[4 MIN READ]
In this article:
- Discover the relationship between your thyroid and your weight
- Learn if your diet can affect your thyroid health
- Find out if thyroid supplements and herbal products are necessary and/or safe for you
Your thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the base of your neck. It releases hormones that control the way your body uses energy and other important areas such as:
- Breathing
- Cholesterol levels
- Heart rate
- Nervous system
- Mood changes
- Temperature
More than 12 percent of Americans will develop a thyroid condition during their lifetime. Up to 60 percent of those with thyroid disease don’t realize their condition. Women are five to eight times
more likely than men to have thyroid problems. While the causes of thyroid conditions are largely unknown, most can be managed with medical attention.
January is Thyroid Awareness Month–a great time to learn how nutrition and diet can affect your thyroid. Here are some thyroid myths and the truths to set the record straight.
Myth: If you can’t lose weight, it’s got to be your thyroid that’s out of balance.
Truth: There’s a complicated relationship between thyroid disease, body weight, appetite and metabolism. Unfortunately, you can’t blame your thyroid if you’ve packed on the pounds lately.
If your thyroid is underactive (hypothyroidism), there can be a small weight gain (5-10 pounds). However, much of the weight gain in hypothyroidism is due to a build-up of salt and water. When treated, your hormone levels will return to a normal range. Then your ability to gain or lose weight will be back to normal, too.
Since we’re talking weight loss, it’s important to know that an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can lead to shedding a few pounds. However, since your metabolism and appetite increase with an overactive thyroid, you could also gain weight, depending on how much you increase your calorie intake.
Myth: Take iodine or kelp supplements if you have an underactive thyroid.
Truth: Iodine is needed for the production of your thyroid hormone. Your body doesn’t make iodine naturally, so it’s an essential part of your diet. But if you live in the United States, you don’t need to worry about taking an iodine or kelp supplement.
Until the 1920’s, iodine deficiency was common in the Great Lakes, Appalachian and Northwestern regions of our country and in most of Canada. The introduction of iodized table salt virtually eliminated the problem.
In addition to table salt, you can find iodine in foods such as:
- Cheese
- Cows’ milk
- Eggs
- Ice cream
- Saltwater fish
- Shellfish
- Soy milk
- Soy sauce
- Yogurt
- Taking too much iodine can also cause real problems. It can become a risk factor for both hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid).
Myth: If you have a thyroid disorder, you can’t eat broccoli or cabbage.
Truth: Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, brussel sprouts, kale, cauliflower and bok choy, have been thought to interfere with how your thyroid uses iodine. Studies have shown it would take a huge, excessive amount to have any negative effect.
In fact, it’s important to include these vegetables in your diet. They have many health benefits, such as dietary fiber and cancer-fighting antioxidants–so be sure to eat up!
Myth: Herbs and supplements are safe and natural alternatives for your thyroid treatment.
Truth: Vitamins, minerals, herbs and other dietary supplements marketed to those with thyroid issues are often marked as “natural” and “effective.” However, these products do not have to be approved by the Federal Government (FDA) before being sold to the public, have no standards of safety and you don’t need a prescription to buy them.
It’s important to discuss any supplements you’re taking with your doctor. Herbs, minerals, vitamins and supplements may often interfere or interact negatively with the medications you’re taking. If you have questions about the risks and benefits of a particular supplement, the National Institutes of Health Office of Dietary Supplements (NIH ODS) is a good source for credible, evidence-based information.
Myth: Forget enjoying that cup of coffee if you take thyroid medication.
Truth: You can still drink your espresso, latte, cappuccino or just plain cup of joe–just not within four hours of taking any thyroid medication. If you take hormone replacement medication like SynthroidÒ or levothyroxine, some foods like coffee, grapefruit, soy or cottonseed meal can decrease the potency of your medication and how your body absorbs it.
Walnuts or other dietary fibers high in calcium or iron can also impact how your body handles the effective dosage of thyroid medications. To make sure you’re getting the most from your thyroid medications, wait four to five hours before indulging in these foods and drinks.
Myth: Leaky-gut or gluten-free diets work best if you have thyroid problems.
Truth: There is no one diet that works best to support a healthy thyroid. Jumping onto the latest fad diet or eliminating whole food groups can even be risky. It’s best to eat a well-rounded, balanced diet and avoid excess sugars and highly processed foods.
You can always indulge in plant-rich foods like leafy greens, whole grains, nuts, seeds, lentils and beans, which all support thyroid health. Since your thyroid regulates your metabolism, eating the right foods will help you feel better and more energized.
Myth: Vitamin D has no effect on your thyroid.
Truth: Studies found low levels of Vitamin D in those with an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) as well as those with an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) due to Graves’ disease. It’s not clear whether Vitamin D is the cause or the consequence.
If you have an underactive thyroid, you may be more tired and spend less time outdoors to get your healthy dose of sun and Vitamin D. If you have Grave’s disease, it may increase the breakdown of Vitamin D in your body. Vitamin D is an important vitamin which can support those with an autoimmune thyroid condition and support the production of many hormones in your body. Be sure to check with your doctor before adding any vitamin or supplement to your diet.
