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Rapamycin extends mouse lifespan 9–14%
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Walking 10 min after meals blunts glucose
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The Best Diet For Thyroid Health — Whalespan

Content›Video›The Best Diet For Thyroid He…

The Best Diet For Thyroid Health

Paul Saladino1h 26m · 2025-10-15

Support Rate

67%

148 of 220 claims supported

Support rate

148 of 220 claims supported

148 supported72 partial / not

Claims from this content

183

✓Well SupportedDiabetic patients consuming high amounts of honey (up to 180+ grams/day) in a study lost weight and became more insulin sensitive, despite an increase in hemoglobin A1c.✓Well SupportedApplying an ice pack to the genital area while in the sauna can counteract the negative effects of sauna on spermatogenesis.✕Not SupportedElevated scrotal temperature from hot tubs and saunas is detrimental to sperm quality.✓Well SupportedIndividuals with thyroid issues may need to limit cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale.✓Well SupportedReducing light exposure, eliminating blue light, shutting off screens, and removing stimulation are recommended before sleep.

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A. Volkovreader

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Bookmarking — the dossier-vs-overview split is the right call. Most of the time I want overview; sometimes I want receipts.

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✓Well Supported

Infrared light is used in mitochondria to produce melatonin, which acts as a systemic antioxidant, and many people are systemically deficient in melatonin.

✓Well SupportedMaintaining a consistent sleep schedule by going to bed at the same time every night is crucial for overall well-being.

✕Not SupportedHigh doses (4g or more per day) of omega-3 supplementation from fish oil are associated with an increased risk of atrial fibrillation and cardiac arrhythmia.

✓Well SupportedGrinding organs into ground beef allows for incorporation of nutrient-dense foods and control over leanness or fat content.

✓Well SupportedCovering one's head with a towel in a hot sauna can increase comfort by insulating the brain and prevent nasal and oral burning from hot air.

✕Not SupportedSaunas exceeding 200-215°F may increase dementia risk, necessitating brain protection like wearing a sauna hat.

✓Well SupportedPaul Saladino consumes bone marrow and liver from Heart & Soil supplements, as well as cooked bone marrow on the grill.

✓Well SupportedGround beef is beneficial partly because it contains collagen from chewy, sinewy parts of the animal.

✓Well SupportedMeasuring T3 is important because it is the biologically active thyroid hormone.

◐Partially SupportedSpinach is high in oxalates, and autopsy studies show oxalate deposition in the thyroid of all individuals.

✓Well SupportedIodine deficiency is primarily caused by goitrogens like sulforaphane and other isothiocyanates that compete with iodine at the ionic level in the thyroid.

✓Well SupportedSunlight provides benefits beyond vitamin D production, such as endorphins and nitric oxide.

✓Well SupportedOrgans like liver provide nutrients such as folate, riboflavin, choline, biotin, vitamin A, and copper, which are less represented in muscle meat.

✓Well SupportedHeart and Soil's 'Memory and Brain', 'Beef Organs', and 'Bone Matrix' supplements have passed third-party testing for purity and are Informed Sports certified.

✕Not SupportedTesting only TSH is insufficient for assessing thyroid function; TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and Hashimoto's antibodies should be tested.

✓Well SupportedCarbohydrates signal abundance to the body, which is evolutionarily important for fertility and postpartum recovery.

?Limited ResearchWhile fasting can induce autophagy by consuming sick cells, the long-term effects and potential detriment of continuous fasting on autophagy rates are not well-studied.

✓Well SupportedThe cortisol to DHEA-S ratio is an objective marker of stress linked to mortality and longevity.

✓Well SupportedFish, including wild salmon, tuna, mahi-mahi, grouper, mussels, scallops, clams, lobsters, and crabs, are often contaminated with heavy metals.

✓Well SupportedThe human body stores consumed polyunsaturated fatty acids, impacting fat cells, membranes, and the brain.

✓Well SupportedNose-to-tail eating may be a significant lever for achieving health, potentially more so than conventional medical approaches.

✓Well SupportedHigh consumption of cruciferous vegetables was associated with thyroid cancer among women with low iodine intake.

✓Well SupportedHuman diets likely evolved to contain about 2% polyunsaturated fatty acids, compared to current intakes of 10-20% or more.

✓Well SupportedFish oil supplements often have a high peroxide index, indicating undesirable oxidation.

✓Well SupportedIncluding carbohydrates, particularly as fruit and honey, is beneficial for most humans long-term and represents the least toxic carbohydrate sources.

