Supporting Thyroid Function

NURTURE YOUR THYROID HEALTH WITH NATURAL METHODS AND LIFESTYLE CHOICES, EMPOWERING OPTIMAL FUNCTION AND OVERALL WELL-BEING

The thyroid gland is a small butterflyshaped gland in the neck, just in front of the windpipe. One of its main functions is to produce hormones that help control growth, cell repair, and metabolism — the process whereby your body converts food into energy. A number of nutrients play a key role in maintaining thyroid health, so you are able to support your thyroid with the dietary choices you make.

Several different disorders can arise when your thyroid produces too much hormone (hyperthyroidism) or not enough (hypothyroidism).

Four common disorders of the thyroid are Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (underactive thyroid, autoimmune), Graves’ disease (overactive thyroid, autoimmune), goitre (swollen thyroid gland), and thyroid nodules.

Foods alone won’t reverse thyroid disorders, but a combination of the right nutrients and medication can help restore impaired thyroid function and minimise your symptoms.

Tyrosine: Needed for thyroid hormone production and conversion

Iodine: Needed to make thyroid hormones

Zinc: Helps the body activate thyroid hormones

Use natural unrefined salt

Unrefined salts such as Himalayan or Celtic sea salt are rich in iodine and support the transport of iodine into the thyroid gland.

Avoid goitrogens

Goitrogens are naturally-occurring substances which can interfere with the thyroid’s iodine uptake. They can encourage the growth of the thyroid tissues leading to the development of a goitre. Found sources include:

Unfermented soya products (soya milk, tofu, soya mince etc. )

Cassava

Maize

Millet

Peanuts

Almonds

Walnuts

Pine nuts

Broccoli

Avocado, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, sunflower seeds, cashew nuts, Brazil nuts, bananas, tuna, chicken, prawns, salmon, herring, eggs, oats.

Sea vegetables (kombu, wakame, arame, dulse, hijiki, nori), sea fish, shellfish, sardines.

Seafood, shrimps, shellfish, oysters, fish, ginger, lean red meat (esp. lamb), nuts (esp. pecans, Brazils), peas, egg yolk, whole wheat, rye, oats, seeds (esp. pumpkin), rice, lentils, pulses, molasses.

Amanda is a registered Naturopathic Nutritionist and Nutrigenomics

Practitioner. Gut, Digestion and Microbiome Specialist www.amandakingnd.com

Email: nutrition@amandakingnd.com

Brussels sprouts

Cabbage

Cauliflower

Horseradish

Kale

Mustard

Swede/Turnip

Avoid fluoride

The thyroid needs a good supply of iodine to function. Fluoride competes with iodine reducing the amount available to make thyroid hormones. Fluoride is found in many toothpastes and mouthwashes, so it is a good idea to swap your usual brands for natural dental care products made without fluoride.

Avoid chlorine

The same can be said for chlorine, which also competes with iodine, reducing the amount available to make thyroid hormones. If you swim regularly, eat seaweed or take your iodine supplement prior to swimming to block the uptake of chlorine.

Eco packaging

Iron: Needed for thyroid hormone production and conversion

Selenium: Helps activates thyroid hormones so they can be used by the body

Copper: Closely linked to optimal thyroid hormone levels

Magnesium: Involved in thyroid hormone conversion

Seeds (esp. pumpkin and sesame), parsley, nuts (esp. almonds, cashews, Brazils, walnuts, pecans), prunes, raisins, dates, cooked dried beans, shellfish, fish (esp. sardines), lean red meat, cocoa, leafy green vegetables.

Tuna, oysters, molasses, eggs, mushrooms, cottage cheese, herring, courgettes, tomatoes, cod, chicken, nuts (esp. Brazils), onions, garlic.

Shellfish, lamb, pecans, sesame, hazelnuts, pistachios, Brazils, sunflower seeds, avocado, sweet potatoes, green leafy vegetables, plums, yeast, mushrooms, cocoa.

Buckwheat, nuts (esp. Brazils, pecans, hazelnuts, cashews, pistachios), cooked beans, lentils, garlic, raisins, apricots, dried figs, bananas, peas, potato skin, dark green leafy vegetables, avocado, poultry, fish, seafood, cocoa.

Reduce consumption of food packaged in plastic, cans, and Tetra Pak. Plastic bottles and the lining inside cans and Tetra Pak contain a compound called bisphenol-A which has been shown to interfere with thyroid function.

Natural sunscreen

Many commercial sunscreens contain chemicals (such as 4-methyl-benzylidene camphor [4-MBC]) which can interfere with thyroid function. Instead opt for a natural sunscreen e.g. Green People Sun Cream.

Avoid smoking and exposure to tobacco smoke

Tobacco is known to decrease secretion of thyroid hormone and block its action, making the symptoms of hypothyroidism worse.

Limit or avoid alcohol

Manganese: Facilitates thyroid hormone production

Watercress, pineapple, okra, endive, blackberries, raspberries, lettuce, grapes, lima beans, strawberries, oats, root vegetables (esp. beetroot), celery, eggs, nuts, wholemeal bread, fish, meats.

Alcohol changes thyroid function and reduces the levels of thyroid hormone. With a good diet, exercise, stress reduction, and proper medical guidance, individuals can actively support and maintain optimal thyroid function.

Naturopathic Nutritionist

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