Ask The Doctor:

By Dr. Heather Manley

Question: What can you do to support thyroid health. I have Hashimoto’s disease, but thyroid hormones are in the normal range. TSH was high (4.58, but brought down to 2.1), but has improved with a whole food diet. Any suggestions?

Your thyroid gland controls your metabolism; therefore, if you are gaining weigh, feeling tired and cold, your thyroid gland might be slowing down thus effecting your metabolism. There are certain vitamins and minerals that the thyroid needs to function optimally and incorporating these into your daily diet may make a profound difference in your overall health. However, if you suspect that you have thyroid issues, it is best to speak to your primary care physician for help.

Iodine

what is iodine? Iodine is a mineral and approximately 75% is found in the thyroid gland. One of iodine’s functions is to synthesize thyroid hormones. Before taking iodine supplementation, it is very important to have your doctor test your iodine levels. Once your levels are known, your doctor can suggest dosages and other key nutrients to supplement: vitamin c, magnesium, selenium.

iodine food sources: seaweed, shrimp, halibut, cod

( to learn more about greens for the sea, click here )

Selenium

what is selenium? Selenium is another mineral. Many people agree that plant sources of selenium are more bio-available compared to animal sources; therefore, soil quality will be an important consideration when purchasing your produce ( organic produce tends to be grown in richer nutrient dense soils).

selenium food sources: brazil nuts, crimini mushrooms, swiss chard, turnips, sunflower seeds

Zinc

what is zinc? Zinc is a mineral utilized in the body for many chemical reactions: one being the thyroid hormone conversion of T4 to T3. Zinc is also involved with the synthesis of cholesterol, proteins and fats and insulin requires it as well as the immune system.

zinc food sources: pumpkins seeds, sesame seeds, oysters, swiss chard, beef

A few other suggestions

Foods that may suppress thyroid function include: soy, raw cruciferous vegetables like cabbage and broccoli. When these vegetables are digested they release goitrogens that increase the need for iodine in the body. Eat these foods in moderation.

Hydrotherapy Father Sebastian Kneipp, a 19th century monk, believed the healing properties of water optimize health by helping the body eliminate waste and increase circulation via the application of hot and cold compresses. Hot water causes blood vessels to dilate or open and increases blood flow, allowing the body to remove waste from tissues. Cold application initially creates contraction or slight closure of the blood vessels, which pushes stagnant blood away, making room for renewal. Alternating hot and cold water improves elimination, decreases inflammation and stimulates circulation. Next time you are in the shower, be sure to allow hot water to hit the neck/thyroid are and then end with a blast of cold. This will wake up a sluggish thyroid!

Read: Stop the Thyroid Madness

Be well,

Dr. Heather Manley will be hosting a bi-montly Ask the Doctor section on dandelion moms. If you have question you would like to ask the doctor please post it on the dandelion moms Facebook page.