4 Best Foods for Thyroid Health If You Have an Underactive Thyroid
Hey there! Living with an underactive thyroid? You already know how frustrating the fatigue, brain fog, and sluggish metabolism can be. But did you know that the right foods can play a huge role in how you feel? Alongside the right treatment and lifestyle tweaks, what’s on your plate can help support your thyroid, balance your hormones, and even make weight loss easier.
Ready to make some simple, delicious changes that can help you feel more like yourself? Here are four powerful foods to include often if you've got thyroid issues.
1. Brazil Nuts for Thyroid Health
Why Brazil Nuts Are Great for Thyroid Health:
Brazil nuts are an amazing source of selenium, a key mineral that helps your thyroid produce hormones and reduce inflammation. Many women with thyroid issues are low in selenium, which can slow down metabolism and make weight loss harder. These little nuts pack a big punch!
How to Add This Thyroid-Boosting Food to Your Diet:
Snack on 1-2 Brazil nuts daily, blend them into a smoothie, or chop them up and sprinkle over yoghurt for some crunch.
2. Wild-Caught Salmon: A Thyroid-Friendly Superfood
Why Wild-Caught Salmon Rocks for Thyroid Function:
Loaded with omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein, wild-caught salmon helps combat inflammation, supports brain function, and keeps your energy stable. It’s also rich in iodine, another key nutrient your thyroid needs to function properly. A healthy thyroid = a more efficient metabolism and you fitting into smaller clothes!
How to Add This Thyroid-Boosting Food to Your Diet:
Bake a salmon fillet with some lemon, garlic, and herbs for an easy, thyroid-friendly dinner. Or add canned salmon to a salad for a simple, nutrient-dense lunch.
3. Leafy Greens (Spinach, Kale, Swiss Chard) for Thyroid Support
Why Leafy Greens Support a Thyroid-Friendly Diet:
Leafy greens are packed with magnesium, which supports thyroid function, helps regulate stress hormones, and plays a big role in energy production. Low magnesium is common in women with thyroid issues and can contribute to fatigue, muscle cramps, and even stubborn weight gain.
How to Add This Thyroid-Boosting Food to Your Diet:
Sauté spinach with garlic and olive oil, blend lightly steamed kale into a smoothie, or toss chopped Swiss chard into an omelette for an easy, delicious way to up your intake.
4. Bone Broth for Thyroid Nutrition & Gut Health
Why Bone Broth is a Must for Thyroid & Gut Health:
Bone broth is full of gut-healing nutrients like collagen and amino acids that support digestion, reduce inflammation, and strengthen your immune system - all essential for thyroid health. A happy gut helps with better nutrient absorption, which means more energy and easier weight loss.
How to Add This Thyroid-Boosting Food to Your Diet:
Sip on a warm cup of bone broth, use it as a base for soups and stews, or add it to sauces for a rich, nourishing boost.
Living with an underactive thyroid means looking at the big picture, and your diet is a major part of it. By adding Brazil nuts, salmon, leafy greens, and bone broth to your meals, you’re giving your body the nutrients it needs to function optimally.
Want an easy way to boost your energy and support your weight loss efforts? Download my free Thyroid-Friendly Meal Guide and start seeing results today!
References
- Cardoso, B.R., Cominetti, C., Cozzolino, S.M.F. and de Oliveira, G.M.M., 2016. Brazil nuts intake improves selenium status and thyroid hormone levels in hemodialysis patients. Nutrition Research, 36(2), pp.109-115. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26545554/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2025].
- Wentz, I., 2023. Fish Oil for Hashimoto’s: Can It Help Reduce Thyroid Antibodies? Thyroid Pharmacist. Available at: https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/fish-oil-for-hashimotos/ [Accessed 28 Jan. 2025].
- Verywell Health, 2022. Selenium and Your Thyroid: What You Need to Know. Verywell Health. Available at: https://www.verywellhealth.com/selenium-and-your-thyroid-4134998Â [Accessed 28 Jan. 2025].
- Fallon, S., 2014. Nourishing Broth: An Old-Fashioned Remedy for the Modern World. Grand Central Life & Style.