Diet Menu Plan for an Underactive Thyroid

An underactive thyroid is caused by the thyroid gland's failure to produce enough thyroid hormone. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include a general lack of energy, tiredness, weight gain, constipation, dry skin and hair, hair loss, hoarseness, muscle stiffness or cramps, depression, slow heart rate and other symptoms of general malaise. While the medical treatment for hypothyroid disorder includes a prescription for synthyroid, the condition can also be managed by eating a healthy diet and avoiding certain foods, including raw cabbage, peanuts, mustard, pine nuts, turnips, millet and cassava root.

Breakfast

Eat a healthy breakfast every morning, including eggs, whole wheat toast or whole oat cereal, milk, yogurt, fresh fruit and herbal tea. Cow's milk, strawberries and yogurt are all high in iodine, which is a major component of thyroid hormone, as well as being a natural antimicrobial agent.

Mid-morning Snack

It is important to eat a healthy snack between breakfast and lunch. This will help to keep up your energy level and will keep you from craving foods that are high in sugar or "bad" carbohydrates throughout the day. An example of a healthy mid-morning snack that incorporates nutrients that can help you raise your thyroid levels naturally is a handful of Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds (selenium) or almonds (vitamin E), along with an apple, blueberries, an avocado (B-6 vitamin), pineapple or mango. Pears, plums, raspberries, cherries or cranberries are all good choices to include in your mid-morning snack, as they are high in polyphenols, which act as natural anti-fungal agents and help to raise your energy level.

Lunch

Eat a lunch that packs plenty of high-quality protein and vitamins for energy and muscle tone. Fresh white meat turkey sandwiches on whole wheat bread, a pita or whole-wheat tortilla wrap with lettuce, fresh greens, a slice of tomato and olive oil or pesto will give you plenty of vitamin B-6, as well as vitamin C, selenium, niacin and zinc--all important nutrients to boost thyroid production. As a side dish, include fresh legumes, potatoes, bok choy, chickpeas and a banana dessert. Drink a full glass of water with each meal to help you hydrate and flush toxins out of your body. Add a slice of lemon or orange for flavor and extra nutrients.

Afternoon Snack

A thyroid-boosting afternoon snack could be one-half of a cantaloupe, some yogurt, a hard-boiled egg, kiwi fruit, a pomegranate or tangerine, along with a handful of peanuts. Drink a glass of water, herbal tea or de-caffienated coffee with milk.

Dinner

Include plenty of fresh fish in your thyroid-boosting diet. Salmon, shrimp, snapper and halibut are all good sources of selenium, which helps to convert T-4 to T-3--thyroid hormones. Have a side of brown rice, which is full of niacin and B-6 vitamins, required for hormone production. Cook your meal with extra virgin olive oil for polyphenols, and top a salad of bell peppers, lettuce, tomatoes and celery with more olive oil. Serve eggplant or B-6 rich potatoes, as a side dish. Follow up your meal with a dessert of fresh berries in yogurt or cream.