✓Well SupportedReverse T3 is a biologically inactive form of T3 produced from T4.

✓Well SupportedKetogenic or carnivore diets can lead to significantly lower T4 and T3 thyroid hormones, indicating a suboptimal metabolic thermostat.

✕Not SupportedConsuming fish as the primary protein source can lead to high levels of heavy metals, endocrine disruptors, PFAS, and microplastics.

✓Well SupportedMilk's bioactive components are best preserved when consumed raw.

✓Well SupportedPumpkin seeds contain zinc, but its bioavailability is low due to phytic acid.

✕Not SupportedSupplementing with iodine, particularly Lugol's iodine, can easily lead to excessive intake and potentially toxic levels, causing TSH to rise significantly.

✓Well SupportedBioavailable zinc is primarily obtained from animal foods, with minimal to no bioavailability from plant sources.

✓Well SupportedA moderate intake of carbohydrates (50-100 grams per day) is likely acceptable for individuals with diabetes.

✓Well SupportedHashimoto's thyroiditis is characterized by antibodies against thyroid peroxidase or anti-thyroid globulin and is more common in women.

✕Not SupportedPerforming a cold plunge immediately after heat exposure may negate some of the immune cell-stimulating effects of heat exposure.

✓Well SupportedNatural desiccated thyroid contains T4, T3, and other elements in ratios that may treat hypothyroidism.

◐Partially SupportedThyroid status is the primary determinant of the body's state of abundance versus scarcity, influencing vitality and fertility or a hibernation state.

✓Well SupportedWomen may naturally have a higher body temperature during the luteal phase of their cycle due to progesterone.

✓Well SupportedVitamin D levels can be increased with supplements if sun exposure is insufficient.

◐Partially SupportedRaw whey protein may decrease rates of asthma, eczema, and allergies compared to pasteurized milk.

✓Well SupportedContrast therapy combining sauna and cold plunge may offer neurochemical benefits promoting clarity and peace.

◐Partially SupportedThyroid disease is significantly more common in women than men, with estrogen's effect on thyroid function being a contributing factor.

✕Not SupportedMost individuals can obtain sufficient omega-3 fatty acids from dietary sources like egg yolks and grass-fed meat, negating the need for fish oil supplements.

◐Partially SupportedInterpreting cholesterol panels requires understanding fasting insulin and thyroid panel results.

✓Well SupportedMaximizing sleep requires getting outdoor light exposure, including full spectrum, infrared, and potentially ultraviolet light, first thing in the morning.

◐Partially SupportedSoy, cyanogenic plant foods, and Brassica seeds contain goitrogens that can possess anti-TPO activity.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals can obtain sufficient iodine from animal foods and should avoid foods with goitrogenic substances if particularly sensitive.

✓Well SupportedIn individuals with metabolic dysfunction, impaired mitochondria lead to poor carbohydrate tolerance, but carbohydrates are not the cause of the dysfunction.

◐Partially SupportedAnimal foods are a better source of selenium for humans than Brazil nuts due to variability, potential toxicity, and heavy metal accumulation in nuts.

◐Partially SupportedLow carbohydrate and ketogenic diets do not cause hypothyroidism; hypothyroidism can lead to insulin resistance and result from dietary habits.

◐Partially SupportedAncestral eating patterns likely involved significantly less consumption of anti-thyroid foods and grains.

◐Partially SupportedAdequate macronutrients and micronutrients signal abundance and support health.

◐Partially SupportedPaul Saladino prioritizes sleep, play, being outdoors, nutrient-rich foods, and avoiding impairing foods for health.

◐Partially SupportedBrazil nuts contain radium, a radioactive element that contributes to background radiation exposure.

◐Partially SupportedGrounding may normalize physiology by altering the body's electrochemical environment and improving red blood cell zeta potential.

◐Partially SupportedSelenocysteine, a bioavailable form of selenium found in animal foods, is important for antioxidant proteins like glutathione.

◐Partially SupportedHistorically, humans consumed all parts of an animal, including tough meats and organs like tongue and tendons.

◐Partially SupportedAnimal foods, including organ meats like thyroid, seafood, and dairy, are good sources of bioavailable iodine.

◐Partially SupportedHigh-quality meat generally has lower levels of contaminants compared to clean fish.

✓Well SupportedSupplementing vitamin D in winter is necessary if one did not get enough sun exposure in the summer.

◐Partially SupportedMicroRNAs found in exosomes act as blueprints that control gene transcription and can help reprogram or regenerate human cells.

