The Nutritional Way to a Healthy Thyroid

Are you unsatisfied with your energy level? The quality of your sleep? Do you often feel anxious for no reason? Do you have trouble losing or gaining weight? If so, consider your thyroid.

This tiny, two-lobed gland located in the neck on either side of the trachea, has a powerful effect on the body’s overall metabolism. Hormones secreted by the thyroid control a number of important biochemical reactions, including oxygen utilization, protein synthesis and the rate at which the body burns fat. All of these processes directly influence physical and psychological well-being, as well as appearance.

When the thyroid is over or under active, the body’s metabolism is thrown out of balance. The typical symptoms of hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), include increased pulse rate, rapid heartbeat, unexplained anxiety and nervousness, excessive sweating and frequent, loose bowel movements. Individuals with this condition often seem unable to gain weight, even when eating above-average amounts of food.

Hypothyroidism (underactive thy-roid), on the other hand, produces symptoms such as weight gain, cold hands and feet, lethargy and fatigue, depression, hypoglycemia, infertility, food allergies, high blood cholesterol, sensitivity to cold, constipation, clogged sinuses, dry skin and hair and premenstrual syndrome.

The foregoing is only a partial list of the wide range of symptoms which can be implicated in hypothyroidism. Yet, the condition often remains undiagnosed. Standard medical thyroid tests are unreliable because they do not indicate whether thyroid hormones are functioning efficiently in the body. They measure only blood levels of thyroid hormone, but not how much of the physiologically active hormone actually reaches body cells.

Fortunately, an alternative method–the basal body temperature test–can be tried at home using a thermometer. For several consecutive mornings (before rising), slip a thermometer into the armpit and keep it there for at least 10 minutes. Record your temperature daily. If it is consistently below 36.6°C (97.9°F), this may indicate low thyroid function, especially if other symptoms of thyroid imbalance are present. Temperatures above 36.8°C (98.2°F) may indicate an overactive thyroid gland. However, it is important to note that other factors may be involved, and a consultation with a naturopath or other qualified health professional may be wise before deciding upon a diagnosis and course of treatment.

Nutrients for Thyroid Health

Although many factors may play a role, the health of the thyroid is significantly influenced by nutrition and lifestyle. One of the most important nutrients for thyroid health is iodine, an essential mineral which is a vital constituent of thyroid hormone. Impaired thyroid function may be due to an inadequate dietary intake of iodine.

Iodine deficiency is common in geographic areas where agricultural soils and drinking water are low in iodine. This is typically the case in bio-regions located away from the oceans. Sea water is a rich source of iodine, which is transported to the surrounding soils in the tides and by winds carrying ocean sprays across the land.

A bio-region with low iodine content, such as the Great Lakes area, is thus classified as a goiter belt because a goiter, an enlargement of the thyroid gland, is the ultimate symptom of iodine deficiency. The addition of iodine to commercial table salt has significantly reduced the incidence of goiters today. However, table salt also contains aluminum and other questionable ingredients, which makes it a less than optimal food source of iodine. Unrefined sea salt is a much better choice, but iodine and other trace minerals are present in such small amounts that sea salt should not be relied on as the sole source.

By far the most reliable sources of iodine are seafood, meaning both fish and sea vegetables. Adding seaweeds to the diet is therefore an important option, especially for vegetarians. Most natural food stores offer a selection of dried and packaged sea vegetables, which can be used in soups, stir-fries, salads and casseroles. Those who are unfamiliar with seaweed cuisine could consult Japanese or macrobiotic cookbooks for recipes.

An easy-to-use sea vegetable is dried and powdered kelp, which can be used as a salt substitute, or in a 50/50 kelp-salt mixture. Kelp not only supplies iodine, but also all other important minerals in an organic, readily assimilated form. In his excellent book Return to the Joy of Health, Dr Zoltan Rona states: "Kelp is an alkaline-forming food that replenishes glands and nerves, particularly the thyroid. It is a good source of trace minerals and has traditionally been used in the complementary medical treatment of goiter, hypothyroidism, anemia, emaciation, impotence, nervousness, a weakened immune system and hair loss."

He also suggests that kelp may "help expel heavy metals" from the body. Kelp and dulse (another good seaweed source of iodine) are also available in tablet or capsule form for those who prefer to take them as a supplement.

Other iodine-rich foods include asparagus, watercress, Swiss chard, turnip greens and dried beans, but their iodine content is determined by the presence or absence of this mineral in the soil. Therefore, if these foods were grown in agricultural regions away from the oceans, they may not be reliable sources.

Other nutrients are also important for thyroid function. These include vitamins A, C, E and B-complex, as well as the minerals calcium, copper, selenium and zinc. Organic whole grains, yogurt, free-range eggs, nuts, seeds and a variety of fresh vegetables and fruits are good sources of these nutrients. Supplementation with a high-quality multi-vitamin/mineral supplement, a green-foods concentrate, brewer’s yeast and bee pollen can help to ensure that these nutrients are adequately represented in the diet.

Health From Within

The endocrine system is also greatly influenced by emotions. In mind/body medicine, the thyroid is usually associated with personal will and self- expression. When anger and resentment are internalized over long periods of time, glandular imbalance and illness may result. Physical exercise, positive stress management and relaxation methods, can help to achieve mental clarity, emotional poise, and high self-esteem.

In addition, the endocrine system is directly influenced by sunlight absorbed through the eyes. Sunglasses and other eyewear disrupt this process. A half-hour walk outdoors each day, without sunglasses, preferably in the early morning or late afternoon when the sun is less intense, will help to restore optimal glandular balance.