What are the best foods for thyroid health? What should you avoid if you have hypothyroidism? Discover the optimal thyroid weight loss diet based on research.

The Importance of Thyroid Health for Weight Management

The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, which is directly linked to weight management. When the thyroid gland does not produce sufficient hormones, a condition known as hypothyroidism, it can lead to a slower metabolism, weight gain, and a host of other symptoms. Maintaining a healthy thyroid function is therefore essential for achieving and maintaining a healthy weight.

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common health condition that affects an estimated 0.5-5% of the US population. It occurs when the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which can result in symptoms such as fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, cold intolerance, mood changes, and constipation.

The most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas like the US is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, in which the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland. Other potential causes include iodine deficiency, certain medications, thyroid surgery, and medical treatments that damage the thyroid.

The Role of Diet in Thyroid Health

While medication is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism, research shows that dietary and lifestyle modifications can also play a significant role in managing the condition and its symptoms. Certain foods and dietary patterns have been found to have specific benefits for people with hypothyroidism, including improving thyroid function, promoting healthy body weight, and reducing hypothyroid symptoms.

The Optimal Thyroid-Friendly Diet

So, what should you eat if you have hypothyroidism? The ideal diet for thyroid health depends on the underlying cause of the condition and any associated health concerns. However, some general guidelines include:

Foods to Eat

• Iodine-rich foods: Seafood, seaweed, dairy products, eggs, and iodized salt
• Selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and turkey
• Anti-inflammatory foods: Leafy greens, berries, fatty fish, and olive oil
• Gluten-free grains: Quinoa, rice, and gluten-free oats

Foods to Avoid

• Processed and fried foods: These can contribute to inflammation and weight gain
• Gluten-containing foods: For those with Hashimoto’s disease, a gluten-free diet may help improve thyroid function
• Goitrogens: Certain vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, and kale in large amounts can interfere with thyroid function
• Soy products: Soy may inhibit the absorption of thyroid medication, so it’s best to limit intake

Dietary Patterns for Hypothyroidism

In addition to focusing on specific foods, research suggests that certain dietary patterns can be particularly beneficial for people with hypothyroidism:

Gluten-Free Diet

Many individuals with Hashimoto’s disease, the most common cause of hypothyroidism, have also been found to have gluten intolerance. Following a gluten-free diet may help improve thyroid function and reduce symptoms in these individuals.

Autoimmune Elimination Diet

An autoimmune elimination diet, which removes potential trigger foods like gluten, dairy, and processed foods, may also be helpful for reducing inflammation and improving thyroid health in those with Hashimoto’s disease.

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Diets high in anti-inflammatory foods, such as vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and lean proteins, may help protect against cellular damage and promote healthy body weight maintenance in people with hypothyroidism.

Optimizing Thyroid Health for Weight Loss

By following a thyroid-friendly diet and addressing any underlying nutritional deficiencies or food sensitivities, individuals with hypothyroidism may be able to better manage their thyroid function, improve their symptoms, and achieve their weight loss goals. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to develop a personalized plan that addresses the unique needs of your thyroid health.

Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

The optimal foods for thyroid health depend on whether you have a condition that impairs your thyroid function. With hypothyroidism, you may benefit from eliminating gluten, processed foods, and other foods that may trigger your immune system or cause inflammation.

Hypothyroidism is a health condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. It’s a common disease, affecting an estimate of around 0.5-5% of the US population (1).

Thyroid hormones help control a number of bodily functions, including growth, cell repair, and metabolism. As a result, people with hypothyroidism can experience symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, cold intolerance, mood changes, and constipation, among many other symptoms (2).

Medication is the first line of treatment for hypothyroidism, but following a healthy diet and lifestyle can help improve thyroid function and symptoms, too.

This article outlines the best diet for hypothyroidism, including which foods to eat and which to avoid — all based on research.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits near the base of the front of your neck.

It makes and stores thyroid hormones that impact nearly every organ system in your body (3).

When the thyroid gland receives a signal called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), it releases thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. This signal is sent from the pituitary gland, a small gland found at the base of your brain, when thyroid hormone levels are low (2).

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn’t release sufficient thyroid hormones, even when there is plenty of TSH (1).

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas of the world like the US (4).

Other causes of primary hypothyroidism are iodine deficiency, taking certain medications, thyroid surgeries, acute thyroid inflammation, and medical treatments that damage the thyroid (1).

Other times, the thyroid gland doesn’t receive enough TSH. This happens when the pituitary gland is not working properly and is called secondary hypothyroidism.

When your thyroid isn’t working properly, it causes a variety of symptoms, from extreme fatigue to constipation. Some people with hypothyroidism experience extreme symptoms while others don’t experience many symptoms at all.

Your healthcare provider will choose an appropriate treatment plan based on your thyroid function, symptoms, and other health concerns. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) or natural thyroid hormone medications like Armour Thyroid (1).

Unfortunately, many people’s symptoms persist even when they’re being treated with thyroid hormone replacement.

For example, people with Hashimoto’s disease often experience symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, anxiety, and hair loss even after thyroid hormone medication has normalized their thyroid function. Because of this, many people with hypothyroidism seek alternative treatment methods (5).

Research shows that, in addition to medication, dietary and lifestyle modification can often help reduce certain symptoms and improve overall quality of life in people with hypothyroidism.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Summary

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms like weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with thyroid hormone replacement medications, but some people with hypothyroidism still experience symptoms even when their thyroid function is considered normal.

Following a nutritious diet is important for everyone, but studies show that certain dietary interventions can have specific benefits for people with hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US. It’s an autoimmune disease that leads to the gradual destruction of thyroid tissue by white blood cells called lymphocytes (4).

Hashimoto’s disease is more common in women and older adults, though men and younger people can develop Hashimoto’s disease, too (6).

Many studies have shown that dietary changes can benefit people with Hashimoto’s disease in a number of ways including improving thyroid function, promoting a healthy body weight, and reducing hypothyroid symptoms.

Gluten-free diets, autoimmune elimination diets, and anti-inflammatory diets are some of the dietary patterns shown to be helpful for those with Hashimoto’s disease (7, 8).

For example, gluten free diets may help improve thyroid function while diets high in vegetables and fruits could protect against cellular damage and promote healthy body weight maintenance in people with Hashimoto’s disease (10, 11).

Additionally, some studies suggest that elimination diets, like a modified paleo diet that cuts out foods like grains and dairy, could help reduce symptoms like fatigue and improve quality of life in those with Hashimoto’s disease (5).

Following a nutritious, calorie-controlled diet can also help promote weight loss, which is something that people with hypothyroidism commonly struggle with (12).

What’s more, deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, thiamine, B6, iodine, magnesium, and selenium can exacerbate hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and low mood, so it’s essential to make sure your diet is well-rounded and provides optimal amounts of both macronutrients and micronutrients (7).

In-general, a diet rich in nutritious foods and low in pro-inflammatory foods like added sugar and ultra-processed foods can be helpful for most everyone with hypothyroidism.

