As temperatures drop and frosty mornings creep in, it’s tempting to rely on scarves and thermals to battle the chill. But true resilience to the cold doesn’t just come from layering up, it’s forged deep within by the steady warmth of your thyroid gland. 

Known as the body’s thermostat, the thyroid is the command centre for regulating metabolism, internal heat, and energy production. When nourished and functioning optimally, it’s your ally against winter’s harshest tests.

The keeper of internal heat

The thyroid produces hormones (T3 and T4) that directly influence metabolism, energy production, and thermoregulation. When functioning optimally, the thyroid ensures that every cell in your body is producing the energy needed to stay warm, energised, and balanced.

Yet modern diets, often stripped of essential nutrients, can leave the thyroid undernourished, resulting in cold intolerance, fatigue, sluggishness, and a weakened immune response. Without the right fuel, your body struggles to maintain the cellular energy required to fend off invaders, leaving you more susceptible to seasonal illnesses.

In contrast, the winter diets of our ancestors were naturally fortified with bioavailable nutrients from organ meats, simmering broths, and whole food sources of iodine, selenium, and fat-soluble vitamins.

These warming, hearty foods align with the body’s needs during colder months, supporting energy production, hormone balance, and cellular repair. They also provide the calories and macronutrients necessary to fuel thermogenesis, the process by which your body generates heat.

Thyroid supportive foods for cold weather

1. Organ Meats

• Why they help:  Organ meats are nutritional treasure troves. Liver and kidney in particular are brimming with bioavailable vitamin A, crucial for thyroid hormone production and immune support. They also deliver selenium and zinc, essential for converting inactive T4 into the active T3 hormone. Selenium additionally acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting the thyroid from oxidative damage caused by free radicals, which can impair its function, particularly during the heightened stress of winter.
• How to enjoy: Sauté liver with caramelised onions, or sneak organs into your mince for burgers. If subtlety is your style, a scoop of Organised in your morning coffee does the trick without a trace

2. Gelatine rich broth

• Why it helps: Bone broths, rich in gelatine and collagen, provide glycine and proline, amino acids that soothe the gut lining. A healthy gut supports optimal thyroid hormone absorption, while the broth's warmth literally warms you from the inside out.
• How to enjoy: Sip broth as a morning elixir or use it as a base for hearty, winter stews. 

3. Seafood

• Why it helps: The thyroid’s ability to produce its critical hormones, T3 and T4, depends on a steady supply of iodine, a trace mineral essential for thyroid hormone synthesis. Seafood is one of the richest natural sources of iodine, offering a bioavailable form of this nutrient that the body can easily absorb and utilise
• How to enjoy: Grill or bake wild-caught salmon with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of lemon for a flavourful, thyroid-supportive meal or enjoy some homemade sushi with nori or kelp

4. Eggs and dairy

• Why it helps: Eggs and dairy are rich in tyrosine, an amino acid that, when combined with iodine, forms the backbone of thyroid hormone production. Tyrosine acts as a precursor for T3 and T4, ensuring the thyroid can produce these essential hormones efficiently
• How to enjoy: Enjoy your favourite form of eggs for breakfast or or sip raw milk dusted with cinnamon for a nourishing winter indulgence

Practical tips for supporting thyroid function

1. Maintain steady nourishment

The thyroid gland requires a consistent energy supply to function optimally. Skipping meals can lead to energy dips that stress the thyroid and slow metabolism.

 If you’re already dealing with thyroid issues, fasting isn’t your friend, it can can exacerbate hormonal imbalances, reduce the conversion of thyroid hormones, and hinder recovery. Instead, focus on eating regular, nutrient-dense meals that provide steady fuel throughout the day.

2. Embrace morning light

Sunlight stimulates the release of cortisol, a hormone that not only helps you wake up but also supports the conversion of inactive thyroid hormone (T4) to its active form (T3). 

3. Ditch processed foods

Processed foods, high in refined sugars and additives, can lead to blood sugar spikes followed by crashes, creating stress on the thyroid. Over time, this can contribute to metabolic imbalances and reduced hormone efficiency

 

Raising your body temperature is the cornerstone of vibrant health. A warm, well-functioning body supports enzyme activity, strengthens immunity, and maintains steady energy levels. It’s your first line of defence against winter bugs, fatigue, and the seasonal sluggishness that often creeps in with the cold.

At the center of this internal warmth is your thyroid, the body’s thermostat and energy regulator. Even a subtle boost in your internal body temperature, driven by optimal thyroid function, can have profound effects.