QUESTION:
Are there foods to avoid or add to prevent thyroid conditions?
ANSWER:
Yes, you can eat to
support your thyroid! At Women's Health Network, we find that eating a balanced
diet — with ample protein, healthy fats, and abundant fruits and vegetables, while
low in refined carbohydrates and processed foods — makes a tremendous difference
in preserving healthy thyroid function. Some specific foods, however, have been
found to influence thyroid function. For hypothyroidism, a
low thyroid condition, we recommend foods naturally high in B vitamins (such
as whole grains, nuts, and seeds), selenium (smoked herring, apple cider vinegar,
and lobster), and iodine (such as fish, seaweed, vegetables, and root vegetables).
For hyperthyroidism, the foods that naturally suppress excessive thyroid hormone
production include cruciferous vegetables, leafy greens, soybeans, peaches, and
pears.
Read our articles about thyroid health in women
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