How Nutrition Plays A Key Role In Your Thyroid’s Function

Thyroid Health

The thyroid is a small gland located at the base of the neck. Despite its size, it has an influence on nearly every system in the body. Thyroid health plays a key role in the balance of your body’s systems—when the thyroid is functioning at its best, it helps maintain balance in your body. When your thyroid isn’t functioning well, however, it can lead to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, which can disrupt your quality of life.

nutritional food for thyroid health

Nutrition’s Role In Thyroid Health

Nutrition plays a key role in thyroid health. Whether you’re looking to support your thyroid’s function or manage your thyroid medical condition, our Registered Dietitians at Nourish to Flourish can help in your goal to maintain thyroid health. Below, we have outlined some important foods and nutrients that can make a difference in your thyroid health.

Iodine

Iodine is an important part of making sure your thyroid produces enough hormones. Without enough iodine, you can develop hypothyroidism. Iodine rich foods include:

  • Seaweed
  • Fish
  • Dairy products
  • Eggs
  • Iodized salt

Selenium

Selenium is a powerful antioxidant that plays a key role in converting thyroid hormones into their active forms. It also helps protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can impair its function. Some of the best sources of selenium include:

  • Brazil nuts (only one to two nuts per day)
  • Sunflower seeds
  • Fish and seafood
  • Whole grains such as brown rice and oats
  • Mushrooms

Zinc

When it comes to your thyroid health, zinc is another essential mineral. Zinc deficiencies have been linked to hypothyroidism, and supplementation may help normalize thyroid function in people who are deficient. Great sources of zinc include:

  • Pumpkin seeds
  • Nuts
  • Shellfish, especially oysters
  • Meat
  • Legumes such as chickpeas and lentils

Vitamin D

Vitamin D is critical for your immune system, which can impact your thyroid health. Low levels of vitamin D are common in people with autoimmune thyroid diseases, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease. Making sure your vitamin D levels are at a healthy level can help your thyroid function and even reduce the risk of autoimmune thyroid disorders. Good sources of vitamin D include:

  • Sunlight
  • Fatty fish, such as salmon or sardines
  • Fortified dairy products, plant milks, and cereals
  • Egg yolks

Iron

Iron is used to produce thyroid hormones and is essential for overall metabolic function. If you become deficient in iron, it can slow down your thyroid. The best sources of iron are:

  • Red meats like beef or lamb
  • Poultry
  • Legumes
  • Dark leafy greens

Healthy Fats

Thyroid hormones are made from fats. Healthy fats, including omega-3 fatty acids, can help support your thyroid function. Some fantastic sources of healthy facts are:

  • Avocados
  • Olive oil
  • Fatty fish
  • Flaxseeds and chia seeds
  • Walnuts

Vitamin B12

Hypothyroidism and low levels of vitamin B12 often go hand in hand. If you are deficient in vitamin B12, it can actually make your thyroid function worse. To combat this, we recommend eating a diet rich in vitamin B12, including:

  • Fish such as sardines, salmon, or tuna
  • Fortified dairy or non-dairy milks
  • Eggs
  • Red meat, such as beef or lamb

A Holistic Approach To
Thyroid Function

A well-balanced diet is especially important for supporting your thyroid health. However, thyroid function can be influenced by a combination of factors, including genetics, stress, sleep and physical activity. At Nourish to Flourish, we can help guide you through the right dietary choices and lifestyle changes to nourish your body and improve your thyroid’s health. If you’re interested in learning more about how we can help you in your journey to better thyroid health, please call us at (804) 592-0095 to schedule an appointment or fill out our online appointment request form.

Compassionate Nutritional Counseling For Your Best Health

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