Hypothyroidism.
What to avoid
Dairy, Gluten, GMO’s, and Soy. Certain herbs should also be avoided, such a lemon balm, motherwort, and bugle weed. These herbs inhibit thyroid function, though some are used in hypothyroid products. Also check labels and sources.
What to limit
Raw cruciferous vegetables. Leafy green vegetables, such as, cabbage, kale, broccoli, turnips, etc. reduce thyroid function. Cooking off these vegetables does eliminate their effects, however be conscious of excessive amounts, unless dealing with hyperthyroidism, which may be beneficial.
Though soy should also be limited, pairing it with seaweed can help balance out the negative effects. Seaweed is especially good for hypothyroidism. Kelp and other seaweeds have calcium, iron, selenium (very important) and iodized salt (also important). Selenium helps thyroid hormone production and functionality of t3. Iodine is an essential mineral for the creation of thyroid hormones. Salt intake is difficult to manage however, speak with your physician to ensure a healthy balance. For Selenium intake, eating 1 Brazilian nut a day or red seaweed is beneficial.
What to enhance
Reduce stress, get enough sleep, natural sunlight, and watch food intake.
It’s a good idea to work out in the morning or midday because its a triple benefit for hypothyroidism; you get exercise, temperature changes in the body and a long duration of sunlight exposure.
Tyrosine
Having adequate amounts of protein is good, especially those high in tyrosine, such as chicken, fish, turkey, almonds, bananas, avocado, sesame seed, pumpkin seed, and peanuts. Always be conscious of current medical concerns, allergies, and speak with a physician prior to increasing your protein intake. Remember protein does not only pertain to animal product.
Broths
Any bone based broth is beneficial if animal product consumption is okay.
Beneficial Herbs
Holy basil - improves energy, reduces stress, mood lifter, improves immune health
Medicinal Mushrooms - ashwagandha and astragalus for autoimmune support. Ashwagandha is safe and best for hypothyroidism. Benefits t3 & t4, reduces stress, improves libido, fatigue, inflammation, and immune malfunctions
Coconut oil - though there isn’t a lot of research there is a lot of case studies. Many report for hypo, a spoonful a day helped manage function. If trying, take it slow and gauge how you feel daily
Bacopa & guggul - research based and safe. Bacopa boosts t4 function but not active t3. Guggul improves the conversion of t4 to active t3. Also good for weight loss and high cholesterol
Vitamin B complex – thyroid support. Sardines, bee pollen, nutritional yeast, or grass fed meat
Magnesium - for full body function. Nuts, beans, dark leafy greens cooked, molasses, cacao
Herbal bitters - hypothyroidism slows down digestion and metabolism function. Bitters help improve digestion and metabolism function, kick starting it with an enzyme. Bitters are the building blocks to the body’s function. Artichoke leaf, dandelion, burdock, turmeric, ginger, citrus peel, tamarind, vinegar, fermented or pickled foods, citrus juice and holy basil. Combine these herbs with warming herbs like cinnamon and cardamom and adaptogens.
Adaptogens - helps the body adapt to stress by producing neurotransmitters and hormones. Reishi, Ashwagandha, Holy Basil, Gotu Kola, and Bacopa
