relate to our modern diet? Interestingly enough, our modern diet can contribute
to a sluggish thyroid rather than support this important gland.
Low-fat diets lead to a disturbance in both high insulin and leptin levels.
Leptin is the master hormone that helps regulate thyroid. In times of starvation,
leptin levels fall, signaling the thyroid and other hormones to switch into
conservation mode. Metabolism slows down, body temperature lowers, and vital
nutrients are conserved. But leptin resistance from refined carbs and excess
sugar distorts the signals this hormone sends to the thyroid gland and the rest of
the body, and may direct well-fed, and even overweight, individuals into
fatstorage mode. In turn, low-fat diets can lead to an underactive thyroid.
Also, polyunsaturated oils, such as soybean and corn oil, have made things
worse. They can block the absorption of iodine, which is needed to make thyroid
hormone.
Our diet is very high in salt. In most developed countries, iodine has been
added to salt to prevent an underactive thyroid from developing in infants.
However, research indicates that excessive levels of iodine are just as bad as low
levels. Excess iodine blocks the enzymes that produce thyroid hormones.
If you’ve been following a strict lowcarb diet, you’re also out of luck.
Lowcarb diets are way too high in animal protein (meat, poultry, fish), which
lowers the conversion of T4 to the active form of the hormone, T3, and, in turn,
reduces thyroid function.
That’s why both low-fat and lowcarb diets are disastrous for your health and
will never make you a perfect 10. All of these dietary changes could be related to
the increased prevalence of hypothyroidism. Only the Perfect 10 Diet will help
you support this important hormone with the right food choices. Isn’t that
exciting?
FOODS THAT CAN BALANCE THYROID HORMONE INCLUDE: sea
salt (in moderation), fish, shellfish, and sea vegetables, particularly seaweed.
The iodine that is naturally present in the right amounts in these food groups is
essential for the proper function of the thyroid gland. When you also eat enough
fruits and vegetables, the “safe” types of carbohydrates, you increase production
of thyroxine.
FOODS AND OTHER FACTORS THAT CAN LEAD TO THE
DEVELOPMENT OF A SLUGGISH THYROID INCLUDE: low-fat,
lowcarb, and low-protein diets; excess alcohol; vinegar; excess salt; fluoride in
tap water; and polyunsaturated oils, such as soybean and corn oils.