Anti-Inflammatory Diet
An anti-inflammatory diet is a broad dietary pattern that prioritises whole, nutrient-dense foods and limits pro-inflammatory processed foods. It is not a single protocol but a set of principles.
Core Principles
- Eat: Fruits, vegetables, legumes, nuts, wholegrains, oily fish, extra-virgin olive oil
- Limit/Avoid: Highly processed foods, refined sugars, trans fats, excessive red/processed meat
- Diversity: Varied plant foods support the gut-microbiome, which regulates immune function
These align closely with the NHS Eatwell Guide recommendations.
Relevance to Thyroid Disease
- hyperthyroidism, particularly graves-disease, is an autoimmune condition; reducing systemic inflammation may help modulate immune activity.
- There is increasing (though not yet conclusive) evidence linking gut microbiome diversity to autoimmune thyroid disease outcomes.
- Anti-inflammatory spices like turmeric have been linked in studies to a reduced frequency of thyroid disease, including hyperthyroidism.
- Avoiding highly processed foods reduces excess iodine (from additives) and other pro-inflammatory compounds.
Key Anti-Inflammatory Foods for Thyroid Patients
| Food | Benefit |
|---|---|
| Cruciferous vegetables | Goitrogenic (reduces hormone production); calcium source |
| Brazil nuts | Rich in selenium |
| Oily fish | vitamin-d, selenium, omega-3 (note: also high in iodine) |
| Legumes | zinc, iron, fibre, protein |
| Turmeric | Anti-inflammatory, linked to reduced thyroid disease frequency |
| Mushrooms | selenium, vitamin-d (if UV-grown) |
| Leafy greens | magnesium, calcium |