Summary

Following a healthy, nutrient-rich diet could help people with hypothyroidism improve their thyroid function, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and improve hypothyroid symptoms.

There are a number of nutrients that are essential to the health of the thyroid.

Plus, people with hypothyroidism are more likely to develop certain nutrient deficiencies compared to the general population.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones and a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to hypothyroidism. In fact, insufficient iodine intake is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide (1).

Even though iodine deficiency is common in many areas of the world, it’s less common in developed countries like the United States. However, people who don’t use iodized salt, pregnant women, and people following vegan diets are more at risk for developing low iodine levels (13).

If you have hypothyroidism, you should not supplement with iodine unless it’s recommended by your healthcare provider to treat low iodine levels. Taking in excessive amounts of iodine is harmful for the thyroid can even cause hyperthyroidism in people living in iodine abundant areas, like many parts of the USA (14).

If you’re concerned that you’re not taking in enough iodine, contact your healthcare professional to assess your iodine levels and determine the best iodine intake plan for you.

Selenium

Selenium is another mineral that’s necessary for thyroid health. It’s needed for thyroid hormone production and also helps protect the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress (15).

Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is a great way to boost your selenium levels. This includes Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes.

Additionally, selenium supplements can be helpful for certain people with hypothyroidism. For example, supplementing with 200 mcg of selenium per day has been shown to decrease thyroid antibodies and improve certain symptoms like low mood in people with Hashimoto’s (16, 17).

However, this doesn’t mean that selenium supplements are necessary for all people with hypothyroidism. Only supplement with selenium if recommended by your healthcare provider.

The Institute of Medicine has identified 400 mcg of selenium as the daily upper limit for adults. Chronically high intake of selenium can cause symptoms like hair and nail loss, diarrhea, nausea and skin rashes (18).

Acute selenium toxicity can cause serious effects like kidney failure, heart attack, breathing problems and sometimes death (18).

Zinc

Like selenium, zinc is needed for thyroid hormone production and thyroid function (19).

Not getting enough zinc can negatively impact your thyroid function and many other aspects of health, so it’s essential to get enough of this nutrient in your diet.

Some studies show that zinc supplements could be helpful for those with hypothyroidism. When used alone or when combined with other nutrients like selenium and vitamin A, zinc supplements may help improve thyroid function in those with hypothyroidism (20, 21).

If you’re interested in taking a zinc supplement, talk to your healthcare provider. They can determine whether or not a zinc supplement may be appropriate.

Other important nutrients

In addition to the nutrients listed above, there are other vitamins and minerals that people with hypothyroidism should be mindful of.

• Vitamin D: People with hypothyroidism are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D. Having low vitamin D levels can negatively impact thyroid function and worsen hypothyroid symptoms. Because vitamin D isn’t concentrated in many foods, supplementation is often necessary (22, 23).
• B12: B12 deficiency is common amongst people with hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about testing your B12 levels. If your levels are low or suboptimal, they can recommend a B12 or B-complex supplement (24, 25).
• Magnesium: Low or deficient magnesium levels are associate with thyroid dysfunction and can increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism. Supplementing with magnesium has been shown to improve hypothyroid symptoms (21, 26, 27, 28).
• Iron: Low iron levels or iron deficiency anemia can impair thyroid function. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is common in women with hypothyroidism. Iron supplementation is often necessary to reach and maintain healthy iron levels (29, 30).

These are just some of the many nutrients that are important for thyroid function and general health. Vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and proteins are examples of other nutrients important for those with hypothyroidism (31).

Summary

A number of vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy thyroid function. People with hypothyroidism are more likely to be deficient in several nutrients and supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals could help improve thyroid function and hypothyroid symptoms. However, it’s recommended to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Fortunately, you don’t have to avoid many foods if you have hypothyroidism.

However, there are certain foods that may cause issues in some people with hypothyroidism.

Gluten and ultra-processed foods

Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, triticale, and rye. Studies suggests that people with Hashimoto’s disease may benefit from following a gluten-free diet, though researchers still aren’t sure whether a gluten-free diet is necessary for everyone with Hashimoto’s (10, 11, 32).

Additionally, people with hypothyroidism should limit certain foods in order to promote overall health.

For example, people with Hashimoto’s disease have been shown to have increased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an excess of reactive compounds called free radicals in the body, which overwhelms the body’s antioxidant defenses and can lead to cellular damage (33, 34, 35, 36).

For this reason, it’s a good idea for people with hypothyroidism to avoid foods that may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation such as ultra-processed foods, foods and beverages high in added sugar, and fried foods (37, 38, 39, 40).

In addition to contributing to oxidative stress, a diet high in these foods is linked to overweight and obesity, so cutting back on these products could also help you maintain a healthy body weight (41).

Goitrogens

You may have heard that people with thyroid conditions should avoid foods containing goitrogens – substances found in foods like cruciferous vegetables and soy products that may interfere with thyroid hormone production (42).

While goitrogens can impact thyroid function, most people, including people with hypothyroidism, can enjoy moderate amounts of goitrogen containing foods like cabbage, broccoli, and kale without negatively impacting their thyroid health.

Cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli are actually quite low in goitrogens. Plus, cooking goitrogen containing foods reduces goitrogenic activity, making them safer for people with hypothyroidism (43).

That being said, it’s a good idea to avoid eating large amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Russian kale, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts as well as large amounts of juice made with raw cruciferous vegetables. Other goitrogenic foods include soy and pearl millet.

In general, people with hypothyroidism should avoid eating large amounts of any goitrogenic foods (44).

Diet and thyroid medication

You’ll want to make sure you’re taking your thyroid medication on an empty stomach to promote optimal absorption. Experts suggest taking thyroid medications like levothyroxine at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast or at least 3 to 4 hours after dinner (45).

Keep in mind that this includes avoiding beverages, foods, and supplements that could interfere with medication absorption.

Certain supplements and even coffee can significantly impact thyroid medication absorption, so it’s important to always take your medication on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes before consuming foods or beverages besides water. You should also avoiding taking thyroid medication within 4 hours of taking iron or calcium supplements (45, 46).

Summary

People with hypothyroidism don’t have to avoid many foods. However, people with Hashimoto’s disease may benefit from a gluten-free diet. People with hypothyroidism should avoid consuming large amounts of goitrogenic foods and limit ultra-processed foods in order to promote overall health.

Following a diet rich in nutritious foods can help improve overall health and promote healthy body weight maintenance. Plus, a nutrient-dense diet can help reduce the risk of health conditions linked with hypothyroidism like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (47, 48, 49).

A diet high in fiber can also help lower the risk of constipation, which is a common symptom of hypothyroidism (1).

