What Are Some Foods to Eat to Help Thyroids?

Hypothyroidism, or low thyroid, affects approximately 10 million Americans and 10 percent of women, according to Dr. James Norman, parathyroid surgeon and creator of EndocrineWeb.com. Hyperthyroidism, or high thryroid, affects about one percent of Americans, most of them women, according to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists.

The thyroid controls body metabolism, body temperature and how we process calories. If thyroid hormone level is abnormal, the individual may have trouble maintaining a healthy weight and regulating body temperature.

Foods for Hyperthyroidism

• Food with iodine may help individuals with hyperthyroidism, according to Maureen Salaman, author of "All Your Health Questions Answered Naturally." Seafood contains significant amounts of usable iodine. Kelp, dulse, nori, kombu and wakame are (?) sea vegetables (?), seaweed, (?)with high iodine levels. They also contain potassium, calcium, magnesium, iron, beta carotene and vitamin C. You can add seaweeds to soups, toss them in salads and stir them up with other vegetables in stir fry.

  Haddock, cod, perch, herring and halibut all contain significant amounts of iodine. Chard, beans (?). Sunflower seeds, turnip greens, peanuts, cantaloupe, liver, soybeans, pineapple, and lettuces also contain iodine.

  Don't overdo the iodine. Too much iodine can be as harmful to the thyroid as not enough.

Foods for Hypothyroidism

• An overactive thyroid uses up many vitamins very quickly, according to Mrs. Salaman. Hypothyroidism can deplete B1 and B6 vitamins and may be the reason individuals with hypothyroidism are more likely to suffer depression and mental health issues. Vitamin D and essential fatty acids may also be helpful. Certain foods may help to support your over-active thyroid.

  Foods high in vitamin B1 include brewer's yeast, sunflower seeds, wheat germ, pinion nuts, peanuts, sesame seeds, Brazil nuts, bee pollen, pecans, alfalfa, walnuts, eggs, liver, almonds, salmon, lamb and mackerel.

  Foods high in B6 include brewer's yeast, brown rise, lentils, sunflower seeds, whole wheat, alfalfa, salmon, lamb, tuna, walnuts, liver, avocados, peanuts and bananas.

  Foods high in mixed B vitamins include brewer's yeast, sunflower seeds, liver and soybeans.

  High vitamin C foods include acerola cherries, black currants, parsley, watercress, chives, strawberries, spinach, citrus fruits, cantaloupe and green onions.

  Foods rich in vitamin E included wheat germ, sunflower seeds, walnuts, almonds, Brazil nuts, peanuts, cod liver oil, spinach, broccoli, parsley and avocado.

  Foods containing vitamin D include cod liver oil, sardines, salmon, tuna, sunflower seeds, eggs, liver, and dairy. Your best source of vitamin D, however is getting out in the sun for 15 -- 20 a day during peak sunlight hours .

  Omega-6 and omega-3 supplements can be good sources of essential fatty acids.

General Thyroid Support

• Some foods will benefit the thyroid overall. These include cold water fish like salmon, tuna, mackerel, halibut and cod. Brightly colored vegetables and fruits may boost the thyroid and take some of the strain off it. Season food with powdered seaweeds instead of salt.