Eating to Help Hypothyroidism

Most of my clients complain of hypothyroidism (low thyroid function).  They have been to the doctor and their tests have come back normal, but yet they have strong indicators of hypothyroidism.  The test that the doctor uses is flawed and will not show accurate results.  They don't even test your adrenals and they could be causing you problems with the same symptoms as the thyroid.  Hypothyroidism is believed to be one of the most under-diagnosed health conditions today.  So many of the symptoms can be attributed to other factors, which makes hypothyroidism very difficult to diagnose.  As you age, your risk increases, particularly for women in menopause. 

A hair analysis is a very accurate way of diagnosing both thyroid and adrenal problems.  This will show if you have hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), which is less common. If it does show a problem, it can be treated with glandular extracts, not the synthetic stuff the doctors prescribe.  

Food plays an important role in the function of the glands.  Some of the very healthiest foods can be "unhealthy" to the glands.  Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, spinach, radishes, soybeans, peaches, peanuts, and pine nuts are just a few that will cause stress on the thyroid.  They contain a natural substance that interferes with the production of thyroid hormones.  Many people believe that cooking these vegetables will inactivate these substances. 

There are at least a dozen vitamins and minerals recommended for prevention of low thyroid function.  Iodine is probably the most recognized.  Iodine combines with the amino acid tyrosine and produces thyroid hormones.  Good sources of tyrosine include fish, dairy, oats, sesame seeds, bananas, avocados, and almonds.  Vitamins such as B2, B3, B6, B12, A, C, E, and Zinc all help to improve the function of the thyroid. 

TIPS:

1.  Make sure your salt contains iodine.

2.  Cook foods, which inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.

3.  Eat foods that are rich in tyrosine.

4.  Use olive oil for all your cooking.  This will add vitamin E to your diet.  Put nuts in salads.

5.  Use raw herbs as garnish for cooked foods.  This will add vitamins.

6.  Eat a lot of foods that are rich in beta-carotene - sweet potatoes, winter squash, etc.

7.  Switch to purified water - reverse osmosis is the best. Fluoride has been thought to reduce the thyroid function. 

Stay Strong!