Managing Your Diet with Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones. This can cause symptoms like fatigue, weight gain, feeling cold, and more. While medication is the primary treatment, your diet also plays an important role in managing hypothyroidism.
Certain foods can potentially interfere with your thyroid medication absorption or aggravate your symptoms. On the other hand, some foods can help support healthy thyroid function. Understanding what foods to enjoy or avoid can help you better control your hypothyroidism.
How Hypothyroidism Affects Your Body
The thyroid gland produces two main hormones that regulate your metabolism - triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). When your thyroid is underactive, it does not make enough of these hormones.
Without sufficient thyroid hormones, your metabolism slows down. This can lead to weight gain, fatigue, sensitivity to cold, dry skin, hair loss, forgetfulness, muscle weakness, constipation, and depression.
Hypothyroidism is typically treated with a synthetic T4 medication called Levothyroxine. This helps normalize thyroid hormone levels. However, proper diet can enhance the results of your medication.
Best Foods for Hypothyroidism
Here are some of the top foods to include in your diet when living with hypothyroidism:
- Iodine-rich foods - Iodine is needed for thyroid hormone production. Good sources include seafood, eggs, dairy, prunes, and iodized salt.
- Selenium-rich foods - Selenium helps convert T4 into active T3 thyroid hormone. Brazil nuts, tuna, eggs, and mushrooms are good sources.
- Omega-3 fats - Found in fatty fish like salmon. Help fight inflammation and support thyroid function.
- Nuts and seeds - Provide zinc, selenium, and healthy fats for hormone production.
- Protein - Helpful for stabilizing blood sugar and energy levels.
- Fiber-rich fruits and veggies - Prevent constipation, which is a common hypothyroidism symptom.
Foods to Limit or Avoid
On the flip side, here are some foods it may be best to limit or avoid altogether when living with hypothyroidism:
1. Soy
Soy contains compounds called isoflavones that may interfere with thyroid hormone absorption and production. Moderate soy intake is likely fine, but avoid consuming large amounts of soy protein, edamame, tofu, and soy milk.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables
Vegetables like kale, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage contain goitrogens that may disrupt thyroid function by blocking iodine absorption when eaten raw and in large amounts. Light cooking breaks down goitrogens.
3. Gluten
Those with autoimmune hypothyroidism may also have issues with gluten. Try eliminating gluten from your diet for 30 days to see if it provides symptom relief. Limit foods containing wheat, barley, and rye.
4. Sugary Foods and Refined Carbs
Excess sugar and refined carbs can spike blood sugar levels, which can stress the thyroid. Avoid sugary sodas, desserts, white bread, pastries, and breakfast cereals.
5. Caffeine and Alcohol
Caffeine and alcohol stimulate the thyroid gland and can exacerbate symptoms in some people. Limit coffee, energy drinks, and alcohol consumption as needed.
6. Processed Foods
Packaged snacks, frozen meals, fast food and other processed items often contain refined carbs, unhealthy fats, and additives that are best limited on a hypothyroidism diet.
7. Fatty Foods
A very high fat diet may impair your body's ability to absorb thyroid medication. Avoid going overboard on fatty meats, fried foods, whole-milk dairy, and other high-fat items.
8. Goitrogens
In addition to cruciferous veggies, foods like sweet potatoes, peaches, peanuts, and soy contain goitrogens. Cooking helps deactivate them. Rotate these in moderation, not daily.
9. Millet
The whole grain millet is high in compounds called C-glycosylflavones that may negatively impact thyroid function. Limit millet or avoid altogether if it seems to aggravate symptoms.
Designing Your Hypothyroidism Diet
When adapting your diet to support thyroid health, focus on incorporating more beneficial foods rather than restricting everything potentially problematic. Enjoy foods like seafood, nuts, seeds, colorful fruits and veggies, high-fiber whole grains, and lean proteins.
Limit sugary treats, processed items, caffeine and alcohol in excess, and extremely large portions of goitrogenic foods. Always consult your doctor if you have concerns about your diet's effects on your hypothyroid treatment.
With the right dietary changes to complement your medication, you can effectively manage hypothyroid symptoms and feel your best.
FAQs
Why should you avoid soy with hypothyroidism?
Soy contains compounds called isoflavones that may interfere with the production and absorption of thyroid hormones. It's best to limit soy intake when you have hypothyroidism.
Are cruciferous vegetables bad for your thyroid?
Eating large amounts of raw cruciferous veggies like kale, broccoli and cabbage may be problematic due to their goitrogen content. However, cooking breaks down the goitrogens, making these veggies safe to eat in moderation.
Should you avoid gluten with hypothyroidism?
Those with autoimmune hypothyroidism may consider trying a 30-day gluten free diet to see if symptom relief occurs, as gluten sensitivity is common. But gluten does not necessarily need to be avoided otherwise.
What should you eat more of with hypothyroidism?
Eat more iodine-rich foods like seafood and eggs, selenium sources like Brazil nuts and tuna, anti-inflammatory omega-3 fats, high fiber fruits/veggies, nuts, seeds and lean protein to support thyroid health.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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