Best Foods to Eat with Hypothyroidism

For those who struggle with hypothyroidism, diet becomes one of the main focuses in life. The disorder is the body’s insufficient production of hormones within the thyroid gland. The two hormones, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4), work by supporting growth and metabolism within the body. When these are low, the body struggles to metabolize in the same way and a likely outcome is weight gain. In addition, since the hormones are made from iodine that is largely taken from the body’s diet, what you eat directly affects how you deal with hypothyroidism. Here are the food and drink you should and shouldn’t consume:

Salt

As mentioned, iodine is the substance that makes up T4 and T3. Salt is a source of this and, while most people consume enough salt on a daily basis, it is important to monitor these levels just in case. Sourcing iodized salt for your home can be a great help too!

Soy

Soy contains goitrogen, which, in certain quantities, can negatively impact the thyroid’s natural production of hormones. If you think your diet may contain high amounts of soy, contact your doctor as it may cause issues with common thyroid prescriptions, such as Cytomel Tabs (Liothyronine or T3).

Nuts

Many nuts are a great source of iron and, as such, support a healthy thyroid. They also contain a micronutrient known as selenium. There is plenty of selenium in your thyroid, more so than any other part of the body, and eating more nuts will keep it healthy. However, check the nutrients in each nut as some, such as pine nuts, contain goitrogen.

Processed Foods

Since one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism is weight gain, managing your diet is paramount to your wellbeing. Processed foods are detrimental to the body and especially so in a body that struggles with metabolism.

Seafood

Fish and crustaceans are a great source of iodine. They also contain the healthy types of fats that your body needs. As with salt, however, be careful to monitor your consumption, as extreme amounts may lead to health issues.

Eggs

Eggs are rich in iodine and selenium, making them perfect for a healthy thyroid.

Fruit

Fruits should be a part of any balanced diet; however, in the case of thyroid disorders, they are extremely useful. Since they are low in fat, you can eat more of them too!

Caffeine and Alcohol

Unfortunately, drinks containing these substances are shown to irritate your thyroid and may lead to complications.

Gluten

Most cases of hypothyroidism are the result of an existing disorder such as Turner Syndrome or Hashimoto’s disease. In many of these cases, the consumption of gluten can be disruptive and stressful to the body.

Supplements

While it may seem logical to supplement your diet with the absent nutrients, it can be extremely harmful to the body depending on your medication. Before taking any supplement, consult your doctor to better understand how it will affect your body and medication.