10 Foods to Keep Your Thyroid in Check
Updated: Jan. 14, 2022
Looking for more oomph during the day? Give some love to your thyroid—the body's energy regulator—by adding these mighty foods to your diet.
Berries
Just like every other gland and organ in your body, your thyroid loves antioxidants. Antioxidant-packed foods (like these very berry recipes) protect you from free radicals, which put you at a higher risk for hypothyroidism, fatigue and weight gain.
Brazil Nuts
Brazil nuts probably don’t make your weekly grocery list, but it may be time to change things up. These nuts are loaded with the nutrient selenium, which helps keep your thyroid humming all day long. Having enough selenium in your diet can protect against hypothyroidism and goiters. (Here’s why one nutritionist eats two Brazil nuts every day.)
Seaweed
It’s edible! One of the nutrients our thyroids need most is iodine, and seaweed is loaded with it. Most of us get enough iodine from iodized table salt, but if you’re on a low-sodium diet, you may be missing out. Try a fresh seaweed salad or dried seaweed for a snack.
Can’t get your kids on board with the green stuff? Make them their own pretend version of octopus and seaweed.
Apples
Apples can help detoxify your body, which keeps your thyroid working smoothly. Because having metals (like mercury) in your body can keep your thyroid from being able to use the iodine it needs, eat enough fresh fruits like apples to flush out the bad stuff.
Chicken
A grilled chicken breast isn’t just a great source of lean protein. It also provides a punch of zinc, a nutrient your thyroid needs to produce enough hormones for your body. In fact, when we’re low in zinc, we can experience some severe symptoms of hypothyroidism like alopecia or hair loss. Look through 100 ways to cook chicken breasts to keep your thyroid happy and your locks shiny.
Avocado
Avocados aren’t just a party staple; they’re also loaded with healthy thyroid nutrients. Avocados are a great source of monounsaturated fat and antioxidants, which our thyroids need to keep up with the rest of our bodies. (They also happen to be delicious.)
Whip up guacamole for dinner—or another amazing avocado recipe.
Whole Eggs
Eggs may just be one of the most powerful foods for thyroid health. They’re a great source of both iodine and selenium, making them your thyroid’s new favorite breakfast. To reap all the benefits, make sure you’re enjoying the yolk and not just the egg whites.
(You’ll want to read celeb food blogger Chrissy Teigen’s secret for fluffy scrambled eggs.)
Salmon
Fish are another great source of iodine for our thyroids, but none of them can stand up to salmon’s benefits. Inflammation can cause thyroid dysfunction, but the high level of omega-3 fatty acids in salmon can calm down that inflammation and keep our thyroids running smoothly. Try our Pistachio Baked Salmon for a fresh way to eat fish.
Quinoa
Quinoa didn’t get the title of superfood for nothing! This seed is tiny, but packed with healthy nutrients our thyroids need. Quinoa is high in antioxidants, which help our thyroids from slowing down. It’s also incredibly versatile. Try replacing your daily lunch with this Colorful Quinoa Salad.
Yogurt
Give your thyroid a boost with yogurt! It’s another great source of iodine to give our thyroids the support they need. Dairy products have a high iodine content and are often more enticing than a plateful of seaweed.
The results are in—here’s the best-tasting brand of vanilla yogurt.