If you have hypothyroidism, try incorporating the following nutritious foods into your diet:

• Non-starchy vegetables: Greens, artichokes, zucchini, asparagus, carrots, peppers, spinach, mushrooms, etc.
• Fruits: Berries, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, citrus fruits, pineapple, bananas, etc.
• Starchy vegetables: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, butternut squash, etc.
• Fish, eggs, meat, and poultry: Fish and shellfish, eggs, turkey, chicken, etc.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, avocado oil, coconut oil, unsweetened coconut, full-fat yogurt, etc.
• Gluten-free grains: Brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice pasta, etc.
• Seeds, nuts and nut butters: Almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, natural peanut butter, etc.
• Beans and lentils: Chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, etc.
• Dairy and non-dairy substitutes: Coconut milk, cashew milk, coconut yogurt, almond milk, unsweetened yogurt, cheese, etc.
• Spices, herbs and condiments: Fresh and dried herbs like basil and rosemary, spices like paprika, saffron, and turmeric, and healthy condiments salsa and mustard.
• Beverages: Water, unsweetened tea, coffee, sparkling water, etc.

Keep in mind that some people with hypothyroidism may benefit from avoiding gluten and other ingredients like dairy, but others may not have to cut these foods from their diet and may be able to consume gluten and dairy without issue.

This is why it’s important to develop an eating plan that works for you and your specific health needs.

If you can, work with a registered dietitian who can help identify which foods may need to be eliminated and help develop a balanced eating plan that does not unnecessarily cut out nutrient-rich ingredients.

Summary

There are plenty of healthy food options for people with hypothyroidism, including vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and protein sources like fish and eggs.

Remember, everyone with hypothyroidism has different health and dietary needs. Your calorie needs depend on a number of factors including your age, activity level, gender, height, and whether you’re trying to lose or gain weight.

That being said, this general meal plan can help you get an idea of what healthy eating may look like when you’re living with hypothyroidism.

Monday

• Breakfast: egg and spinach omelette served with a half avocado and a bowl of berries
• Lunch: a large green salad with chicken, beans, and pumpkin seeds
• Dinner: stir-fried shrimp and vegetables served with brown rice

Tuesday

• Breakfast: chia pudding with almond butter and berries
• Lunch: grilled salmon salad
• Dinner: fish baked with lemon, thyme, and black pepper served with roasted vegetable and a baked potato

Wednesday

• Breakfast: egg and veggie muffins with a side of fruit
• Lunch: Mediterranean quinoa salad with chickpeas, vegetables, and feta
• Dinner: shrimp skewers and a salad

Thursday

• Breakfast: spinach, chickpea, and sweet potato breakfast hash
• Lunch: chicken salad with fresh veggies and fruit
• Dinner: butternut squash and lentil curry

Friday

• Breakfast: protein berry smoothie made with vanilla pea protein, natural peanut butter, and frozen mixed berries
• Lunch: a large green salad with chicken, fresh vegetables, beans, and pumpkin seeds
• Dinner: stuffed peppers

Saturday

• Breakfast: egg, mushroom, and zucchini frittata
• Lunch: Mediterranean tuna and quinoa salad
• Dinner: Brown rice pasta with chunky pasta sauce and chicken meatballs

Sunday

• Breakfast: Blueberry protein pancakes
• Lunch: fish taco bowls
• Dinner: sweet potato turkey chili

Summary

This sample week-long meal plan is suitable for people with hypothyroidism. It provides plenty of options for a delicious and healthy menu.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a health condition that affects many people worldwide.

It can cause symptoms like tiredness, weight gain, constipation, low mood, and cold intolerance, among many others.

Fortunately, eating the right nutrients and taking medications can help reduce your symptoms, improve your thyroid function, and promote overall wellbeing.

Everyone has different diet needs, but most everyone with hypothyroidism can benefit from a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish.

Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

The optimal foods for thyroid health depend on whether you have a condition that impairs your thyroid function. With hypothyroidism, you may benefit from eliminating gluten, processed foods, and other foods that may trigger your immune system or cause inflammation.

Hypothyroidism is a health condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. It’s a common disease, affecting an estimate of around 0.5-5% of the US population (1).

Thyroid hormones help control a number of bodily functions, including growth, cell repair, and metabolism. As a result, people with hypothyroidism can experience symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, cold intolerance, mood changes, and constipation, among many other symptoms (2).

Medication is the first line of treatment for hypothyroidism, but following a healthy diet and lifestyle can help improve thyroid function and symptoms, too.

This article outlines the best diet for hypothyroidism, including which foods to eat and which to avoid — all based on research.

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits near the base of the front of your neck.

It makes and stores thyroid hormones that impact nearly every organ system in your body (3).

When the thyroid gland receives a signal called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), it releases thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. This signal is sent from the pituitary gland, a small gland found at the base of your brain, when thyroid hormone levels are low (2).

In hypothyroidism, the thyroid gland doesn’t release sufficient thyroid hormones, even when there is plenty of TSH (1).

Chronic autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s thyroiditis), an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in iodine-sufficient areas of the world like the US (4).

Other causes of primary hypothyroidism are iodine deficiency, taking certain medications, thyroid surgeries, acute thyroid inflammation, and medical treatments that damage the thyroid (1).

Other times, the thyroid gland doesn’t receive enough TSH. This happens when the pituitary gland is not working properly and is called secondary hypothyroidism.

When your thyroid isn’t working properly, it causes a variety of symptoms, from extreme fatigue to constipation. Some people with hypothyroidism experience extreme symptoms while others don’t experience many symptoms at all.

Your healthcare provider will choose an appropriate treatment plan based on your thyroid function, symptoms, and other health concerns. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with thyroid hormone replacement medication, such as levothyroxine (Synthroid) or natural thyroid hormone medications like Armour Thyroid (1).

Unfortunately, many people’s symptoms persist even when they’re being treated with thyroid hormone replacement.

For example, people with Hashimoto’s disease often experience symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, anxiety, and hair loss even after thyroid hormone medication has normalized their thyroid function. Because of this, many people with hypothyroidism seek alternative treatment methods (5).

Research shows that, in addition to medication, dietary and lifestyle modification can often help reduce certain symptoms and improve overall quality of life in people with hypothyroidism.

Learn more about the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Summary

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. This can lead to a variety of symptoms like weight gain, cold intolerance, and constipation. Hypothyroidism is usually treated with thyroid hormone replacement medications, but some people with hypothyroidism still experience symptoms even when their thyroid function is considered normal.

Following a nutritious diet is important for everyone, but studies show that certain dietary interventions can have specific benefits for people with hypothyroidism.

Hashimoto’s disease is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the US. It’s an autoimmune disease that leads to the gradual destruction of thyroid tissue by white blood cells called lymphocytes (4).

Hashimoto’s disease is more common in women and older adults, though men and younger people can develop Hashimoto’s disease, too (6).

Many studies have shown that dietary changes can benefit people with Hashimoto’s disease in a number of ways including improving thyroid function, promoting a healthy body weight, and reducing hypothyroid symptoms.

Gluten-free diets, autoimmune elimination diets, and anti-inflammatory diets are some of the dietary patterns shown to be helpful for those with Hashimoto’s disease (7, 8).

