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
953 - Bad Breath Starts in Your Gut (& How to Fix It) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
A fascinating new study has found that bad breath, or "halitosis" may be correlated with gut issues. In the study, 99% of those who were given treatment for their gut health actually fixed their bad breath! In this episo…
952 - Vitamin B1 (Thiamine) Deficiency Is Causing Your Gut Problems [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:03
Thiamine is a highly underrated but very important vitamin for your gut health, mitochondria, immune system, and more. However, 56% of people aren't getting enough. In this episode, I'll explain the important function of…
951 - The Science of Seed Oils: Are They Really Harmful? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:29
Seed oils have been a controversial topic as of late. But, are they all harmful? In this episode, I'll present extensive research on seed oils, how they're affecting your body, and suggest the best ways to consume them.…
947 - The Truth About Microplastics and Health with Dr. Ian Mudway [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:29
I had an eye-opening discussion with environment and health expert, Dr. Ian Mudway about the prevalence and risks of microplastics in our everyday lives. How do we consume microplastics? Are they a danger to our health?…
946 - The Best Mind-Body Advice To Optimize Your Health & Healing [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:25
If you have been struggling with chronic health conditions, I see you and I know firsthand how difficult it can be holistically. While you heal your body, it is important to take optimal care of your mindset. In fact, yo…