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tissue doesn’t receive a sufficient dose of
iodine from the blood, there are consequential
changes in the structure and
function of the thyroid glands leading to
hypothyroidism. Concurrently, this
often leads to the enlargement of the
thyroid glands (growing, or developing
a goiter). An increased intake of iodine is
also essential for development of the
fetus during pregnancy. Major food
sources of iodine are seaweed, Irish moss,
sea salt, seafood, water with a high mineral
concentration (especially for healing
respiratory ailments), cherries, eggs, asparagus,
mushrooms, spinach, sesame
seeds, and garlic.
Group B vitamins: Thyroid gland hypothyroidism
is often accompanied by
a lack of B vitamins, especially B2, B3,
and B6. These vitamins contribute to the
overall body’s metabolism, increasing
mental and physical performance during
chronic fatigue and stress. Furthermore,
they promote healthy functioning of the
adrenal cortex, which releases hormones
during stress.
Calcium and Magnesium: High levels
of cortisol, due to of chronic stress, increase
the flushing of magnesium out of
the body. Low levels of magnesium intensify
the response to stress, contributing
to muscle stiffness, chronic pain, and
migraines. For the treatment of autoimmune
thyroiditis, it is recommended to
take easily absorbable forms of calcium
and magnesium containing 1,000 milligrams
of elemental calcium and 300
milligrams of elemental magnesium.
Essential polyunsaturated fatty acids
have strong anti-inflammatory effects
and are crucial nutritive substances in
the treatment of autoimmune disease.
Foods rich in unsaturated fatty acids are
chia seeds, flax seeds, fish, avocados,
nuts, walnuts, and oils (especially
flaxseed, walnut, avocado, chia, hemp,
and olive oils).
Probiotics: The intestine contains 70
percent of our immune system. This immune
tissue is known as the GALT system
or “lymphoid tissue associated with
the gut.” Its role is to provide an immunity
barrier against substances and organisms
evaluated as harmful and to
keep them from entering the body.
Damage to this vital immunity barrier
leads to a number of autoimmune diseases.
The most important thyroid hormone
– triiodothyronine – is created very little
by the thyroid gland itself, but up to 90
percent of its formation is credited to coaction
with an inactive hormone named
thyroxine. Gut bacteria also plays a key
role in this conversion.
Care for healthy intestinal microflora
by regular use of probiotic supplements
with therapeutic qualities and by the
consumption of fermented products and
prebiotic foods can significantly boost
thyroid hormone metabolism and prove
beneficial in substitution treatment.
NUTRITIONAL
RECOMMENDATIONS
One’s diet base should be high in plantbased
proteins that are rich in unsaturated
fatty acids (vegetables, nuts, seeds,
healthy oils, legumes), as well as organic
chicken and turkey meat, and fish that is
steamed or boiled without the skin; lots
of fresh fruit and vegetables – both raw
and steamed – are also recommended.
Basic dietary recommendations for the
treatment of autoimmune thyroid disease
manifested by hypothyroidism are
as follows: Elimination of all foods
which trigger an autoimmune response
and systemic inflammation in the body,
particularly cereals and wheat flour as
well as any dairy products, refined sugar,
26 MY HERBS MAGAZINE