For example, gluten free diets may help improve thyroid function while diets high in vegetables and fruits could protect against cellular damage and promote healthy body weight maintenance in people with Hashimoto’s disease (10, 11).

Additionally, some studies suggest that elimination diets, like a modified paleo diet that cuts out foods like grains and dairy, could help reduce symptoms like fatigue and improve quality of life in those with Hashimoto’s disease (5).

Following a nutritious, calorie-controlled diet can also help promote weight loss, which is something that people with hypothyroidism commonly struggle with (12).

What’s more, deficiencies in nutrients like vitamin D, zinc, thiamine, B6, iodine, magnesium, and selenium can exacerbate hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, anxiety, and low mood, so it’s essential to make sure your diet is well-rounded and provides optimal amounts of both macronutrients and micronutrients (7).

In-general, a diet rich in nutritious foods and low in pro-inflammatory foods like added sugar and ultra-processed foods can be helpful for most everyone with hypothyroidism.

Summary

Following a healthy, nutrient-rich diet could help people with hypothyroidism improve their thyroid function, prevent nutrient deficiencies, and improve hypothyroid symptoms.

There are a number of nutrients that are essential to the health of the thyroid.

Plus, people with hypothyroidism are more likely to develop certain nutrient deficiencies compared to the general population.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones and a deficiency in this nutrient can lead to hypothyroidism. In fact, insufficient iodine intake is the most common cause of hypothyroidism worldwide (1).

Even though iodine deficiency is common in many areas of the world, it’s less common in developed countries like the United States. However, people who don’t use iodized salt, pregnant women, and people following vegan diets are more at risk for developing low iodine levels (13).

If you have hypothyroidism, you should not supplement with iodine unless it’s recommended by your healthcare provider to treat low iodine levels. Taking in excessive amounts of iodine is harmful for the thyroid can even cause hyperthyroidism in people living in iodine abundant areas, like many parts of the USA (14).

If you’re concerned that you’re not taking in enough iodine, contact your healthcare professional to assess your iodine levels and determine the best iodine intake plan for you.

Selenium

Selenium is another mineral that’s necessary for thyroid health. It’s needed for thyroid hormone production and also helps protect the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress (15).

Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is a great way to boost your selenium levels. This includes Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes.

Additionally, selenium supplements can be helpful for certain people with hypothyroidism. For example, supplementing with 200 mcg of selenium per day has been shown to decrease thyroid antibodies and improve certain symptoms like low mood in people with Hashimoto’s (16, 17).

However, this doesn’t mean that selenium supplements are necessary for all people with hypothyroidism. Only supplement with selenium if recommended by your healthcare provider.

The Institute of Medicine has identified 400 mcg of selenium as the daily upper limit for adults. Chronically high intake of selenium can cause symptoms like hair and nail loss, diarrhea, nausea and skin rashes (18).

Acute selenium toxicity can cause serious effects like kidney failure, heart attack, breathing problems and sometimes death (18).

Zinc

Like selenium, zinc is needed for thyroid hormone production and thyroid function (19).

Not getting enough zinc can negatively impact your thyroid function and many other aspects of health, so it’s essential to get enough of this nutrient in your diet.

Some studies show that zinc supplements could be helpful for those with hypothyroidism. When used alone or when combined with other nutrients like selenium and vitamin A, zinc supplements may help improve thyroid function in those with hypothyroidism (20, 21).

If you’re interested in taking a zinc supplement, talk to your healthcare provider. They can determine whether or not a zinc supplement may be appropriate.

Other important nutrients

In addition to the nutrients listed above, there are other vitamins and minerals that people with hypothyroidism should be mindful of.

• Vitamin D: People with hypothyroidism are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D. Having low vitamin D levels can negatively impact thyroid function and worsen hypothyroid symptoms. Because vitamin D isn’t concentrated in many foods, supplementation is often necessary (22, 23).
• B12: B12 deficiency is common amongst people with hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about testing your B12 levels. If your levels are low or suboptimal, they can recommend a B12 or B-complex supplement (24, 25).
• Magnesium: Low or deficient magnesium levels are associate with thyroid dysfunction and can increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism. Supplementing with magnesium has been shown to improve hypothyroid symptoms (21, 26, 27, 28).
• Iron: Low iron levels or iron deficiency anemia can impair thyroid function. Unfortunately, iron deficiency is common in women with hypothyroidism. Iron supplementation is often necessary to reach and maintain healthy iron levels (29, 30).

These are just some of the many nutrients that are important for thyroid function and general health. Vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and proteins are examples of other nutrients important for those with hypothyroidism (31).

Summary

A number of vitamins and minerals are necessary for healthy thyroid function. People with hypothyroidism are more likely to be deficient in several nutrients and supplementing with certain vitamins and minerals could help improve thyroid function and hypothyroid symptoms. However, it’s recommended to talk to your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

Fortunately, you don’t have to avoid many foods if you have hypothyroidism.

However, there are certain foods that may cause issues in some people with hypothyroidism.

Gluten and ultra-processed foods

Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, triticale, and rye. Studies suggests that people with Hashimoto’s disease may benefit from following a gluten-free diet, though researchers still aren’t sure whether a gluten-free diet is necessary for everyone with Hashimoto’s (10, 11, 32).

Additionally, people with hypothyroidism should limit certain foods in order to promote overall health.

For example, people with Hashimoto’s disease have been shown to have increased markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Oxidative stress is a condition characterized by an excess of reactive compounds called free radicals in the body, which overwhelms the body’s antioxidant defenses and can lead to cellular damage (33, 34, 35, 36).

For this reason, it’s a good idea for people with hypothyroidism to avoid foods that may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation such as ultra-processed foods, foods and beverages high in added sugar, and fried foods (37, 38, 39, 40).

In addition to contributing to oxidative stress, a diet high in these foods is linked to overweight and obesity, so cutting back on these products could also help you maintain a healthy body weight (41).

Goitrogens

You may have heard that people with thyroid conditions should avoid foods containing goitrogens – substances found in foods like cruciferous vegetables and soy products that may interfere with thyroid hormone production (42).

While goitrogens can impact thyroid function, most people, including people with hypothyroidism, can enjoy moderate amounts of goitrogen containing foods like cabbage, broccoli, and kale without negatively impacting their thyroid health.

Cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli are actually quite low in goitrogens. Plus, cooking goitrogen containing foods reduces goitrogenic activity, making them safer for people with hypothyroidism (43).

That being said, it’s a good idea to avoid eating large amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Russian kale, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts as well as large amounts of juice made with raw cruciferous vegetables. Other goitrogenic foods include soy and pearl millet.

In general, people with hypothyroidism should avoid eating large amounts of any goitrogenic foods (44).

Diet and thyroid medication

You’ll want to make sure you’re taking your thyroid medication on an empty stomach to promote optimal absorption. Experts suggest taking thyroid medications like levothyroxine at least 30 to 60 minutes before breakfast or at least 3 to 4 hours after dinner (45).

