Supercharge Your Thyroid Health: Is There A Thyroid Diet?

Winter 2019 Catalog Article

Supercharge Your Thyroid Health: Is There A Thyroid Diet?

Written by John Ejeh, BS, MS Clinical Nutrition

Director of Nutrition – Bronx (233rd St), New York John Ejeh holds a Bachelor's Degree and a Master's Degree in Human Nutrition and Dietetics from Long Island University Post. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Human Physiology from Nigeria. He is a Certified Personal Trainer with the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Email John: JEjeh@invitehealth.com

The role of the thyroid gland - the butterfly-shaped organ in the base of your neck - produces various hormones that impact key pathways for energy balance, with actions in the brain, heart, pancreas, liver, fat, and muscle. An underactive thyroid, referred to as hypothyroid is much more common than an overactive thyroid and otherwise healthy adults can experience slowing of this gland with age. Levothyroxine, a prescription of synthetic thyroid hormone is the usual treatment for underactive thyroid disease and it is one of the most commonly prescribed drugs in the world.

Nutrition Therapy

Nutrition interventions include supplementation with various micronutrients, vitamins, minerals (especially iodine), and monitoring the intake of certain foods or food groups.

The Thyroid Diet

Studies on dietary requirements and the roles of iodine and selenium supplementation are well established. Also, adequate intake of protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables is crucial to thyroid health. Contrary to this frequently consuming raw cruciferous vegetables and taking concentrated isoflavone supplements from soy have been shown to inhibit thyroid function.

Iodine: Thyroid hormone synthesis requires adequate intake of the mineral iodine. Conversely, chronic exposure to excess iodine intake may induce autoimmune thyroiditis (AITD). The recommended dietary allowance for iodine is 220 µg/day and 290 µg/day in pregnant and lactating women, respectively. 150 µg/day in adults seems adequate. Dietary sources of iodine include iodized salt, grains, and seafood such as fish and seaweed. Vegetables are not a rich source of iodine, therefore, vegetarians and vegans, may be at a higher risk for inadequate iodine.†

Selenium: Observational studies and randomized controlled trials have shown that selenium reduces the incidence of hypothyroidism and postpartum thyroiditis. The enzymes glutathione peroxidases which require selenium to function, enhance the formation of thyroid hormones. The US RDA for selenium in men and non-pregnant, non-lactating women is 55µg. Dietary sources of selenium include seafood and fish. Multiple Vitamins supply both Iodine and Selenium in measured amounts.†

Fiber and Microbiota/ Gut Flora: Vegetables, fruits, and whole grains provides the body with fibers which supports the balance of the trillions of bacteria living in us that will in turn steer the body’s immune system.†

Supplements to Supercharge Your Thyroid Health

• Thyroid Hx® provides support for the thyroid gland through the supply of important nutrients.†
• InVite® Performance Multivitamin & CoQ10 Ubiquinol provides needed energy for individuals experiencing fatigue and supports heart health.†
• Amino Acid Growth Factor supports the immune system, enhances microbiota cell wall integrity and may support thyroid health.†
• Probiotic Hx® supports digestive and immune system health, prevents leaky gut (increased intestinal permeability), and potential autoimmune activities that may lead to thyroid hormone imbalance.†
  

References:

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3. Leung A.M. The thyroid diet: Is there such a thing? 2018. www.Medscape.com/viewarticle901118
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