What are the best foods to eat if you have hypothyroidism? Learn which foods to include and which to avoid for improved thyroid function and symptom management.

The Importance of Diet for Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a common health condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to a variety of symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, and cold intolerance. While medication is the primary treatment, dietary and lifestyle modifications can also play a significant role in managing hypothyroidism and its associated symptoms.

One of the most common causes of hypothyroidism is an autoimmune condition called Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. In this condition, the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid gland, causing it to gradually become less functional. Research has shown that dietary changes can help support thyroid function and alleviate symptoms in people with Hashimoto’s disease and other forms of hypothyroidism.

Foods to Eat for Hypothyroidism

When it comes to managing hypothyroidism, incorporating certain nutrient-dense foods into your diet can be beneficial. Here are some of the best foods to include:

Iodine-Rich Foods

Iodine is a crucial mineral for proper thyroid function, as it is a key component of thyroid hormones. Good sources of iodine include seaweed, seafood, dairy products, and iodized salt.

Selenium-Rich Foods

Selenium is another important mineral for thyroid health, as it helps protect the thyroid gland and supports the conversion of thyroid hormones. Brazil nuts, tuna, eggs, and beef are all excellent sources of selenium.

Anti-Inflammatory Foods

Reducing inflammation in the body can help alleviate hypothyroid symptoms. Foods like fatty fish, berries, leafy greens, and turmeric are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.

Gluten-Free Foods

Some research suggests that a gluten-free diet may be beneficial for people with Hashimoto’s disease and other autoimmune thyroid conditions. Gluten-free grains like quinoa, rice, and buckwheat can be good options.

Foods to Avoid with Hypothyroidism

In addition to incorporating beneficial foods, it’s also important to limit or avoid certain foods that may exacerbate hypothyroid symptoms or interfere with thyroid function. These include:

Processed and Fried Foods

Processed and fried foods are often high in unhealthy fats, added sugars, and artificial additives, which can contribute to inflammation and weight gain, both of which can worsen hypothyroid symptoms.

Soy-Based Foods

Soy contains compounds called isoflavones that may interfere with thyroid hormone production and absorption. Limit soy-based foods like tofu, tempeh, and soy milk.

Cruciferous Vegetables

While generally healthy, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale contain compounds called goitrogens that can potentially interfere with thyroid function in large amounts. Lightly cooking these vegetables can help reduce the goitrogenic effects.

Alcohol and Caffeine

Excessive consumption of alcohol and caffeine can stress the thyroid gland and contribute to hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue and anxiety.

Optimizing Your Hypothyroidism Diet

Creating a balanced, nutrient-rich diet is important for everyone, but it’s particularly crucial for people with hypothyroidism. By focusing on iodine-rich, anti-inflammatory, and gluten-free foods while limiting problematic items, you can help support your thyroid function and manage your symptoms more effectively.

Remember, every person’s needs are unique, so it’s best to work closely with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to develop a personalized dietary plan that addresses your specific health concerns and goals.

The Benefits of a Hypothyroidism-Friendly Diet

Adopting a hypothyroidism-friendly diet can provide a range of benefits, including:

• Improved thyroid function and hormone levels
• Reduced inflammation and autoimmune activity
• Better weight management and metabolic regulation
• Alleviation of common hypothyroid symptoms like fatigue, cold intolerance, and constipation
• Enhanced overall health and quality of life

Conclusion

While medication is the primary treatment for hypothyroidism, a well-balanced, thyroid-supportive diet can also play a crucial role in managing the condition and its associated symptoms. By incorporating nutrient-dense, anti-inflammatory foods while limiting problematic items, you can help support your thyroid function and improve your overall health and well-being.

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.

20 Selenium-Rich Foods for Every Diet

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You can obtain selenium through your diet by eating foods like Brazil nuts, bananas, and eggs. Some people with certain health conditions may have difficulty absorbing selenium.

Your body relies on selenium, an important mineral, for many of its basic functions, from reproduction to fighting infection. The amount of selenium in different foods depends on the amount of selenium in the soil where the food was grown. Rain, evaporation, pesticides, and pH levels can all affect selenium levels in soil. That makes selenium deficiency more common in certain parts of the world, though it’s relatively rare in the United States.

