About Hypothyroidism

• Hypothyroidism is a condition where your thyroid gland fails to produce sufficient amounts of thyroid hormone. This, in turn, retards the metabolism, resulting in unintentional weight gain, among other symptoms such as increased susceptibility to cold, depression, fatigue and overall weakness. While medication is the most common treatment for hypothyroidism, dietary changes are equally important to ensure optimal results from a course of treatment.
  
  

Hypothyroidism and Diet

• While diet cannot cure hypothyroidism, making dietary changes can certainly help to mitigate some of the symptoms. Providing the body with sufficient nutrients while abstaining from foods that can aggravate your condition are two important goals that can be effectuated with diligent attention to diet. One general step you can take toward combating hypothyroidism with diet is to consume lean protein with every meal, as protein consumption is necessary to build and repair all tissues within the body.
  
  

Foods to Consume

• Consumption of iodine is related to normalizing thyroid function. Thus, consume the following foods to increase your daily dosage of iodine: sea salt, seaweed, salt water fish and seafood generally. Tyrosine and selenium are also important for proper thyroid function--to increase your intake of these compounds, consume fish, meat, chicken, turkey, dairy, avocados, almonds, seeds and beans.
  
  

Supplements

• Consider adding both a B-vitamin complex and a fatty-acid supplement (such as fish oil) to your diet to further regulate your body's production of hormones. Fish oil has been shown to positively affect thyroid function. To reap these benefits, consume 5 to 10 g of a high-quality fish oil daily.
  
  

Foods to Avoid

• Finally, there are some food types that can impede thyroid function. Avoid consumption of the following: soy, cruciferous veggies (such as broccoli and cauliflower), non-organic meats, tap water and excessive consumption of gluten (the protein found in grains). Steering clear of these items can help ensure that you do not unconsciously sabotage your progress in fighting hypothyroidism.