◐Partially SupportedSpinach, almonds, rhubarb, and beans are high sources of oxalates, and their role in the human body, particularly the thyroid, is not fully understood.

◐Partially SupportedSex hormones are downstream from the thyroid, and overexercising stresses the thyroid and hormonal cascade.

◐Partially SupportedHealthy levels of sex hormones are associated with better mood, resilience, mental clarity, and emotional poise.

◐Partially SupportedTSH levels above 2.5 are generally considered too high by medical providers.

◐Partially SupportedOptimal thyroid hormone assessment requires TSH, free T3, free T4, reverse T3, and nutrient analysis for iodine, selenium, and zinc.

◐Partially SupportedNatural desiccated thyroid could be considered an adjunct therapy for individuals diagnosed with a thyroid issue.

✓Well SupportedMaximizing daylight exposure through morning/mid-morning and evening outdoor walks, and working near a window, supports sleep.

✕Not SupportedTRT may be unnecessary if underlying issues like poor sleep, over-caffeination, overtraining, lack of rest, and insufficient micronutrients are not addressed.

✓Well SupportedA resting heart rate between 60-70 bpm likely indicates optimal thyroid function and an abundance state.

✕Not SupportedExcess consumption of polyunsaturated fatty acids, seed oils, and poor quality fish oil can be problematic.

◐Partially SupportedSleep is crucial for regenerating body tissues, including hormones and the thyroid; insufficient sleep can increase reverse T3.

◐Partially SupportedSufficient tryptophan and amino acids are necessary for the synthesis of serotonin and melatonin, which are critical for sleep.

◐Partially SupportedExcessive fasting, time-restricted eating, or caloric restriction can negatively impact thyroid function, potentially necessitating thyroid hormone supplementation.

✕Not SupportedExcessive exercise, like training 20 hours a week, is not necessary to achieve a lean physique, good muscle mass, energy, and pain-free movement.

✕Not SupportedThe cultural belief that 'more is better' applies to exercise, and sometimes 'less can be better'.

◐Partially SupportedIntense exercise can be addictive, providing temporary endorphin rushes and stress hormone boosts, but ultimately leading to a crash.

◐Partially SupportedImpaired thyroid function leads to suboptimal mitochondrial energy production and a suboptimal life.

◐Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's heavy metal tests were very low because he does not eat fish.

◐Partially SupportedExcess iodine intake is a stressor linked to Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

✕Not SupportedMen may go on TRT permanently due to testicular failure or temporary shutdown caused by starting TRT too quickly, potentially affecting fertility.

◐Partially SupportedExtreme hormetic stresses like very hot saunas or extremely cold plunges may not be necessary for physiological benefits and could carry risks.

◐Partially SupportedThe 'after drop' phenomenon in cold plunging involves blood volume shifts causing discomfort or inability to warm up.

◐Partially SupportedMainstream medicine recognizes an increased correlation between autoimmune conditions like celiac disease and Hashimoto's thyroiditis.

◐Partially SupportedThe incidence of thyroid underactivity in the human population is vastly underdiagnosed.

◐Partially SupportedWhere there is a will, there is a way; there is always someone who had worse circumstances and achieved more.

◐Partially SupportedWhen people are naturally healthy and have abundant energy, they have a desire to move, play, and engage in physical activities.

◐Partially SupportedLow energy prevents individuals from thriving and engaging in desired physical activities.

◐Partially SupportedTesticles require a temperature slightly below body temperature for optimal sperm production.

◐Partially SupportedThe negative effect of heat on testicles is reversible after approximately six weeks.

◐Partially SupportedSunlight exposure is an evolutionary signal important for human physiology.

◐Partially SupportedOvertraining can create stress and negatively impact the body.

✕Not SupportedPolyunsaturated fatty acids can interfere with thyroid hormone production, release, displacement from carrier proteins, and binding to cellular receptors.

◐Partially SupportedThe belief that eating an organ supports the corresponding organ is based on nutrient synergy beyond just nutrient richness.

✕Not SupportedIf pre-workout is needed for exercise, prioritize sleep and nutrition instead.

✕Not SupportedThe widespread fear of carbohydrates is a disservice to the public.

✕Not SupportedBrazil nuts have variable selenium content and can lead to toxic levels or increased cadmium and radium exposure.

✕Not SupportedConsuming king salmon, mahi mahi, scallops, shrimp, and lobster comes with attendant risks.

◐Partially SupportedEngaging in physical exercise signals the body to expend energy and subsequently feel tired, which is beneficial for overall health.