Regardless of where you live, certain factors can make it harder for your body to absorb selenium. For example, you may have difficulty absorbing selenium if you:

• are receiving dialysis
• are living with HIV
• have a gastrointestinal condition, such as Crohn’s disease

In addition, those with Graves’ disease or hypothyroidism need to pay special attention to their selenium intake as it serves a protective role for the thyroid.

While too little selenium can cause serious health problems, too much selenium can also be toxic. Follow these guidelines from the National Institutes of Health to determine how much selenium is right for you:

Women who are pregnant or lactating need up to 60 mcg of selenium per day.

Keep reading to learn which foods provide the most selenium.

Brazil nuts are one of the best sources of selenium. One ounce, or about six to eight nuts, contains about 544 mcg. Make sure you only eat a serving of Brazil nuts a few times a week to avoid selenium toxicity.

Yellowfin tuna contains about 92 mcg of selenium per 3 ounces (oz), making it an excellent source of selenium. This is followed by sardines, oysters, clams, halibut, shrimp, salmon, and crab, which contain amounts between 40 and 65 mcg.

Many health-conscious eaters avoid ham due to its high salt content. However, it provides about 42 mcg of selenium per 3 oz serving, or 60 percent of the recommended daily intake for adults.

Some products, including pastas, whole wheat breads, and whole grain cereals, are enriched or fortified with selenium and other minerals. The amount of selenium in these products will vary, but you can typically get up to 40 mcg per 1 cup serving of noodles or cereal, and about 16 mcg from 2 slices of whole grain toast. Just make sure you balance enriched foods with plenty of whole, plant-based foods for optimal nutrition.

Three ounces of lean pork contain about 33 mcg of selenium.

The selenium content of beef depends on the cut, but a bottom round beef steak will provide you with about 33 mcg. Beef liver provides about 28 mcg, and ground beef offers about 18 mcg.

You can get 31 mcg of selenium from 3 oz of boneless turkey. Eat a turkey sandwich on fortified whole wheat bread for extra selenium.

Chicken will give you about 22 to 25 mcg of selenium per 3 oz of white meat. This translates to a serving that’s similar in size to a deck of cards, making it an easy way to add some selenium to your diet.

One cup of cottage cheese provides about 20 mcg, or 30 percent of your daily recommended intake of selenium.

One hard-boiled egg provides about 20 mcg of selenium. Don’t like hard-boiled? No worries, go for eggs cooked any way you like, and you’ll still get a dose of selenium.

One cup of cooked long-grain brown rice will provide you with 19 mcg of selenium, or 27 percent of the recommended daily amount. Enjoy this grain with your favorite 3 oz portion of chicken or turkey to get up to 50 mcg of selenium — almost the entire recommended daily amount for adults. You can also substitute rice for barley which provides 23mcg per 1/3 cup serving.

A quarter cup of sunflower seeds provides almost 19 mcg of selenium, making them a great snack, especially if you don’t eat animal products, which tend to have higher levels of selenium.

Enjoy a cup of baked beans and you’ll get about 13 mcg of selenium along with some important fiber.

Mushrooms are fungi that contain many nutrients, including vitamin D, iron, and about 12 mcg of selenium in a 100-gram serving. Try these 16 vegetarian-friendly recipes with mushrooms.

One cup of regular oatmeal, cooked, will give you 13 mcg of selenium. Enjoy it for breakfast with two eggs to get 53 mcg.

Spinach, cooked from frozen, will provide you with about 11 mcg of selenium per cup. It’s also packed full of folic acid and vitamin C.

Milk and yogurt each contain about 8 mcg of selenium per cup, or 11 percent of your needs per day. Add some milk to your enriched cereal to up your intake.

One cup of cooked lentils provides about 6 mcg of selenium, plus a healthy dose of protein and fiber. Add them to a soup with mushrooms for a vegan-friendly meal full of selenium.

Dry roasted cashews offer 3 mcg per ounce. That may not seem like much, but every bit helps, especially if you follow a vegan diet. Snack on some dry roasted cashews and you’ll get a small amount of selenium, at 3 mcg per one ounce serving.

One cup of chopped banana offers 2 mcg of selenium, or 3 percent of your daily recommended intake. Again, this might not seem like much, but most fruits offer only minimal traces of selenium or none at all. Add bananas to a smoothie with yogurt or your favorite oatmeal for more selenium.

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.

