To enhance thyroid function, individuals with thyroid disease should consume a diet rich in Vitamin C, riboflavin, niacin, and vitamin B6. In cases of hypothyroidism where iodine is lacking, kelp and other iodine-rich foods should be consumed to help restore thyroid function.
Because an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can rob the skeleton of calcium, a diet rich in calcium should be consumed. In addition, people with hyperthyroidism may benefit from eating foods such as raw Cruciferous vegetables that contain a natural thyroid suppressor. Cabbage, radishes, peaches, rutabagas, mustard greens, turnips, horseradish, soybeans, spinach, peanuts, millet, and pine nuts are part of the food group that contains a suppressor substance. On the flip side, people with hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) should not eat suppressor foods in excess. In general, cooking de-activates the goitrogens.
To maintain a healthy thyroid, it is important to consume foods rich in tyrosine, zinc, beta-carotene, and vitamin E.
calcium
Research suggests that calcium metabolism is altered among people with hyperthyroidism, rendering them more susceptible to osteoporosis. Calcium helps protect against osteoporosis.
Leading Food Sources of calcium: Broccoli, Bok choy, Amaranth, Salmon, Soybeans, Yogurt, Milk, Kale, Tofu, Cheese, fresh, Beans, dried
iodine
Iodine is imporant because it is a major component of thyroid Hormone.
Leading Food Sources of iodine: Salmon, Seaweed, Tuna
niacin
Niacin is required along with riboflavin and vitamin B6, for normal manufacture of thyroid hormone.
Leading Food Sources of niacin: Rice, brown, Lamb, Pomegranates, Tuna, Wheat, Turkey, Chicken
riboflavin (vitamin B2)
Riboflavin is essential for normal manufacture of thyroid hormone.
Leading Food Sources of riboflavin (vitamin B2): Avocados, Clams, Yogurt, Milk, Pork, fresh, Mushrooms, Lamb, Duck
vitamin B6
Vitamin B6 is required for normal manufacture of thyroid hormone.
Leading Food Sources of vitamin B6: Sweet potatoes, Avocados, Bananas, Mangoes, Bok choy, Sunflower seeds, Tuna, Chick-peas, Salmon, Pork, fresh, Potatoes, Turkey, Chicken, Rice, brown, Barley
vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a key role in boosting immune system—and thyroid gland—function. It's important in the treatment of both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.
Leading Food Sources of vitamin C: Cabbage, red, Potatoes, Strawberries, Tangerines & other mandarins, Peppers, bell, red, Oranges, Kiwi fruit
vitamin E
Vitamin E works with zinc and vitamin A to produce thyroid hormone.
Leading Food Sources of vitamin E: Broccoli, Mangoes, Almonds, Avocados, Peanuts, Sunflower seeds, Brazil nuts
zinc
Zinc can help boost thyroid function and works with vitamin E and beta-carotene to manufacture thyroid hormone.
Leading Food Sources of zinc: Barley, Chicken, Oysters, Crab, Beef, Lamb, Wheat, Turkey