Keep in mind that this includes avoiding beverages, foods, and supplements that could interfere with medication absorption.

Certain supplements and even coffee can significantly impact thyroid medication absorption, so it’s important to always take your medication on an empty stomach and wait at least 30 minutes before consuming foods or beverages besides water. You should also avoiding taking thyroid medication within 4 hours of taking iron or calcium supplements (45, 46).

Summary

People with hypothyroidism don’t have to avoid many foods. However, people with Hashimoto’s disease may benefit from a gluten-free diet. People with hypothyroidism should avoid consuming large amounts of goitrogenic foods and limit ultra-processed foods in order to promote overall health.

Following a diet rich in nutritious foods can help improve overall health and promote healthy body weight maintenance. Plus, a nutrient-dense diet can help reduce the risk of health conditions linked with hypothyroidism like heart disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes (47, 48, 49).

A diet high in fiber can also help lower the risk of constipation, which is a common symptom of hypothyroidism (1).

If you have hypothyroidism, try incorporating the following nutritious foods into your diet:

• Non-starchy vegetables: Greens, artichokes, zucchini, asparagus, carrots, peppers, spinach, mushrooms, etc.
• Fruits: Berries, apples, peaches, pears, grapes, citrus fruits, pineapple, bananas, etc.
• Starchy vegetables: Sweet potatoes, potatoes, peas, butternut squash, etc.
• Fish, eggs, meat, and poultry: Fish and shellfish, eggs, turkey, chicken, etc.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil, avocados, avocado oil, coconut oil, unsweetened coconut, full-fat yogurt, etc.
• Gluten-free grains: Brown rice, rolled oats, quinoa, brown rice pasta, etc.
• Seeds, nuts and nut butters: Almonds, cashews, macadamia nuts, pumpkin seeds, natural peanut butter, etc.
• Beans and lentils: Chickpeas, kidney beans, lentils, etc.
• Dairy and non-dairy substitutes: Coconut milk, cashew milk, coconut yogurt, almond milk, unsweetened yogurt, cheese, etc.
• Spices, herbs and condiments: Fresh and dried herbs like basil and rosemary, spices like paprika, saffron, and turmeric, and healthy condiments salsa and mustard.
• Beverages: Water, unsweetened tea, coffee, sparkling water, etc.

Keep in mind that some people with hypothyroidism may benefit from avoiding gluten and other ingredients like dairy, but others may not have to cut these foods from their diet and may be able to consume gluten and dairy without issue.

This is why it’s important to develop an eating plan that works for you and your specific health needs.

If you can, work with a registered dietitian who can help identify which foods may need to be eliminated and help develop a balanced eating plan that does not unnecessarily cut out nutrient-rich ingredients.

Summary

There are plenty of healthy food options for people with hypothyroidism, including vegetables, fruits, healthy fats, and protein sources like fish and eggs.

Remember, everyone with hypothyroidism has different health and dietary needs. Your calorie needs depend on a number of factors including your age, activity level, gender, height, and whether you’re trying to lose or gain weight.

That being said, this general meal plan can help you get an idea of what healthy eating may look like when you’re living with hypothyroidism.

Monday

• Breakfast: egg and spinach omelette served with a half avocado and a bowl of berries
• Lunch: a large green salad with chicken, beans, and pumpkin seeds
• Dinner: stir-fried shrimp and vegetables served with brown rice

Tuesday

• Breakfast: chia pudding with almond butter and berries
• Lunch: grilled salmon salad
• Dinner: fish baked with lemon, thyme, and black pepper served with roasted vegetable and a baked potato

Wednesday

• Breakfast: egg and veggie muffins with a side of fruit
• Lunch: Mediterranean quinoa salad with chickpeas, vegetables, and feta
• Dinner: shrimp skewers and a salad

Thursday

• Breakfast: spinach, chickpea, and sweet potato breakfast hash
• Lunch: chicken salad with fresh veggies and fruit
• Dinner: butternut squash and lentil curry

Friday

• Breakfast: protein berry smoothie made with vanilla pea protein, natural peanut butter, and frozen mixed berries
• Lunch: a large green salad with chicken, fresh vegetables, beans, and pumpkin seeds
• Dinner: stuffed peppers

Saturday

• Breakfast: egg, mushroom, and zucchini frittata
• Lunch: Mediterranean tuna and quinoa salad
• Dinner: Brown rice pasta with chunky pasta sauce and chicken meatballs

Sunday

• Breakfast: Blueberry protein pancakes
• Lunch: fish taco bowls
• Dinner: sweet potato turkey chili

Summary

This sample week-long meal plan is suitable for people with hypothyroidism. It provides plenty of options for a delicious and healthy menu.

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a health condition that affects many people worldwide.

It can cause symptoms like tiredness, weight gain, constipation, low mood, and cold intolerance, among many others.

Fortunately, eating the right nutrients and taking medications can help reduce your symptoms, improve your thyroid function, and promote overall wellbeing.

Everyone has different diet needs, but most everyone with hypothyroidism can benefit from a diet rich in whole, nutrient-dense foods like vegetables, fruits, nuts, and fish.

forbidden and permitted foods, weekly menu

Content of the article:

• What is hypothyroidism
• Diet requirement
• Basic principles of nutrition
• Types of diets
  • Diet Mary Chaumont
  • Diet No. 8
  • Slimming Diet
• Approved Products
• Prohibited products
• Consequences of not following a diet
• Sample menu for the week

Hypothyroidism occurs when the level of thyroid hormones decreases due to inhibition of thyroid function. The disease leads to a slowdown in all vital processes in the body due to a violation of energy metabolism. The treatment regimen for hypothyroidism, in addition to hormone replacement therapy, includes a special diet. The diet is built in such a way as to ensure the need for energy in tissues, and at the same time prevent the development of metabolic syndrome, obesity and atherosclerosis. Source:
Endocrinology. National leadership. Dedov I.I., Melnichenko G.A. Moscow: GEOTAR-Media. 2013. p.755.

What is hypothyroidism

The human thyroid gland produces hormones – thyroxine and triiodothyronine. Their main function is to regulate cellular metabolism. Inflammation, trauma, removal of the thyroid gland, and disruption of control by the pituitary and hypothalamus lead to a drop in the level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Hypothyroidism develops, in which the function of all internal organs suffers. An important and common cause of the disease is iodine deficiency in drinking water and food. Iodine is the basis for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, and its deficiency leads to gland hypofunction.

Main manifestations of hypothyroidism:

• severe fatigue;
• apathy, lack of interest in life;
• violation of the intellect, emotional sphere;
• slow metabolism;
• in women, the menstrual cycle suffers, infertility is possible;
• in men, libido drops, testosterone synthesis decreases.

Hypothyroidism can be latent and clinically evident. With a latent, or subclinical form of the disease, there are no specific symptoms. Hormone therapy is not prescribed, except for pregnant women and women planning pregnancy. Correction of hormone deficiency is carried out by non-drug methods. The depletion of the body’s compensatory abilities leads to the transition of the subclinical form to the manifest one, and then drug treatment is already indicated.

