Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be caused by multiple diseases or pituitary malfunction, however, regardless of the cause, the effects are the same. The thyroid stops making thyroxine (T4) which controls how the body uses fats and carbohydrates, helps control body temperature, and helps control how much protein the body makes. This affects every system in the body by causing body functions to slow down, including metabolism and cholesterol digestion.
Fatigue, higher cholesterol levels, weight gain, trouble tolerating cold, joint and muscle pain, dry skin, dry or thinning hair, heavy or irregular menstrual periods, fertility problems, slowed heart rate, depression constipation, a puffy face, hoarse voice muscle weakness, memory problems, decreased sexual interest, thickening of the tongue and/or hearing loss are the results of the lack of or lower levels of thyroxine.
The thyroid makes hormones using iodine, so boosting iodine intake can potentially help increase the amount of thyroxine in your system*. Eggs, dairy products, meat, poultry, seafood, edible seaweed, iodized salt, and produce from regions with iodine-rich soil are high-iodine foods. Recommended iodine intake is 150 mcg/day for women and 220 mcg/day for pregnant women. Consumption of foods high in selenium and zinc are thought to benefit thyroid function, so incorporating Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, legumes, shellfish, beef, and chicken is recommended.
Quite a few foods interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medications, especially high-fiber foods, so it is best to take those without food and allow time for them to be metabolized before eating. Soy isoflavones are known for interrupting thyroid hormone synthesis by inhibiting thyroid peroxidase and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, and cabbage can interfere with the production of thyroid hormones by disrupting your thyroid’s use of iodine. Cooking cruciferous vegetables reduces the glucosinolates which disrupt iodine use and are generally safe when no more than ½ cup/day are consumed. However, cruciferous vegetables are problematic if you are deficient in iodine or are unable to consume iodine.
A consideration for those experiencing menopause who also have hypothyroidism would be to monitor their intake of soy and cruciferous vegetable for the relief of menopause symptoms as high levels of those foods can inhibit thyroid hormone synthesis.
Recipe: Crabmeat Quiche
Ingredients:
Pie crust (store-bought or homemade is fine)
½ Cup swiss cheese
½ Cup American Cheese
1/8 Cup grated onion
3 beaten eggs
1 cup milk
1 tsp grated lemon rind
1 can crab meat
Instructions:
Mix all ingredients together
Pour into pie crust
Bake at 375 degrees F for 45 minutes
*If you suspect or know that you have hypothyroidism it is important to be consulting with a doctor to monitor your hormone levels as untreated hypothyroidism can result in goiter, heart problems, peripheral neuropathy, infertility, birth defects, or even myxedema coma.