs?

Eggs are a good source of iodine and selenium. Eat the entire egg, yolk, and all, for more health advantages, especially since the yolk contains most of the nutrients. And you can enjoy it in a variety of ways, such as in veggie-packed omelets, frittatas, and breakfast burritos,

Conclusion

In this article, we’ve taken into account the top foods that are proven to aid in bettering thyroid functions.

We also busted some common myths that have been around for years surrounding thyroid health.

The top seven foods included we shed light on contain all the essential nutrients and vitamins your body needs to build a powerful shield against thyroid dysfunction.

Within months of consuming these foods, you’ll witness drastic changes to your thyroid health.

However, if you want to control hypothyroidism from the get-go, then take a look at PhytAge Laboratories Thyroid Rescue 911™, which has been perfected for middle-aged individuals and beyond to give your thyroid what it needs to maintain optimal harmony, balance, and functionality.