If you or someone you know is dealing with a thyroid condition including Hashimoto’s, Graves’, or general hypothyroidism, there are a few basic things you can do to make a dramatic impact on your thyroid health. Not surprisingly, the most important one has to do with the foods you eat!
Just like any other gland or tissue in the body, the thyroid needs certain nutrients in order to function at its best. Selecting the right kinds of foods (preferably organically-grown produce, pasture-raised animal protein, and high-quality organic fats) will have the greatest impact on how well your thyroid is able to function and repair itself. So, let’s take a quick look at the 7 best superfoods for your thyroid!
Bone Broth
Aside from providing important minerals that are easily absorbed by the body and needed by the thyroid, bone broth helps soothe and heal the gut lining, improves your immune system and provides an abundance of collagen which makes your skin look and feel wonderful!
Fermented Foods
Foods like sauerkraut or kefir deliver your body plenty of ‘good bacteria’ to help maintain a healthy gut, provide a greater sense of well-being, and create an environment that helps with the conversion of T4 to T3. While shopping, look for products that are traditionally-prepared and try to avoid glass jars or other heat-sealed containers.
Green Smoothies
These are an excellent way to increase your intake of highly nutritious food and reduce the stress on your digestive system. Once blended, contents become ‘chopped up,’ making them easier to digest and absorb. Consider adding some protein to your smoothie for a more balanced drink. (We’ve got some great protein powders if you’d like help selecting one.)
Beets
These small but mighty superfoods are loaded with nutrients to help your thyroid. Beets are rich in betaine and therefore help the liver break down and eliminate harmful chemicals and toxins. Consider steaming rather than roasting in order to maximize the nutrient potential and provide the greatest benefit.
Cruciferous Vegetables
You may have been told to avoid this family of foods if you have a thyroid condition. However, unless you are eating large quantities at every meal, there is no need for concern. Just 1-2 moderate servings of steamed or fermented cruciferous veggies per day will provide loads of nutrients your thyroid loves. If you prefer not to eat them, we recommend taking a high-quality supplement. Let us know if you need help or would like to hear our suggestion.
Fiber
Enough cannot be said about the importance of adequate fiber in the diet, regardless of whether you have a thyroid condition or not. Soluble and insoluble fiber are both very important. However, insoluble fiber acts like a sponge, mopping up debris, toxins and helping remove excess hormones out of the body. Choose high fiber foods including pine nuts, peas, raspberries, beans, and chia seeds and aim for 30-40g per day.
Turmeric
This spice, when combined with fenugreek fiber, can have a dramatic impact on the thyroid and the rest of the body. Helpful for reducing inflammation and providing plenty of antioxidant support, turmeric is also antibacterial and antiviral, helping remove various heavy metals and toxins, as well as supporting the gut and liver. Definitely one of our favorites but beware – most turmeric on the market won’t have the same effect. Let us know and we’ll get you hooked up with the good stuff!
Although these seven foods are excellent for supporting the thyroid, they are extremely beneficial for anything else going on as well! All foods are loaded with hundreds and thousands of small phytochemicals that have the power to radically transform your health. If you are facing a health challenge and need someone to help you figure out the underlying cause and then create a plan to correct it, let us know. We’d be honored to help.