◐Partially SupportedA thyroid panel is necessary to interpret body temperature and pulse rate.

◐Partially SupportedAdequate calorie intake is necessary for optimal sleep.

✕Not SupportedTime-restricted eating, fasting, caloric restriction, and carbohydrate restriction are all considered culprits for thyroid issues.

✕Not SupportedChronically restrictive low-carbohydrate diets, time-restricted eating, fasting, and caloric restriction can be stressors that negatively impact health.

◐Partially SupportedAchieving a lean physique, good muscle mass, energy, and pain-free movement is effectively done with a balanced approach, not excessive training.

◐Partially SupportedIntense exercise increases cortisol and decreases DHEA-S, signaling scarcity to the body.

◐Partially SupportedExcessive training, characterized by early mornings, artificial lights, and high intensity five out of seven days a week, can be detrimental.

◐Partially SupportedIndividuals with fair skin are evolutionarily adapted to be efficient vitamin D and ultraviolet light harvesters.

◐Partially SupportedPaul Saladino is looking for thyroid in his ground beef.

◐Partially SupportedThe thyroid gland regulates metabolism and energy.

✕Not SupportedSauna and cold plunge are stressors that can be overused and negatively affect energy production.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming nutrient-dense scraps like raw heart and liver may be beneficial for humans.

◐Partially SupportedFish generally has much higher levels of heavy metals compared to cacao and meat.

◐Partially SupportedVery low resting heart rates in highly fit individuals may be associated with thyroid dysfunction, including high reverse T3 and low T3.

◐Partially SupportedLevels of thyroid stimulating hormone below two are optimal.

◐Partially SupportedA healthy thyroid state is indicated by a body temperature in the high 97s to low 98s Fahrenheit, with a rise during the day.

◐Partially SupportedMicroRNAs in organs like testicles are a potentially cutting-edge area of science for health.

◐Partially SupportedSourcing low heavy metal cacao for chocolate whey protein is achievable.

◐Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's top daily practices for thyroid optimization include adequate calories, carbohydrates, organ meats, micronutrients, and sleep.

◐Partially SupportedFixing the root cause of low energy through sleep and proper nutrition will naturally lead to a desire to exercise.

✕Not SupportedExtreme cold exposure challenges can be unhealthy due to excessive stress.

◐Partially SupportedIodine is essential for thyroid hormone production.

✕Not SupportedExperiencing rhabdomyolysis from a 34-degree Fahrenheit cold plunge for 10 minutes is possible.

◐Partially SupportedNose-to-tail eating is a primary driver of human health and longevity.

✕Not SupportedA low body temperature is not a positive indicator for human health or longevity.

◐Partially SupportedAdequate intake of iodine, selenium, zinc, vitamin A, and iron is critical for human health and processes like sleep, melatonin, and dopamine production.

◐Partially SupportedA small area under the curve for postprandial glucose after consuming honey post-surfing indicates a healthy metabolic response.

◐Partially SupportedWomen may eat less of the nutrients essential for optimal thyroid health, specifically iodine, selenium, and zinc in bioavailable forms.

✕Not SupportedThe clinical reference range for thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) up to 4.5 is at least twice as high as it should be.

◐Partially SupportedHuman genetics and cellular physiology are adapted to a lifestyle similar to that of 75 years ago, suggesting a need to emulate ancestral living conditions.

◐Partially SupportedSitting under flickering blue lights overactivates the sympathetic nervous system.

◐Partially SupportedIncreased polyunsaturated fatty acids in mitochondrial membranes can create oxidative stress and a 'leaky membrane' problem.

◐Partially SupportedIodine deficiency is unlikely if consuming animal foods and avoiding foods that inhibit absorption.

◐Partially SupportedBroccoli consumption is unlikely to negatively impact thyroid function if sufficient animal foods are consumed to balance it out.

◐Partially SupportedStrict ketogenic and carnivore diets can lead to lower body temperature and a feeling of being chronically cold.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming thyroid gland contains active thyroid hormones and potentially microRNAs that could affect cellular function.

◐Partially SupportedPolyunsaturated fatty acids in seed oils can be stressful for the body due to their oxidative load.

◐Partially SupportedAvoiding over-exercising, high-intensity interval training, and engaging in activities like surfing can help maintain healthy testosterone levels.

◐Partially SupportedThe thyroid is critical for overall health, with potentially 20-30% or more of the population affected, particularly women.