Diagnosis and treatment by an endocrinologist. For treatment, the drug levothyroxine is used – a synthetic analogue of the hormone thyroxine. Non-drug treatment includes the normalization of lifestyle, a healthy diet.

Diet requirement

A therapeutic diet is indicated for all patients with hypothyroidism. The purpose of her appointment:

• correction of iodine deficiency in the body;
• providing cells with energy and nutrients;
• reduction of manifestations of hypothyroidism;
• prevention of the development of metabolic syndrome.

At the initial stage of the disease, in the absence of symptoms, an iodine-fortified diet can eliminate the need for drug hormone therapy. In patients with subclinical hypothyroidism, a therapeutic diet prolongs the asymptomatic course and prevents the transition to a manifest form. With clinically pronounced hypothyroidism, the diet improves the quality of life of patients, reduces the risk of complications Source:
Hypothyroidism diet plan. Evseev A.N. Bulletin of science and practice. 2020. No. 10. pp.179-185.

Basic principles of nutrition

The therapeutic diet must comply with the following principles:

• calorie content of the daily diet is not more than 2300 kcal;
• content of animal fats up to 50 g per day, vegetable fats – up to 20 g per day;
• carbohydrate content – up to 400 g per day;
• daily protein content – 40 g of animals and 40 g of vegetables;
• restriction of sweets;
• fresh fruits and vegetables;
• fasting day once a week;
• cooking by stewing, boiling, steaming;
• use of iodized salt;
• 5-6 meals per day, in small portions.

Types of diets

Nutritionists distinguish several types of therapeutic nutrition used in hypothyroidism. A maintenance diet is recommended for patients with normal body weight. It provides the body’s need for energy and nutrients, prevents weight gain, the development of atherosclerosis. Use treatment table number 8 according to Pevzner, Mary Chaumont’s diet. Patients with overweight are shown a diet for weight loss. It is characterized by lower calorie content, the predominance of dairy and vegetable foods.

Mary Chaumont’s diet

Mary Chaumont is a writer who herself suffered from hypothyroidism. She has written a book on therapeutic nutrition to help patients around the world better cope with their disease. Mary Chaumont’s diet for hypothyroidism is built on the following principles:

• Strictly avoid starvation – eating 5-6 times a day in small portions, daily caloric intake of 1800-2000 kcal;
• daily consume foods high in tyrosine – bananas, avocados, almonds;
• daily use foods high in iodine – persimmon, seafood, greens, sea fish;
• times a day to eat a bowl of porridge with water or skim milk;
• times a day to eat 200 grams of raw fruits or vegetables to normalize bowel function;
• times a day to eat a bowl of soup – vegetable or low-fat meat broth.

Chaumont proposed her own method for calculating the allowable calorie content of the diet – multiply the patient’s body weight in kilograms by 25 and subtract 200 from the result. A person weighing 70 kilograms should receive 1550 kcal per day. This is not a strict way to calculate calories, it is necessary to take into account the lifestyle of the patient and his profession. People who are actively involved in sports or heavy physical labor need more calories. Those patients who are overweight, sedentary, should reduce the calorie content in the diet.

Diet No. 8

Treatment table No. 8 according to Pevzner suggests a restriction in the diet of animal fats. The diet helps to maintain optimal weight, serves as a prevention of atherosclerosis and other cardiovascular complications. Excluded from the menu:

• fatty meats and fish;
• fatty milk and sour milk products;
• smoked products, meat and fish delicacies, preserves;
• high-calorie sauces.

The following products are approved:

• white fish and all seafood;
• chicken, turkey, rabbit;
• any cereals;
• vegetables and fruits;
• low-fat fermented milk products.

Meals are baked, stewed, boiled, steamed.

Slimming Diet

Recommended for overweight patients. Obesity develops against the background of a slowdown in metabolism, with metabolic syndrome. Overweight patients are more at risk of complications, especially from the cardiovascular system.

It is recommended to limit or exclude the following products from the menu:

• pork, lamb, red fish;
• pasta;
• butter, lard;
• baked goods, confectionery;
• sweets, chocolate, halva;
• alcohol, sugary carbonated drinks.

The basis of the menu should be foods low in carbohydrates:

• cereals;
• vegetables and fruits;
• herbs, berries;
• low-fat dairy and sour-milk products;
• honey.

Meals should be prepared with a minimum use of oil – stew, boil, bake. Divide the daily volume of food into 5-6 servings, 150-200 grams each. With a strong feeling of hunger, snacks between main meals are allowed – raw apples, carrots, kefir. The intake of calories should be less than their consumption. The daily calorie content of the diet is determined by a nutritionist, taking into account the gender and age of the patient, his lifestyle, profession.

Diet alone is not enough to reduce body weight. Physical activity must be present. Recommended daily gymnastics, walking or jogging, strength exercises. The doctor determines the volume of physical activity individually, based on the general condition of the patient. After reaching the optimal body weight, it is allowed to switch to a maintenance diet.

Allowed products

The basis of therapeutic nutrition for hypothyroidism are products that are useful for the functioning of the thyroid gland and metabolism in the body. The source of iodine, selenium and phosphorus is sea fish and algae, all seafood. Iodine is the main trace element for the thyroid gland, it serves as the basis for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Low-fat sea fish, seaweed salad should be in the diet of a patient with hypothyroidism daily Source:
Modern methods of treatment of hypothyroidism. Tretiak S.I. Minsk. 2011. p.150.

Fresh fruits and vegetables improve metabolism and the digestive tract. It is important to eat them raw in order to get the maximum benefit. Vegetables and fruits also contain iodine, most of this trace element in apples, persimmons, beets and tomatoes. Patients with hypothyroidism need B vitamins – they contain cucumbers, herbs, carrots, bell peppers, green peas.

Cereals contain ascorbic acid, vitamins of group B. Buckwheat, millet, barley porridges are especially useful for people with hypothyroidism. It is recommended not to boil buckwheat, but to fill it with water or kefir overnight.

Fermented milk products normalize the functioning of the digestive tract, support the immune system. Low-fat yogurt and sour cream, cottage cheese, hard cheese, yogurt are useful for patients with hypothyroidism.

Prohibited foods

If you have hypothyroidism, you should not eat those foods that slow down the metabolism, contribute to the accumulation of toxins in the body, and weight gain. First of all, this applies to sweets – any confectionery, sugar, honey, jam, sweet fruits and berries. They should be replaced with unsweetened fruits, dried fruits, pectin marmalade.

Plants from the cruciferous family are not recommended for patients with hypothyroidism. They contain substances that block the thyroid enzyme peroxidase. This leads to a slowdown in the synthesis of hormones. This includes all types of cabbage, turnips and rutabaga. Legumes have a similar effect.

