An estimated 27 million Americans have thyroid disease, and more than half are undiagnosed. Frequently misunderstood, and too often overlooked and misdiagnosed, thyroid disease affects almost every aspect of health.  Taking care of it with good nutrition is a smart step in the right direction. Here are some superfoods that research has shown can nurture a healthy thyroid, as well as some ones to avoid.

Coconut and coconut butter, or more commonly known as coconut oil, has been used as a food and medicine since the dawn of history. Unlike saturated animal fats found in meats and dairy products, coconut butter is a raw saturated fat containing fatty acids which the body can metabolize efficiently and convert to energy quickly. Research also shows it helps to regulate thyroid function.

Kelp is a stellar, nutrient-dense sea vegetable. It is also known as Laminaria and contains a natural substance that enhances flavor and tenderizes. Kelp works as a blood purifier, and promotes adrenal, pituitary and thyroid health. Its natural iodine may help normalize thyroid-related disorders, like overweight, and lymph system congestion.

Turkey is one of the leanest protein foods and is low in calories, making it an excellent healthy food choice. Turkey also contains selenium which has been shown to inhibit cancer development, improve the immune system, and aid in the metabolism of our thyroid hormone.

Thyroid patients should avoid the consumption of goitrogens, substances that suppress the function of the thyroid gland, and which can also cause an enlargement of the thyroid. Goitrogens are in foods such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, kale, turnips, and canola oil. Soy and peanuts also include goitrogens and should be avoided.
Both copper and iron are so important for thyroid function, so thyroid patients should take time to make sure they’re getting enough in their diets. Foods such as organ meats, oysters, clams, crabs, cashews, sunflower seeds, wheat bran cereals, whole-grain products, and cocoa products are all rich in copper.  Foods like leafy green vegetables, beans, shellfish, red meat, and poultry are high in iron.  Complement your iron intake with adequate amounts of vitamin C from foods such as citrus fruits, red berries, tomatoes, potatoes, and bell peppers to help maximize your body’s iron absorption efficiency.

Super Solutions for Crohn’s Patients

When the small intestine is inflamed -- as it often is with Crohn's disease -- the intestine becomes less able to fully digest and absorb the nutrients from food. Such nutrients, as well as unabsorbed bile salts, can escape into the large intestine to varying degrees, depending on how extensively the small intestine has been injured by inflammation. This is one reason why people with Crohn's disease become malnourished, in addition to just not having much appetite. Furthermore, incompletely digested foods that travel through the large intestine interfere with water conservation, even if the colon itself is not damaged. Thus, when Crohn's disease affects the small intestine, it may cause diarrhea as well as malnutrition. Should the large intestine also be inflamed, the diarrhea may become even more extreme.

People with Crohn's disease whose small intestine is affected, are prone to becoming malnourished due to loss of appetite, poor digestion and malabsorption, and the fact that a chronic disease such as Crohn’s tends to increase the caloric needs of the body due to the energy the body consumes during a flare-up. 

Good nutrition is one of the ways the body restores and heals itself. Therefore, every effort must be made to avoid becoming malnourished. Protein is a key nutritional element in the recovery process. Consume healthy proteins such as lean cuts of chicken and fish. A protein deficiency can lead fatigue, insulin resistance, and loss of muscle mass.

Iron deficiency is fairly common in people with ulcerative colitis and Crohn's colitis and less common in those with small intestine disease. It results from blood loss following inflammation and ulceration of the colon. Try teaming iron-rich foods such as poultry, soy foods, and some fortified foods such as whole grain cereals with fruits and vegetables that are rich in vitamin C like potatoes, broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, red and green bell peppers, and cabbage. This food partnership improves the iron absorption rate, and the vitamin C gives the immune system a boost.

Restrict your consumption of certain high-fiber foods such as nuts, seeds, corn. High-fiber foods also provoke contractions once they enter the large intestine and can cause cramping as a result. They may also cause diarrhea, since they are not completely digested by the small intestine.  Sometimes a low-fiber diet is necessary minimize abdominal pain and cramping symptoms.

It may also be necessary to supplement your diet with nutritional supplements to ensure your body is getting the proper amount of vitamins and minerals needed.