Low Thyroid Level Symptoms, Diet, and Treatment

What is low thyroid level?

Thyroid hormones are produced by the thyroid gland, situated in the lower front of the throat. When this endocrine gland fails to produce the amount of hormone required by the body, it results in a condition called hypothyroidism.

As with all lab values, the thyroid hormones T4 and T3 levels must be within normal limits to work effectively. Normal levels for these hormones are T4 = 5.6-13.7 mcg/dl, and T3= 87-180 ng/dl. Blood test values outside of these parameters are abnormal and may possibly require treatment to bring the values to within normal limits.

Symptoms of low thyroid levels include:

• Fatigue


• Weight gain


• No motivation and ambition


• Inability to tolerate heat or cold


• Mild to severe headaches


• Dry skin and hair


• Irritable


• anxiety and panic attacks


• Alopecia (hair loss)


• Fluid retention


• Depression


• Decreased memory and concentration


• Unhealthy nails and/or brittle nails


• Constipation


• Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)


• Low libido


• Difficulty sleeping


• Itchy rash,


• Asthma and allergies


• Delayed healing


• Acne


• carpal tunnel syndrome

Diet for Low thyroid levels:

The human body gets iodine mainly from the foods we eat. Foods rich in iodine include:

• Haddock


• Cod


• Condensed milk


• Trifle


• Eggs


• Mayonnaise


• Jaffa cakes


• Cheddar cheese


• Malt bread


• Naan Bread


• Yorkshire pudding


• Cheese cake


• Sea kelp High


• Seaweed High


• Sea foods High


• Most Fresh fish


• Fish oils


• Sea salt


• Iodized salt

Iodine is essential for the production of the hormone thyroxine (T4) by the thyroid gland. When our bodies do not get the iodine it requires, the result is Goitre, or the swelling of the thyroid gland, evidenced by swelling just under the jaw.

Protein and Fatty Acids: Green and leafy vegetables, almonds, walnuts, whole grains, lean meat, milk and egg whites.

Foods Rich in Selenium: Selenium is an antioxidant that has anti-aging and cancer fighting properties. Foods containing selenium include:

• Cereals such as rice, corn, oats, and wheat


• Brazil nuts and walnuts, onions, garlic, and soybeans


• Cheese, eggs, chicken, and beef, turkey tuna, and cod fish


• Fiber and vitamins such as carrots, spinach, egg yolks, oranges, cantaloupe, figs, banana, broccoli, and bok choy

Foods to avoid when thyroid level are low:

• Junk food


• fast food


• alcohol


• vegetables such as cauliflower and mustard that contain high amount of iron

Treatment for Low Thyroid levels (hypothyroidism)

The main goal of treatment is to replace the thyroid hormones not being produced in the body. This is accomplished by the administration of thyroxine supplements prescribed by your health care professional. However, thyroid supplements can become thyrotoxic. Signs of thyroid toxicity include:

• Hotness and sweating


• Anxiety


• Fine tremor


• Palpitations


• Difficulty sleeping

It is best to consult with your doctor for diagnostic testing to determine if your thyroid is underactive. Early detection and treatment of low thyroid levels, or hypothyroidism, will prevent severe symptoms and complications.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT