• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to footer
  • Fertility Topics
  • Fertility Therapies
  • Hormone Health
  • Nutrition
  • Success Stories
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com
  • Shop Products
  • PROGRAMS
  • ARTICLES
Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility Info.com

Natural Fertility tips, information, herbs, supplements and more

  • Shop Products

Fertility Nutrition Q&A

Fertility Q&A: Fertility Diet Tips for Thyroid Health

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist
July 17, 2021
Reviewed by Christine Traxler, MD

1. Q: “In your post on the Fertility Diet, you mention “If you have hypothyroidism make sure to only eat your greens steamed.” My question is, as opposed to what? Adding leafy greens to smoothies? Sautéing? Roasting? What is the purpose of that? Does steamed spinach hold more nutrients?”

A: Great question! For those with an underactive thyroid, it is best to gently cook greens, as opposed to eating them raw. They can be steamed, lightly sautéed, or perhaps roasted before eating as a part of your Fertility Diet or before adding to Fertility Smoothies.

We suggest lightly cooking your greens so that the “goitrogens” from raw cruciferous vegetables when broken down do not interfere with the body’s natural ability to synthesize thyroid hormones and the thyroid’s ability to utilize iodine. Steaming dark green leafy vegetables is thought to prevent the possibility of both.

I have read that “the scientific consensus is that cruciferous vegetables could only be detrimental to thyroid function in cases of very high intake accompanied by significant iodine deficiency.” What exactly constitutes “very high” is unknown, but we like to err on the side of caution for those with thyroid health issues and infertility.

All of this is why we suggest steaming the majority of cruciferous vegetables eaten in the Fertility Diet and eating a wide variety of vegetable daily.

2. Q: “I have low iodine levels and mild thyroid issues. I have read people with thyroid issues should not consume raw broccoli. Would the broccoli in your product [Fertilica DIM Complete] be a problem?”

A: No. We do not know Fertilica DIM Complete to interfere with thyroid function. One of the main food sources of DIM (diindolylmethane) is broccoli. DIM is just one part of the entire broccoli plant and is not in broccoli in therapeutic quantities. If you have low thyroid function and want to eat broccoli, it may be best to steam it rather than eat it raw (see why in the question above). And if you would like the benefits of DIM (DIM is an estrogen balancer for men and women), consider supplementing with a product like DIM Complete.

3. “Hello! I’d like to know what to do or eat specifically for pregnancy due to my low thyroid function. It is really hard to stick to a diet, plus I can’t seem to find how to eat on this site cause some sites say for instance that cabbage and broccoli should be avoided when dealing with hypothyroidism etc. What CAN we eat specifically in my condition?

I really don’t get that much help with guidance from my doctors and have been to a private doctor before that couldn’t help me. All they do is check my blood samples and my medication. No good and understanding herbalist is to find near here. I’m from Stockholm, Sweden btw.

So…

1. I currently use raw maca powder in my smoothies which I take almost daily. But, maybe it’s better with gelatinized?

2. What should I specifically eat/use to see results? What are your experiences from hypothyroid patients like me? What about vitex? Is there a regime you can recommend for me?…”

A: Thank you for reaching out to us! I’m sorry finding the information you are looking for has proven challenging. If you are pregnant now and needing to support thyroid health, be sure to work closely with your doctor and/or a nutritionist. If you are preparing for pregnancy, here are tips to consider.

1. Gelatinized Maca is known to be easier to digest, gentler on the digestive system, than the plain powdered Maca. It happens to be cost effective too because it’s often more concentrated than raw Maca. If you like the Maca you are using and don’t feel digestive upset, then it may be just fine.

2. We have this amazing thorough guide, Every Woman’s Guide to Hypothyroidism and Fertility that I think will address your questions about nutrition and diet. We do not have a guide that specifically addresses a step-by-step to follow because every woman is unique and nutritional requirements vary. That said, a diet rich in whole foods should always be the first way to support overall health, including thyroid health. The Fertility Diet is said diet! Some tips in brief are:

  • Choose organic foods when possible!
  • Eat the proper amount of iodine – iodine-rich foods are seaweeds, raw cranberry, whole fat yogurt and raw dairy products (not in pregnancy), navy beans, strawberries and Himalayan crystal salt (not table salt).
  • Be sure to be getting key nutrients to support thyroid function like zinc, copper, selenium, b vitamins, and vitamins E, A, and C.

About Vitex, it would be worth learning more about hormonal balance support as you prepare for pregnancy. Our experience is that women can and do often successfully support healthy thyroid function by making dietary changes and then using herbs like Vitex and Maca to support the health of the endocrine system and hormonal balance.

We do have a variety of success stories (click that link) from women concerned with how thyroid health may be impacting their fertility that you may find inspiring. We are more than happy to work with you! The very best way to receive a full plan designed specifically for your fertility health needs, including support in creating a diet focused on supporting thyroid function, is to have a Fertility Consultation.

References

  • Fuhrman, J. (n.d.). Do cruciferous vegetables or soybeans harm the thyroid? Retrieved from: https://www.drfuhrman.com/learn/library/articles/97/do-cruciferous-vegetables-or-soybeans-harm-the-thyroid
  • Thyroid Therapy. (n.d.). Retrieved from: http://centerforhormonehealthandwellness.com/thyroid-therapy/

« Previous Post
Video: Progesterone and Fertility Q&A
Next Post »
Low AMH Levels: What Do They Really Mean For Fertility?

