It is important to discuss dietary concerns when discussing thyroid function. The autoimmune thyroid disease, thyroiditis or Hashimoto's is linked to gluten sensitivity. I do think endocrinologists even discuss this when telling a patient he/she has Hashimoto's thyroidits. Is this autoimmune disease common? It occurs in 90% of all cases diagnosed with low thyroid function, also called hypothyroidism. The protein portion of gluten, called gliadin closely resembles the structure of the thyroid. When gliadin protein leaves the gut and enters the bloodstream it is then recognized as a foreign protein that stimulates antibodies. These antibodies tag the gliadin and at the same time attack the thyroid, thus making thyroid antibodies, TPO and thyroglobulin. The thyroid peroxidase antiodies (TPO) are more significant in Hashimoto's . Thus you must eliminate gluten (think 'BROW' - barley, rye, oats and wheat) from the diet. Healing the intestinal lining of the small intestines is critical to feeling better.
Many medications (conventional ) can disrupt thyroid function. Some of these are antibiotics, antacids, coumadin, pain medications and many more.
Consuming tyrosine containing foods (which thyroid hormones are made from) can support the thyroid. Such foods are mustard greens (which also are goitrogens) - if you cook the mustard greens then there is no problem. Other foods containing tyrosine include soybeans watercress, squash, pumpkin seeds and cabbage.
The goitrogens block iodine. Remember iodine in kelp helps support the thyroid. They are best avoided in the RAW form. All cruciferous vegetables especially uncooked suppress the thyroid function.
Exercise stimulates the thyroid gland.
Until tomorrow