In later years, that was modified to “You are what you eat.” But no matter how you say it, Brillat-Savarin’s logic is correct, particularly if you are having trouble with your thyroid. Because what you eat with a thyroid condition can largely determine how you’re feeling.
The thyroid is a small endocrine gland in the neck area that helps to regulate the body’s metabolism. It is a key body organ, producing two important hormones, T3 and T4, that help with virtually every body function, including how your muscles, liver, heart and other body parts work.
If the thyroid malfunctions and doesn’t produce the proper regulation of hormones (a condition called hyperthyroidism), you can feel extremely tired, gain weight, and generally lose focus.
Get too much, a condition called hypothyroidism, and you might be nervous, warm or jumpy. There is also an increased risk of heart disease, arthritis, macular degeneration and some cognitive impairment.
FOOD ISSUES
Sometimes, the thyroid starts failing, but may be rescued from further deterioration with better nutrition. Keep in mind that thyroids fail for any number of reasons, including disease, so a doctor should evaluate individual situations with blood tests and a physical exam.
Some foods are bad for thyroid issues. Wheat and other grains, including barley, millet, rye and oats, have been linked to poor thyroid function. Although the connection isn’t clear, there are indications that gluten sensitivity and poor thyroid performance may be linked. If your thyroid is functioning at sub-optimal levels, then it’s probably wise to cut back on the ingestion of gluten.
Similarly, the thyroid requires proper doses of iodine to work well. Most of the United States population will get enough iodine through iodized salt. But if you try to obtain iodine through sea salts and packaged and processed foods, you may need a supplement. Those products do not iodize the salt.
Soy products can also affect thyroid hormones. So if you are eating a lot of tofu, it may be time to cut back.
Other foods that can affect thyroid function include broccoli, cabbage, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soybeans, peanuts, linseed, millet, pine nuts, cassava and mustard greens. Alcohol and tobacco also can affect the thyroid, and caffeine at certain levels can also cause issues with the thyroid.
On the plus side, foods that are high in B-vitamins and iron, including fresh vegetables, sea vegetables, and whole grains can help with thyroid problems. Foods that are high in antioxidants, including cherries, blueberries, tomatoes, squash and bell peppers, have also been shown to benefit people with thyroid issues.
NUTRITIONAL SUPPLEMENTS
Iron supplements may interfere with thyroid hormone medication absorption. Discuss taking iron supplements with a doctor before embarking on a program.
Omega-3 fatty acids, usually found in fish oil, can help with immunity and reduce inflammation in the body. But omega-3 fatty acids are a blood thinner, and if you’re already taking blood-thinning medications like Coumadin or have a bleeding disorder, then taking omega-3 can increase the risk of bleeding.
L-tyrosine is combined with iodine for the thyroid gland to produce the thyroid hormone. Lower levels may require a supplement, but ask a doctor if it’s safe to take. Those who are already taking thyroid hormone medication, who have high blood pressure, or who have symptoms of mania, should only take L-tyrosine under a doctor’s care.
Iodine supplements fall under the same advisory. The supplement is only used and is only effective when there is an iodine shortage in the body, which is an unusual condition in most modern settings. Too much iodine in the body may short-circuit the thyroid and cause hypothyroidism.
Herbal supplements are popular treatments for many conditions, but must be closely monitored so as not to interfere with other conditions or exacerbate existing problems. A few herbs steeped in hot water or tea may be beneficial. Consult with your physician first.
Some herbs that have been studied for hypothyroidism include Coleus, which helps with low thyroid function but reacts with some blood pressure and blood thinning medications, as well as nitroglycerin; Guggul, which also aids low thyroid issues, but can interfere with estrogen, birth control pills and other reproductive medicines; and Bladderrack, which helps with low thyroid conditions but contains iodine and may contain toxic heavy metals.
ALTERNATIVE THERAPY
Many mainstream medical practitioners and insurance companies now approve alternative and complementary medicine treatments as a way to supplement traditional medicine. These treatments are typically performed by someone outside of the mainstream medical practice that is affiliated with a doctor, and the outside practitioner is typically licensed by the state they are working in.
Acupuncture is useful in helping to correct hormonal balances, which include thyroid disorders. Based on thousands of years of ancient medicine, acupuncture uses small needles inserted into key points on the body. The goal is to restore the positive flow of chi, an energy believed to keep the body in harmony and good health. The acupuncture treatment is relatively painless, as the needles are thin, so even needle-adverse patients have little to worry about.
Hydrotherapy is another form of alternative medicine used for thyroid conditions. In this method, water is applied to the neck and throat in alternating hot and cold streams. The goal is to stimulate thyroid function. The act is performed three times per “set,” and should be performed two to three times per day.
Biofeedback may also prove useful for thyroid patients. In this practice, the patient monitors the body’s reactions, mentally focusing on specific areas. The goal is to mentally heal the afflicted body part by willing it to good health. The therapy requires an attendant and medical monitoring, and must be repeated so the patient can learn to self-adjust the therapy.
Finally, practicing yoga can help hypothyroid patients manage disease-related symptoms. There are a number of styles of this ancient art, which requires stretching and bending while focusing on the inner self. There are group and individual sessions available in many studios in larger cities at a nominal cost.