High blood pressure and hypothyroidism (an underactive thyroid) are common medical conditions in the US. About 65 million American adults have high blood pressure and 20 percent of women and 5 percent of men have hypothyroidism. Now research reports that diet can help improve both hypothyroidism and high blood pressure.
Since iodine is essential for production of thyroid hormone, insufficient dietary iodine can cause hypothyroidism. This deficiency can cause the thyroid gland to swell at the neck, which is commonly referred to as a goiter. The best source of iodine is from sea salt and seaweed. In Japan, where seaweed is frequently eaten, thyroid disorders are rare. The recommended level of iodine should not exceed 600 mcg per day.
The trace mineral selenium is a co-factor for the enzyme that converts thyroid hormones in the body tissues. Several studies have found that supplementation with selenium helps treat hypothyroid symptoms. Selenium levels can be increased by eating foods that are high in selenium including whole wheat bread, bran, Brazil nuts, tuna, onions, tomatoes and broccoli. Low levels of zinc are associated with decreased levels of thyroid hormone T3. Studies suggest that supplementation with zinc can help normalize low T3 levels.
Studies show that high blood pressure can be effectively regulated by a vegetarian diet. One study, published in The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, investigated the association of plant foods, dairy and meat products on the risk of high blood pressure. They found that a high intake of plant foods (including whole grains, fruit, vegetables, nuts, and legumes) was linked to improved general health and a lower risk of high blood pressure. However, a high intake of red and processed meat was associated with a higher risk of high blood pressure.
"These findings are consistent with a beneficial effect of plant food intake and an adverse effect of meat intake on blood pressure," the study authors conclude.
REFERENCES:
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2 Vono J, et al. The effect of oral administration of iodine to patients with goiter and hypothyroidism due to defective synthesis of thyroglobulin. Thyroid. Feb1996;6(1):11-5.
3. Pizzulli A, Ranjbar A. Selenium deficiency and hypothyroidism: a new etiology in the differential diagnosis of hypothyroidism in children. Biol Trace Elem Res. 2000 Dec;77(3):199-208.
4. Olivieri O, Girelli D, Azzini M, et al. Low selenium status in the elderly influences thyroid hormones. Clin Sci (Lond). 1995 Dec;89(6):637-42.
5. Nishiyama S et al. Zinc supplementation alters thyroid hormone metabolism in disabled patients with zinc deficiency. J Am Coll Nutr 1994; 13: 62-67.
6. Steffen LM et al. Associations of plant food, dairy product, and meat intakes with 15-y incidence of elevated blood pressure in young black and white adults: the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA) Study. Am J Clin Nutr 2005 Dec;82(6):1169-1177.
Posted by Elaine Gavalas on January 15, 2007 01:31 PM
