If you're feeling short of energy, the first place you might go is your coffee machine. But if you're suffering from a low thyroid problem, a few changes in your diet will probably work far better.
The great news is that following a low thyroid diet need not be a chore. Most of the foods on this list have numerous other health benefits and can make some delicious recipes.
Use this as an opportunity not only to get your thyroid working properly, but to improve your general health too!
Deficiencies of Tyrosine have been linked to hypothyroidism, so you should ensure that your diet contains plenty of this helpful amino acid. Tyrosine combines with Iodine (see sources of Iodine below) to help activate the Thyroid gland.
Here is a comprehensive list of the best sources of Tyrosine.
Without adequate protein the thyroid can't function properly, even if the sufferer is taking suitable thyroid medication.
Many of the sources of tyrosine listed on this page are also high in protein. Think lean meats, fish, poultry and low fat dairy products or eggs.
Try to combine the foods on this page together in healthy, energy-rich meals. For example
A quick way to stimulate your thyroid gland function is to increase your Iodine intake with a seaweed salad.
Kelp extract supplements are one of the most potent sources of Iodine, but you should also try eating lots of different types of seaweed and seafood.
A great salad to try is seaweed, tuna and avocado. Add some brown rice pasta if you want something a little more filling.
This trace mineral is found in the soil and absorbed by plants, so Selenium levels in your food will depend on where the plant was grown or where the animal grazed.
Only a little Selenium is necessary for the thyroid to function properly. Brazil nuts have a very high amount, so eating just a few will be sufficient.
Other good sources are beef, tuna, and brown rice.
A high fiber diet is important to get your digestive system moving and regulate your insulin levels. Here are some ideas:
Although it’s much better if you can obtain enough fiber from real foods, you can also use fiber supplements such as Psyllium husk. Constipation is sometimes a symptom of hypothyroidism, so you can try these supplements if things aren’t moving fast enough.
It’s a fact that most of us do not get enough Omega-3 oils in our diet to maintain optimum thyroid health. Deficiencies of this fatty acid have been linked to lower thyroid hormone levels.
In recent studies it has been shown that an increased intake of Omega 3 fatty acids can help to balance blood sugar levels and control appetite. And (as if that wasn’t enough), they also reduce levels of Cortisol, a stress hormone responsible for storing fat.
Good sources of this metabolism-boosting acid are:
Speed up your metabolism by drinking more water. A healthy, well-hydrated body is important to flush out toxins and metabolize fats.
What’s the simplest way to determine if you are consuming enough water? Take a look at the color of your urine. If it is colorless or light yellow you are on the right track; if it's any darker you need to increase your water intake.
A couple of last tips on how to manage your food intake:
Since a slow metabolism is an unfortunate symptom of a low-producing thyroid, spreading meals throughout the day if a great way to keep the metabolism running..fuel to the fire.
Also make sure to eat breakfast. If you skip it, your body will enter its 'starve' mode early in the day and it will be hard to break out. To keep your metabolism working all through the day, eat small, low calorie snacks between meals.