About the Author

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett - M.A., Certified Herbalist

Elizabeth Willett is the Senior Herbalist and Lead Educator at NaturalFertilityInfo.com. She holds a BS in Mass Communications (2000) from Minnesota State University, and a Master of Arts degree (MA, 2010) in Holistic Health Studies with a specialization is herbalism from St. Catherine University in St. Paul, MN. Liz has written over 200 articles on women's fertility and brings a vast wealth of knowledge and expertise in holistic health and healing to Natural Fertility Info.com

5 Steps To Improve Your Fertility Naturally

  • Learn the 5 different areas to focus on for optimal fertility health
  • Learn how to support hormonal health with herbs and essential oils
  • Tips on transitioning to a whole food fertility diet.
  • Self-care therapies to support your reproductive health

@NaturalFertilityInfo

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 27

Open
I believe things are placed on our hearts for a reason, not because we are supposed to suffer without them. While the journey to the outcome may not look exactly how we imagined, know that if it is in your heart, you can accomplish it. Just be open to the journey.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 24

Open
Two things are clear about phthalates and your fertility health: One, they are everywhere, and two, they are controversial! Particularly controversial is the link between phthalates and fibroids.
​
​Phthalates are a group of chemicals that are found in many everyday modern products. They’re found in floor and wall coverings, certain detergents, plastic food packaging, pharmaceuticals, lubricating oils, and personal care products like shampoos, soaps, hairspray, perfumes, and fragrant health products. Phthalates are even found in many of the plastic water bottles you might be drinking out of every day.
​
​If you are as concerned about these chemicals in our everyday lives as I am, see our Ditch & Switch Guide so you can start getting those chemicals out of your home. You can find it by clicking on our Bio.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 21

Open
How would you feel if in your twenties you were told you would never be able to have children because you were going through early menopause? Probably devastated. This is exactly what happened to Aleta. Fortunately for Aleta and her husband, advances in reproductive technology and a little old fashioned natural pregnancy preparation helped them achieve a goal they weren’t sure would ever be possible. This is Aleta’s story…

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 17

Open
Q: How long before an IVF should the Fertility Cleanse be done?
​
​Swipe through to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 14

Open
I am here talking my booty off day in and out to make sure you know that you are not alone.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 10

Open
Many women want to boost their fertility health but aren’t sure where to start.

If this is you, don’t you worry; I am going to make this as easy as possible for you and save you tons of time in trying to figure it all out.

This post is packed with resources for anyone who is just getting started with (or wanting to revive) their fertility journey.

Keep reading to learn about the three most important areas to focus on for healthy fertility...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 8

Open
Latoya used the information from our website and the help of Vitex to become pregnant. Click through the slides to read more about her experience...
​
​
​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.
1w

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 6

Open
Q: My hair has been falling out lately. Is there anything natural I can do? Where should I start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Jun 1

Open
The most important step to your success is the next 5 minutes of every moment.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 30

Open
Let's give a little extra love to our thyroids; shall we? Here are some foods you can add to your diet that help to nourish the thyroid... 
​
​Which are your favorites?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 26

Open
After 2 miscarriages, Felicia implemented certain products and therapies to increase her chances of a healthy pregnancy. She shares her story here... 
​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 23

Open
Q: Does having PMS mean hormonal imbalance?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 19

Open
What you are doing today is impacting the health of your eggs 90 days from now. Let's pamper those eggs! 
​
​If you are wondering where to get started, download my egg health guide at www.EggHealthTips.com

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 17

Open
Can added sugars in our diets affect hormonal health and fertility? Here are the details and the effects sugary foods can have on hormonal and reproductive health... 
​
​What's your biggest hurdle when it comes to sugar?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 12

Open
Diana’s story is one of true heartbreak after years of struggle, but with a glorious golden light at the end of the tunnel. Here is her truly inspiring fertility journey…
​
​​​​​
​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 6

Open
Q: I am on birth control, can I start supporting my hormonal health with herbs and supplements or do I need to be off of birth control to start?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 4

Open
Have you been waiting to begin making healthy lifestyle changes to support your fertility health? Do you feel overwhelmed about where to begin?
​
​What has been holding you back?

naturalfertilityinfo

View

May 2

Open
Girls, we all have one. Here are some ways to encourage health and balance, naturally...
​
​For the full guide, click the link in our Bio.
​

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 27

Open
Jennifer experienced multiple miscarriages before finding our website. She became inspired by our success stories and was determined to become one too! Read more about her journey... 
​
​
​​​​**While testimonials are real life experiences of those who have used our products, results do vary. We do not claim that they are typical results that consumers will generally achieve. The testimonials are not necessarily representative of all of those who will use our products and/or services.

naturalfertilityinfo

View

Apr 25

Open
Q: When should someone consider having testing done?
​
​Swipe through the slides to see what our answer is...
Load More...

Footer

  • Programs
  • Upcoming Classes

  • Consultations
  • Contact Us