Thyroid & Fertility : Foods that Help, Foods that Harm

​Although this page is all about thyroid-friendly food, as always, the first question we FertileHearters ask is: Who? Which part of us will be in charge of the menu? The Orphan, the Visionary? Will we be guided by the Ultimate Mom?

The reason we ask those questions first is because what we’re looking for is a brand new way to frame out challenges in every aspect of our lives. Especially in our relationship with food.  For us it’s never a question of following some sort of restrictive-prescriptive diet plan.

Instead, whether we’re working with estrogen friendly foods or PCOS-friendly suggestions, we’re always view it as an invitation to approach our food choices with curiosity and love—as a fun experiment in nourishing our “body-child.”

It’s a chance to channel all the tenderness we’ve been saving up for the baby on the way into self-loving choices that nurture the hungry child looking back at us from the mirror. That reflection deserves just as much care, compassion as the child we carry in our hearts.

Okay, so what do we eat?

​The thyroid is the little engine that could in the delicate machinery of our endocrine system (for a deeper intro read Thyroid & Fertility.) With the right fuel it will do a stellar job in keeping your body energized and the cascade of hormones balanced. Then of course the opposite is also true. The wrong foods will create hormone havoc, leading to a host of obstacles on not only the baby making road but on the path to a healthy, fertile, inspired life.

So let’s dive in for a quick overview of the thyroid friendly Yes Foods and thyroid harming NO foods.

​The NO Foods: What to Avoid for a Smooth Ride

Some foods are like putting sugar in your gas tank—tempting but ultimately damaging.

1. Processed Soy Products
   • Why: Soy is like a cheap additive that disrupts your engine, interfering with hormone production.
   • Examples: Soy milk, soy protein bars, (see more on soy and fertility)

2. Gluten (whether or not you’ve been diagnosed with Celiac disease, you might consider crossing gluten off your menu)
3.           Why: Gluten triggers autoimmune response in those with sensitivities and is generally an inflammatory nutrient.
   • Examples: Bread, pasta, crackers, cookies.

3. Raw Cruciferous Vegetables
   • Why: These foods are goitrogens, meaning that they block iodine absorption. one of the key thyroid nutrients. Cooking neutralizes the goitrogenic effect.
   • Examples: Raw kale, broccoli, cauliflower.

4. Sugary Foods and Drinks (I don’t think this is news for any of us, but just in case)
   
   • Why: Excess sugar gums up the works, causing inflammation and energy spikes that drain your thyroid.
   • Examples: Soda, candy, pastries.

5. Alcohol, Artificial Sweeteners (also old news, but bears repeating)
   
   • Why: These are corrosive to your thyroid’s delicate balance, disrupting hormones and gut health.
   • Examples: Beer, wine, diet soda, sugar-free treats.

​The YES Foods: Premium Fuel for a Healthy Thyroid

These foods are like high-performance fuel, ensuring your thyroid runs efficiently and powerfully.

1. Iodine-Rich Foods
   • Why: Iodine is the oil in your engine, essential for keeping everything moving.
   • Examples: Seaweed (hijiki, nori, kelp), shrimp, cod.

2. Selenium Superfoods
   • Why: Selenium acts like your thyroid’s protective filter, converting hormones and preventing wear and tear.
   • Examples: Brazil nuts, eggs, cashews

3. Zinc-Rich Foods
   • Why: Zinc ensures all the moving parts work together, supporting hormone production and immune function.
   • Examples: Oysters, pumpkin seeds, beef.

4. Omega-3 Powerhouses
   • Why: Omega-3s lubricate the system, reducing inflammation and helping your thyroid’s signals reach every cell.
   • Examples: Salmon, herring, anchovies, flaxseeds, chia seeds.

5. Vitamin D Boosters
   • Why: Vitamin D is like a tune-up for your thyroid, protecting it from immune system misfires.
   • Examples: Fatty fish, mushrooms.

6. Antioxidant-Rich Fruits and Vegetables
   • Why: These are your thyroid’s body shop, repairing damage from oxidative stress.
   • Examples: Blueberries and most other berries, spinach (steamed or boiled to neutralize the high oxalic acid content) sweet potatoes.

7. Fermented Foods for Gut Health
   • Why: A healthy gut is your engine’s co-pilot, ensuring nutrients are absorbed and hormones are balanced.
   • Examples: kimchi,  sauerkraut. (check out this delish Fermented Cabbage, Carrots & Beets recipe)

​Conclusion: Keep Your Engine Running Smoothly

Your thyroid doesn’t demand fancy parts—it just needs the right fuel. Avoid the foods that clog up your system and embrace those that help it run like a dream. With a pantry stocked with thyroid-friendly choices, you can keep your engine revved, your energy high, and your body cruising toward optimal health. The open road is yours—just fuel wisely!