1012 - 9 Best Foods for Thyroid Health

1012 - 9 Best Foods for Thyroid Health

Author: Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC March 30, 2026 Duration: 22:01

Need a thyroid deep dive?  See Dr. Ruscio's Thyroid Self Help Course: https://drruscio.com/thyroid-course/

In this episode, Dr. Ruscio breaks down the 9 best foods to support optimal thyroid function and why getting the right nutrients, including selenium, iodine, iron, and zinc, can make all the difference. He also reveals the powerful connection between gut health and your thyroid, and how a healthier gut can enhance nutrient absorption, lower inflammation, and reduce autoimmunity. If you've been struggling with thyroid issues, these foods will help you restore optimal health.

 

✅ Start healing with us! Learn more about our virtual clinic:  https://drruscio.com/virtual-clinic/

📖 Nutrivore: https://nutrivore.com/product/nutrivore/ 

 

👇 Watch more videos like this 👇 

➡️ The Science of Leaky Gut with Dr Michael Camilleri MD (Mayo Clinic):https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q0KlrBy39wo

➡️ Red Light Therapy REVERSES Hashimoto's (New Breakthrough):

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DowcFFyG7Cs

➡️ The Best Way to Treat a Sluggish Thyroid - New Study:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xLuw1q2kvVM

➡️ Escape the Hypothyroidism Trap with Dr. Antonio Bianco:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n1jzvyEoLfI

 

Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@DrRuscioDC?sub_confirmation=1

And if you have any questions or topics you would like covered in the future, let me know in the comments!

 

👇Read these next 👇

➡️ Can You Use Red Light Therapy for Thyroid Health?:

https://drruscio.com/red-light-therapy-for-thyroid/

➡️ 8 Reasons You Have Symptoms of Too Much Thyroid Medication:

https://drruscio.com/too-high-thyroid-medication-symptoms/

➡️ What Happens If You Don't Take Thyroid Medication?:

https://drruscio.com/what-happens-if-you-dont-take-thyroid-medication/

 

📌Timestamps

00:00 Intro 

01:38 Fermented Foods

02:53 Brazil Nuts

04:27 Seafood

05:36 Iodized Salt

09:24 Seaweed

10:53 Bone Broth

12:25 Red Meat & Organ Meat

14:00 Eggs

14:31 Berries

15:56 Thyroid Resources

 

Featured Studies 

📉 The Relationship between Gastrointestinal Health, Micronutrient Concentrations, and Autoimmunity: A Focus on the Thyroid: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36079838/

📉 The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39125376/

📉 5'- and 5-deiodinase activities in adult rat cecum and large bowel contents inhibited by intestinal microflora:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/8214060/

📉 Gut-microbiota-targeted diets modulate human immune status: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34256014/

📉 Brazil nuts: an effective way to improve selenium status: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/18258628/

📉 Investigating the associations between dietary nutrient intake and risk of Hashimoto's thyroiditis: a cross-sectional study from NHANES and a case-control study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41541194/

📉 U-shaped relationship between iodine status and thyroid autoimmunity risk in adults: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31252413/

📉 A Paleolithic-type diet results in iodine deficiency: a 2-year randomized trial in postmenopausal obese women:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28901333/

📉 Morton® all-purpose iodized sea salt nutritional facts: https://www.mortonsalt.com/article/morton-all-purpose-iodized-sea-salt-nutritional-facts/

📉 Commercially available kelp and seaweed products - valuable iodine source or risk of excess intake?:

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33889064/

📉 Analysis of iodine content in seaweed by GC-ECD and estimation of iodine intake: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9359334/

📉 Bone Broth Benefits: How Its Nutrients Fortify Gut Barrier in Health and Disease:https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40180691/

📉 A polyphenol-rich dietary pattern improves intestinal permeability, evaluated as serum zonulin levels, in older subjects: The MaPLE randomised controlled trial: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33388204/

📉 Effect of berry-based supplements and foods on cognitive function: a systematic review: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35217779/



Follow Me

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/DrRuscio

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/drruscio/

 

DISCLAIMER: The information on this site is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment.

Music featured in this video: "Modern Technology" by Andrew G, https://audiojungle.net/user/andrew_g

*Full transcript available on YouTube by clicking the "Show transcript" button on the bottom right of the video.


Trying to make sense of the latest health trends and research can feel overwhelming. Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare cuts through the noise with grounded, evidence-based conversations. Hosted by clinician and researcher Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC, this podcast explores the practical side of functional health, where complex science is translated into actionable steps you can use. Episodes often start with a curious question-why does one diet work for some but not others, or what does the latest study really mean for everyday health-and follow the evidence where it leads. You’ll hear deep dives into gut health, nutrition, and fitness, balanced with a critical eye that isn’t afraid to debunk popular fads when the data doesn’t support them. The tone is conversational yet precise, reflecting Dr. Ruscio’s dual role as a practicing clinician and a dedicated investigator. Each discussion is built to provide clarity, leaving you with a clearer understanding of how your body works and what might help it work better. It’s important to note that this podcast is for educational and informational purposes. While Dr. Ruscio shares his expertise as a doctor of chiropractic, the content does not constitute personal medical or professional advice. Instead, think of it as a reliable source for thoughtful analysis, helping you have more informed conversations about your own health journey.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Dr. Ruscio Radio, DC: Health, Nutrition and Functional Healthcare
Podcast Episodes
993 - 3-Step Protocol to Dissolve Gallstones Naturally [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:52
Did you know your gut bacteria directly impact gallbladder function? Learn how your microbiome affects bile production, evidence-based supplements to support digestive health, and essential care tips after gallbladder re…
992 - Top 5 NEW SIBO Treatment Facts You Need To Know in 2025 [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:19
If you're struggling with SIBO, the treatment landscape has evolved—and we're breaking down the latest evidence-based strategies that are actually working in 2025. In this episode, we'll cover the best diet strategies fo…
990 - Top 6 Treatments To REVERSE Hypothyroidism (Red Light & More) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:03
Your thyroid levels can be lowered! In this episode, I've compiled key research and solutions for thyroid health including diets, supplements and even red light therapy. Reverse thyroid imbalances and Hashimoto's – watch…
989 - Top 8 Candida Treatment Myths (& What Actually Works) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:42
Candida treatment does not have to be as restrictive as many believe. From diet to herbal supplements, testing and more, I have compiled the top 8 myths that most get wrong about candida, and what to do instead. You CAN…
988 - Game-Changing Treatments To Reverse Aging & Increase Longevity [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:29
Longevity and anti-aging science has leveled up in recent years, and as a result, there are tons of game-changing treatments with proven effectiveness. From supplements to boost mitochondrial health to light and oxygen t…
987: Top 7 Foods To Eat EVERY DAY For Leaky Gut (Research-Backed) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 34:43
Healing leaky gut starts with choosing the best foods to eat every day while temporarily avoiding others. In this episode, I reveal the top 7 types of foods that support gut healing and help reduce symptoms like brain fo…