✕Not SupportedSeaweed and kelp contain high amounts of iodine and should not be consumed in excessive quantities.

✕Not SupportedFish oil quality is variable due to sourcing, oxidation, and saturation point, and the dose can be problematic.

◐Partially SupportedGoiter can indicate hypothyroidism due to inadequate nutrient intake.

◐Partially SupportedDesiccated thyroid, pancreas, and brain have been historically used for insulin inadequacy and cognitive decline.

◐Partially SupportedA well-functioning metabolism, indicated by body temperature and pulse rate, is crucial for bodily systems to function properly.

◐Partially SupportedThe supplement Thyroid Plus from Heart and Soil is designed to help people maximize their thyroid function and energy.

◐Partially SupportedThyroid hormones regulate bodily functions by signaling to every cell to turn functions up or down.

◐Partially SupportedSex hormones are crucial for overall quality of life, not just for libido, but for making life worth living.

◐Partially SupportedIn humans, a higher metabolism is associated with longer lifespan, not shorter.

◐Partially SupportedA well-functioning metabolism with a hot body furnace is required for a healthy, vital, and fertile human.

◐Partially SupportedA low body temperature in humans may reflect decreasing basal metabolism and reduced calorie burning.

◐Partially SupportedThe thyroid gland regulates metabolism and is connected to energy production.

◐Partially SupportedThere are autoimmune conditions linked to food intake that are not well recognized by Western medicine.

◐Partially SupportedIodine is found in seafood, but seafood also carries potential problems.

◐Partially SupportedA balance of saturated and unsaturated fatty acids is necessary for cell membranes.

◐Partially SupportedInadequate iodine consumption is common, potentially due to reduced intake of animal foods.

◐Partially SupportedGluten sensitivity may be associated with thyroid problems.

◐Partially SupportedCacao tends to accumulate heavy metals, dependent on the soil it is grown in.

◐Partially SupportedMilk is a good source of iodine for thyroid growth.

✕Not SupportedFasting can negatively impact thyroid function by increasing reverse T3 and decreasing thyroid hormones and body temperature, indicating a downregulation of energy metabolism.

◐Partially SupportedProlonged fasting can lead to intense coldness on the second and third days.

◐Partially SupportedHistorically, tough animal parts like tendons were boiled and cooked down, and tongues were given to the elderly.

◐Partially SupportedMicroRNA-filled exosomes are being used in preclinical research and clinical trials for regenerative purposes.

◐Partially SupportedPaul Saladino's website offers a free animal-based calculator.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming organs like thyroid may benefit individuals by providing microRNAs from exosomes that could help reprogram their own cells.

◐Partially SupportedAdequate nutrient intake provides the thyroid gland with the necessary building blocks and signals to produce thyroid hormones.

◐Partially SupportedThe area under the curve for postprandial glucose and insulin response, rather than the peak value, is more important for assessing metabolic health.

◐Partially SupportedA rise in blood sugar after eating is normal human physiology.

◐Partially SupportedTestosterone replacement therapy should only be considered after assessing sleep, micronutrient status, exercise habits, and caffeine intake.

◐Partially SupportedTestosterone replacement therapy can restore energy and allow individuals to be proactive.

✕Not SupportedA healthy metabolism and good energy production are prerequisites for wanting to exercise.

◐Partially SupportedLow body temperature and low pulse can be signals of scarcity, potentially seen in individuals practicing severe caloric, animal protein, carbohydrate, and time-restricted eating.

◐Partially SupportedConsuming desiccated testicle may provide androgens and microRNAs that could potentially reprogram glands.

◐Partially SupportedA preferred cold plunge temperature is 48 degrees Fahrenheit for one to two minutes between sauna rounds.

◐Partially SupportedDesiccated brain, specifically phosphatidylserine and sphingomyelin derived from cow brain, has shown improvements in cognitive metrics for individuals with cognitive decline, unlike plant-derived phosphatidylserine.

◐Partially SupportedThe quality of foods eaten, including organs, is the single greatest lever for human health and longevity.

◐Partially SupportedThe shift from hunter-gatherer diets to pastoralism and grain-based diets may contribute to goiters due to increased anti-nutrient intake.

◐Partially SupportedThyroid was historically present in ancestral diets and ground beef, and its removal may contribute to thyroid problems.

◐Partially SupportedAn abundance mindset with increased nutrition and energy intake leads to running hotter and is associated with robust thyroid function.

◐Partially SupportedSubclinical hypothyroidism can manifest as brain fog, fatigue, feeling cold, infertility, and low libido.