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Certain diets can improve hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, while others can make the symptoms worse. In this article, we look at which foods and nutrients to eat and avoid to improve the symptoms of hypothyroidism. The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland in the throat. Having hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, can slow down metabolism, cause weight gain, and cause fatigue.
This article will discuss how diet affects hypothyroidism, which foods to eat and avoid, and an example of a 1-week meal plan. We also look at how the condition affects a person’s weight.Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Often, doctors treat hypothyroidism with medicine that replaces the thyroid hormones. While diet cannot cure hypothyroidism, it plays three main roles in managing the condition.
Foods that contain certain nutrients can help maintain proper thyroid function, such as iodine, selenium, and zinc. Other foods interfere with normal thyroid function, such as those containing goitrogens and soy, so limiting these can improve symptoms. Some foods and supplements can interfere with how well the body absorbs thyroid replacement medicine, so limiting these foods can also help.
Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain because it can slow down a person’s metabolism. Therefore, a person with hypothyroidism should aim for a healthful diet to prevent weight gain. Making dietary changes can have an impact on how a person feels and may help improve their quality of life. The following sections identifies some of the nutrients that can help people with hypothyroidism, and which foods contain them.The body requires iodine to produce thyroid hormones. However, the body cannot make iodine, so a person needs to get iodine from their diet.
Iodine deficiency can also cause an enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goiter.
Foods rich in iodine include:
cheese
milk
ice cream
iodized table salt
saltwater fish
seaweed
whole eggs
Iodine deficiency is relatively uncommon in the United States due to the use of iodized table salt, but it is more common in other areas around the world. However, a person should avoid consuming large amounts of iodine because excess iodine can worsen hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
Avoid processed foods which tend to be calorie-dense and offer little nutritional benefit. These types of foods also promote weight gain.
Examples of processed foods include:
fast food
hot dogs
donuts
cakes
cookies