Alcohol is strictly forbidden – its metabolism and excretion from the body are accompanied by a high consumption of thyroid hormones. You should also exclude smoked meats, semi-finished products, marinades from the diet. Source:
Medical nutrition. Gubergrits A.Ya., Linevskiy Yu.V. Kyiv. 1989. p.398.

Consequences of non-compliance with the diet

Refusal of medical nutrition, disregard for the recommendations of a nutritionist worsens the quality of life of a patient with hypothyroidism. Symptoms of the disease increase, a person gains weight, digestion suffers. The low content of iodine in drinking water and food products leads to the rapid progression of the disease, the transition from a subclinical form to a manifest one, worsening of symptoms Source:
Interaction of drugs and food. Baranovsky A.Yu. Practical Dietetics. 2014. No. 1. pp.34-42. Eating high-calorie, fatty foods, a large amount of carbohydrates leads to weight gain. This increases the risk of developing atherosclerosis, hypertension, coronary heart disease.

Sample menu for the week

Nutrition for hypothyroidism should be varied and complete. The therapeutic diet for this disease is quite free, differs from other diets with minimal restrictions. An extensive list of allowed foods allows you to create a delicious menu for the week, taking into account any food preferences of patients.

Day 1:

• breakfast – oatmeal with milk, cheese sandwich, tea;
• lunch – vegetable salad, lean borscht, tea;
• afternoon snack – a handful of nuts, berries;
• dinner – baked fish, vegetables, tea.

2nd day:

• breakfast — cottage cheese with sour cream and berries, coffee;
• lunch – chicken stew with potatoes, seaweed salad, fruit drink;
• afternoon snack – baked apple, kefir;
• dinner – vegetable salad, cheese sandwich, tea.

Day 3:

• breakfast — buckwheat milk porridge, cheese sandwich, tea;
• lunch – vegetable soup, baked fish, tea;
• afternoon snack – fruit salad with yogurt;
• dinner – seaweed salad, tea.

Day 4:

• breakfast – boiled eggs, cheese sandwich, coffee;
• lunch – cabbage soup with lean meat, stewed potatoes, vegetable salad, tea;
• afternoon snack – cottage cheese with sour cream, compote;
• dinner – baked fish with vegetable salad, tea.

Day 5:

• breakfast – steam omelet, vegetable salad, tea;
• lunch – stew with vegetables, low-fat broth, compote;
• afternoon snack – yogurt, nuts;
• dinner – cottage cheese with sour cream and berries, fruit drink.

Day 6:

• breakfast — boiled fish, egg, coffee;
• lunch – pickle, seaweed salad, tea;
• afternoon snack – cheese sandwich, fresh vegetables, fruit drink;
• dinner – kefir, cheese sandwich.

Day 7:

• breakfast – steam omelet, vegetable salad, tea;
• lunch – low-fat borscht, stewed potatoes with fish, compote;
• afternoon snack – fruit salad with yogurt;
• dinner – seaweed salad with egg, tea.

• Endocrinology. National leadership. Dedov I.I., Melnichenko G.A. Moscow: GEOTAR-Media. 2013. p.755
• Hypothyroidism diet plan. Evseev A.N. Bulletin of science and practice. 2020. No. 10. p.179-185
• Modern methods of treatment of hypothyroidism. Tretiak S.I. Minsk. 2011. p.150
• Medical nutrition. Gubergrits A.Ya., Linevskiy Yu.V. Kyiv. 1989. p.398
• Drug-food interactions. Baranovsky A.Yu. Practical Dietetics. 2014. No. 1. p.34-42

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Hypothyroid Diet: Proper Nutrition for Weight Loss

Contents

• 1 Hypothyroid Diet: Proper Nutrition for Effective Weight Loss
  • 1.1 Hypothyroidism and its manifestations
    • 1.1.1 What is hypothyroidism?
  • 1.2 Why is proper nutrition important in hypothyroidism?
  • 1.3 Which foods should be avoided in case of hypothyroidism?
  • 1.4 Which foods are recommended to be included in the diet?
  • 1.5 What rules should be observed when preparing food?
  • 1.6 How often should I eat if I have hypothyroidism?
  • 1.7 How to keep a record of food consumed?
  • 1.8 Drinks for hypothyroidism: what can I drink?
  • 1.9 Snacking on a Hypothyroid Diet
  • 1.10 Related Video:
  • 1.11 Q&A:
    • • 1. 11.0.1 What diet should I follow for hypothyroidism?
      • 1.11.0.2 How often should I eat if I have hypothyroidism?
      • 1.11.0.3 What foods can be included in the diet for hypothyroidism?
      • 1.11.0.4 Which foods should be excluded from the diet for hypothyroidism?
      • 1.11.0.5 Is it possible to eat desserts with hypothyroidism?
      • 1.11.0.6 How long should I follow the diet for hypothyroidism?

Find out how to eat right with hypothyroidism and how to find the optimal diet for weight loss. Advice from experts and a list of foods to include in your diet. Take care of your health and figure with the right nutrition for hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism of the thyroid gland is a disease that occurs when there is insufficient amount of hormones produced by the thyroid gland. At the same time, metabolism slows down, which can lead to weight gain and obesity, as well as a deterioration in well-being and the functioning of the body as a whole. It is very important to know that the diet for hypothyroidism should be special, taking into account all the requirements of the body.

At the same time, the diet should contain all the necessary vitamins and minerals to maintain health, but at the same time reduce calories and fat content. In addition, the individual characteristics of the patient and the nature of the disease should be taken into account.

In this article, we will talk about proper nutrition for hypothyroidism, about foods that should be included in the diet, how to reduce calorie intake and learn how to eat right to lose weight and improve your health.

Hypothyroidism and its manifestations

What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones needed to maintain an optimal metabolic rate in the body. Symptoms of hypothyroidism usually come on gradually and include: fatigue, decreased activity, decreased body temperature, weight gain, slow heart rate, and dry skin, hair, and nails.

Hypothyroidism can be caused by various causes, from autoimmune diseases to a lack of iodine in the body. It can be treated with thyroid hormone replacement therapy as well as proper nutrition.

Why is proper nutrition important in hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough of the hormones needed for the normal functioning of the body. Proper nutrition is an integral part of the treatment of hypothyroidism.

Hypothyroidism causes the body to slow down its metabolism, which can lead to weight gain. Proper nutrition helps control weight and reduce the risk of various complications.

• Preference should be given to foods high in iodine, which is necessary for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland;
• The diet should contain sufficient protein to help maintain muscle mass;
• It is necessary to limit the intake of foods containing gluten, since hypothyroidism is often accompanied by gluten sensitivity;
• It is necessary to increase the consumption of vegetables and fruits, it is desirable that they contain many vitamins and antioxidants.

It is important to understand that proper nutrition is an integral part of the treatment of hypothyroidism and helps not only control weight, but also reduce the risk of developing other diseases.

What foods should be avoided in case of hypothyroidism?

