4 Ways to Boost Your Thyroid Function With Diet

1) Go 100% gluten-free

While Hashimoto's is often thought of as a thyroid problem, it's actually an autoimmune issue whereby the thyroid is attacked. The protein in wheat is called gliadin, and it actually looks very similar to the gluten molecule in the body. This causes the immune system to amplify its attack, whereby worsening Hashimoto's symptoms.

This is a situation where reducing gluten won't cut it, or even having it on occasion won't work. It needs to be eliminated completely from the diet. One exposure can hang around for up to 6 months in the body, so it's just not worth it. Chris Kresser, a leader in the fields of integrative and functional medicine, explains in an excellent post here how gluten is so destructive for Hashimoto's and other people with certain autoimmune conditions.

2) Be cuckoo for coconuts!

I could do a whole blog post on all the wonderful things coconut oil does for the body. Most of it I've learn from a wonderful book by Dr. Mary Enig, called Eat Fat, Lose Fat. I highly recommend you pick up a copy if you haven't read it. She's the world-renowned biochemist and nutritionist who has dedicated her life to researching and advocating the dangers of trans fats (she was the original whistleblower to the FDA regarding their longterm dangers). She has gone against the grain in using traditional fats (coconut oil, lard, tallow, egg yolks) through the low-fat craze of the 1980's and 90's to present. Mainstream society is finally catching up. 

So why coconut oil? How does it help your thyroid? Well, what do people with Hashimoto's struggle with?

• Slow metabolism
• Inability to lose weight
• Cold intolerance
• Gut issues (leaky gut)
• Low energy
• Blood sugar instability 
• Dry hair, skin and brittle nails

First of all, it increases your metabolism. Coconut oil is a saturated fat made up mainly of medium-chain triglycerides, or MCT's. This is a unique and special kind of fat. Unlike other fatty acids, MCT's are converted into energy by the liver instead of being stored as fat. This increases energy levels and also increases metabolism (which can in turn help with cold intolerance issues). In addition, coconut oil has a satiating effect, which may help someone to decrease their calorie intake throughout the day, without even necessarily trying. This fat slows digestion, which can help blood sugars to remain more stable between meals. Coconut oil also nourishes the digestive system, as it has antimicrobial and antioxidant properties that can suppress inflammation. Lastly, coconut oil works wonders straight out of the jar on skin and hair to moisturize. I often apply it in lieu of body lotion of leave it in my hair overnight as an intensive conditioner. 

3) Raw isn't always best

While we think of veggies as always being a healthy option, there are a couple caveats. Raw cruciferous vegetables including cabbage, kale, brussels sprouts, broccoli and cauliflower contain natural chemicals called goitrogens (goiter producers) that can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis. This can lead to thyroid issues. However, there's a way to remedy this. Goitrogens are  deactivated by heat so lightly steaming, roasting or sautéing them should eliminate this problem. So you can have your greens and eat them, too. 

4) Look at the big picture to maximize your medication's effectiveness 

A lot of factors can affect how well you absorb the medication. Certain supplements/foods can even interfere with absorption. Here are some general guidelines:

• Take on an empty stomach one hour before breakfast- I take mine first thing each morning
• Avoid calcium, iron and antacids within 2-3 hours of taking medication- They can interfere with absorption. 
• Soy and dairy products can also interfere, so you'll want to follow the 2-3 hour rule of thumb here, as well. 
• Be CONSISTENT. If you take your medication 30 minutes before breakfast, but do it regularly and feel good/have good labs, keep doing what you're doing. Eating high versus low fiber will affect the absorption, so try to have a fairly consistent diet. 
• Certain drugs, such as SSRI's (Zoloft, Prozac) can decrease effectiveness of thyroid medication. So keep that in mind when adjusting your dosages of these. 
• If you're pregnant or breastfeeding, your thyroid needs will likely change, so work closely with your doctor to make sure you're feeling asymptomatic and that your levels are in check. It's very important for both yourself and your baby that your thyroid levels are adequate. 

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