Need for diet

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 a 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 of calculating the allowable calorie content of the diet – the patient’s body weight in kilograms multiplied by 25 and subtracted from the result 200. 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 hard 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 therapeutic 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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Foods that are harmful to the thyroid gland: what not to eat – June 25, 2022

Let’s see how to keep this small but very important organ healthy

Photo: Alexey Noginsky / 63.RU

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Most people have heard about the thyroid gland, but many do not know or do not understand its functions. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces iodine-containing hormones. The hormones produced are involved in the regulation of metabolism. The gland is butterfly shaped and is located on the front of the neck. Problems with this organ can cause the development of a number of diseases, including hypertension, arrhythmias, neuroses and depression. Lack or excess of hormones provoke dermatitis, obesity and hair loss. What foods harm the thyroid gland, nutritionist Nata Gonchar told Wday.ru.

Nata Gonchar is President of the Association of Nutritionists and Health Coaches (ANCH) and founder of the International Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IINS).

The thyroid gland is called the “conductor of the body”. For its full functioning, iodine, selenium and the amino acid tyrosine are necessary – without these substances, the synthesis of hormones produced in the gland is disrupted: T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

According to the expert, in order to correct thyroid disorders, it is necessary to improve nutrition and eliminate foods that can provoke hormonal disorders in the body. We are talking about fatty, rich broths, fatty meats and poultry (pork, lamb, duck meat). Also under the ban were sausages, sausages and sausages. Dairy products and gluten-containing products, offal and animal fats, as well as smoked meats loved by many, can provoke problems with the thyroid gland.

Those who have a problem with this organ should be careful about pasta, semolina and rice cereal, limit sauces, fast food and semi-finished products.

Vegetables and greens with a high content of oxalic acid can adversely affect the functioning of the thyroid gland: beets, celery, sorrel, spinach, rhubarb, parsley. And also – soy in any form, including products with soy protein, since soy contains phytoestrogens that disrupt the functioning of the gland.

You can’t drink tea or coffee with cakes with such problems either – these items are also on the anti-list. Do not forget about alcohol and store-bought juices: of course, they are not useful to anyone, but especially for people with thyroid problems.

— Replace purchased drinks, tea and coffee with a healthy alternative: homemade compotes, fruit drinks, freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices. It is also necessary to limit the use of sunflower, soybean and corn oil, replacing them with olive or flaxseed. Starchy vegetables – potatoes, corn, beets, squash and zucchini, legumes and mushrooms – are also better to eat less often, the nutritionist believes.

In hyperthyroidism , when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, iodine is contraindicated. Therefore, foods rich in iodine should be avoided (for example, sea fish and seafood, seaweed and iodized salt). Include high-fiber foods and enough water in your diet, this will allow you to remove metabolic products from the body and muffle your appetite. It is better to eat with hyperthyroidism often and fractionally. And it is preferable to cook for a couple or in the oven.

In case of hypothyroidism (low function of the thyroid gland), it is important to eat foods rich in iodine, such as seafood (seaweed, shrimp, mussels, crabs), sea fish (salmon, salmon, pink salmon, tuna). Increase the amount of sour-milk and whole grain cereals, fruits and berries, vegetables, herbs and walnuts in your menu.

— The thyroid gland is an important organ in the human endocrine system, which is responsible for the metabolism and synthesis of hormones in the body. Adequate nutrition, physical activity and healthy sleep will help maintain the health of the gland. A proper diet without harmful products will improve the functional state of the body, help to establish the synthesis of hormones and protect against the development of diseases of the endocrine system, says Nata Gonchar.

Our thyroid gland really doesn’t like some things, says Prof. Mikhail Kutushov. Some of them may seem quite harmless to you. But this is only at first glance.

Understanding what habits can destroy the thyroid gland.

When you close, endure inconvenience, accept everything that you would like to reject, then this is the suppression of emotions. Unfulfilled plans, loss of interest in life, discrepancy between desires and opportunities – everything that you blame yourself for harms. The negative affects the nervous system, the work of organs, including the thyroid gland.

Calorie deficiency and prolonged fasting destroy our body.

– Hunger lasting up to 36 hours does not have a harmful effect on this organ, if more – the thyroid gland can begin to live its own separate life, – explains Mikhail Kutushov.

It would seem that if you completely refuse food for a couple of days, you can easily and simply lose weight. But experts are categorically against such a radical approach, which, by the way, is a bad helper in losing weight. What dangerous consequences will overtake you after a while, you can read here.

More habits for which this small but important organ will not thank you, you will find in this review.

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