Proper nutrition in hypothyroidism plays an important role in the treatment and maintenance of health. In order to reduce the impact of this disease on weight, it is necessary to exclude from the diet certain foods that can contribute to weight gain and deterioration of the thyroid gland.

1. Gluten. Gluten is a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley and rye. It can cause inflammation of the thyroid gland, which negatively affects overall health. Therefore, it is worth excluding bread and other products from grain crops from the diet.

2. Soy products. Soy products contain isoflavones, which may exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism. In addition, they can affect the functioning of the thyroid gland and lead to its disease.

3. Fast food and ready meals. Fast food and prepared foods are high in calories, sugars and saturated fats. They can contribute to weight gain and increase blood cholesterol levels. Therefore, it is necessary to exclude fast food and ready meals from the diet.

4. Foods high in iodine. High levels of iodine in the body can lead to poor thyroid function. Therefore, you need to reduce the amount of foods containing iodine, such as seafood and certain types of fish.

In summary, proper nutrition for hypothyroidism should include fresh vegetables and fruits, protein foods, healthy fats, and a small amount of carbohydrates.

What foods are recommended to be included in the diet?

In case of hypothyroidism, it is important to eat foods rich in iodine, since this trace element is a building block of the thyroid gland. First of all, these are algae: kelp, spirulina, nori. Among seafood, it is recommended to use seaweed, sea greens, mussels, shrimp, octopus and fish, especially red and white fish such as salmon, sardines, tuna, mackerel, pike.

Omega 3 fatty acids found in fish, linseed oil and nuts also have a positive effect on the functioning of the thyroid gland.

Recommended protein-rich foods to support muscle mass and metabolism: meat, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs and cottage cheese. However, you should not consume them in excess, it is important to monitor the number of calories consumed.

1. Kelp, seaweed, mussels, shrimp, octopus, fish (red and white): rich in iodine, necessary for the functioning of the thyroid gland;
2. Fruits and vegetables, containing antioxidants and phytonutrients: help fight free radicals, reduce the risk of cancer and support overall health;
3. Omega 3 fatty acids, found in fish, flaxseed oil, nuts: help maintain optimal thyroid hormone levels;
4. Proteins found in meat, poultry, fish, legumes, eggs, cottage cheese: help maintain muscle mass and metabolism.

What are the rules for cooking?

With hypothyroidism, it is important to monitor how food is prepared. Properly prepared food can help improve thyroid health and promote weight loss.

• Eliminate fast carbohydrates, fatty and fried foods, sugar, alcohol and foods with artificial additives from your diet.
• Preference should be given to fresh vegetables, fruits, nuts, green vegetables and protein foods.
• Properly cooked protein foods (meat, fish, eggs) contain many essential vitamins and minerals needed for the normal functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Use natural spices when cooking, they have many useful properties and are not harmful to health.

Also don’t forget about proper cooking. It is important to focus on the recommendations of nutritionists who know which foods contain the necessary vitamins and minerals for the body. Try steaming, baking, or boiling your food. This method of cooking does not harm health and retains all the beneficial properties of products.

How often should I eat if I have hypothyroidism?

With hypothyroidism, it is especially important to properly distribute nutrition throughout the day. Frequent snacking increases metabolism and therefore speeds up the process of losing weight. At the same time, it is recommended to reduce the size of portions, but increase the frequency of meals.

It is important to remember that in case of hypothyroidism, long breaks in nutrition should be avoided – this can lead to a slowdown in metabolic processes and a deterioration in the general condition of the body. Preference should be given to easily digestible foods, high in protein and carbohydrates. It matters not only what, but also when to eat, especially with certain concomitant diseases.

What is the correct way to record food intake?

One of the important aspects of losing weight on a diet with hypothyroidism is to control the amount of food consumed. To do this, you need to keep a daily food journal.

Entries must include times, meals, and quantities. It is also important to indicate the composition of the dish and the number of calories. For convenience, you can use special mobile applications to keep a daily food log.

It is important to remember that only accurate records can help you manage your nutrition and achieve the desired results. In addition, keeping a food journal helps you learn your eating habits and develop healthier daily meals.

Be aware that even small snacks and additions to your daily diet can make a big difference in your diet results. Therefore, be careful and responsible when keeping records of your nutrition.

Drinks for hypothyroidism: what can you drink?

Hypothyroidism is a disease that is associated with a lack of thyroid hormones. With this metabolic disorder, there are often a number of problems with digestion, low energy levels, and a tendency to be overweight. During the hypothyroidism diet, it is very important to consume the right amount of water and drinks, which can help the body cope with intense work.

Drinking mineral water, which is enriched with trace elements, is also considered beneficial. It will be an excellent source of nutrients that are necessary to maintain the health of the body.

It is important to avoid carbonated drinks and sugary cocktails. Such drinks contain a lot of sugar, which can adversely affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. It’s also best to limit your coffee intake, which can sometimes cause irritation and nervousness.

Hypothyroid diet snacking

Hypothyroidism is a disease in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. This deficiency can lead to a slow metabolism, weight gain, and difficulty losing weight. Proper nutrition plays a key role in treating hypothyroidism and maintaining a healthy weight.

Snacks can be a good addition to three meals a day on a hypothyroidism diet. However, it is important to choose healthy foods that will help satisfy your hunger and will not harm your health.

• Nuts: Nuts are rich in protein, healthy fats and vitamins. They can be a great snack, but it’s important not to overdo it, as nuts are high in calories.
• Fruit: Fruit contains many vitamins and fibers that can improve digestion and help you feel full for longer.
• Vegetables: Vegetables are rich in minerals and vitamins and low in calories. They can be the perfect snack during a hypothyroidism diet.

It is important to understand that not all snacking is allowed on the hypothyroidism diet. Automatic snacks such as chips, sweets, cookies, etc. should be excluded from the diet. Choose balanced snacks that support a healthy lifestyle.

Related videos:

Q&A:

What diet should be followed in case of hypothyroidism?

In case of hypothyroidism, it is recommended to eat foods rich in iodine, protein and iron, as well as limit the consumption of foods that contribute to weight gain and slow metabolism.

How often should I eat if I have hypothyroidism?

It is recommended to eat frequently, at least 5-6 times a day, to maintain the body’s metabolism. It is also advisable to eat food in small portions.

What foods can be included in the diet for hypothyroidism?

A diet for hypothyroidism can include seafood, herbs, nuts, vegetable oils, legumes, grains, eggs, dairy products, fruits and vegetables.

What foods should be excluded from the diet for hypothyroidism?

Avoid high-fat, high-sugar foods and limit simple carbohydrates, alcohol, and coffee. These foods can slow down your metabolism and lead to weight gain.

Is it possible to eat desserts with hypothyroidism?

Desserts may be consumed, but they must be low in calories and contain a minimum amount of sugar. For example, you can choose fruit or berry desserts. It is important to control the amount of sweets consumed.

How long should I follow a diet for hypothyroidism?

The hypothyroidism diet is not a temporary measure, it should become a way of life.