Foods to Manage Hypothyroidism (What to eat and what not to eat)

There is no such diet which can cure hypothyroidism. But eating the right food can help you manage the disease as some food can interfere with your treatment.

Updated: June 16, 2022

There is no such diet which can cure hypothyroidism. But eating the right food can help you manage the disease as some food can interfere with your treatment.

Foods to avoid in hypothyroidism:

Soy :

Soy has plant-based phytoestrogen which can interfere with your body's ability to use thyroid hormone. People with hypothyroidism should moderate their intake of soy.

Cruciferous Vegetables:

Cruciferous Vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy should have limited intake for a person with hypothyroidism as these vegetables can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone.

Gluten:

Gluten is a a protein found in processed food made from wheat, barley, rye, and other grains. Gluten can irritate the small intestine and may effect absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication.

Whole-grains varieties of bread, pasta, and rice, which are high in fiber and other nutrients can be consumed provided you should give interval of hours between your food and medicines to prevent interference with the absorption of your synthetic thyroid hormone.

Fatty Foods:

Foods containing fat such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, meat ,bakery items can disrupt the production as well as absorption of thyroid hormone. Therefore fatty food should be avoided to better control hypothyroidism.

Sugary Food:

Foods with sugar such as sweets, ice cream, pastries, cake have lots of calories with zero nutrients. As the metabolism of the body of a person with hypothyroidism is slow, these kind of food will effect the absorption of thyroid hormone leading to weight gain.

Processed Foods:

Processed foods have a lot of sodium, which will increase the risk of high blood pressure in people having hypothyroidism.

Caffeine:

Caffeine blocks absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. You should drink your cup of morning coffee after at least 30 minutes of taking medicine.

Alcohol:

Alcohol have a toxic effect on the thyroid gland and suppresses the ability of the body to use thyroid hormone. Hence people with hypothyroidism should avoid drinking alcohol.

Food that helps in Hypothyroidism:

Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables:

Antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables such as blueberries, tomatoes, bell peppers can be beneficial for thyroid gland. Foods that contain vitamins B also help managing hypothyroidism.

Selenium:

Selenium-rich foods, such as sunflower seeds or Brazil nuts can helps the enzymes that make thyroid hormones to work properly.

Tyrosine:

Tyrosine is an amino acid used by the thyroid gland to produce T3 and T4. Foods like dairy such as low fat yogurt, low fat milk, cheddar, and legumes that contain Tyrosine should be included in the diet of a person having hypothyroidism. By drinking 1 cup of low-fat milk, you will consume about one-third of your daily iodine needs. If you develop hypothyroidism you are more likely to be deficient in D. Hence its a good idea to consume

a glass fortified with vitamin D.

Eggs:

Eggs are very essential for people with hypothyroidism as it contain iodine and selenium.

Fish and Shellfish:

Fish and shellfish are good source of iodine. In addition shellfish has zinc also which is an essential nutrient for hypothyroidism.

Chicken :

If you have hypothyroidism, you may also have zinc deficiency, since your thyroid hormones help absorb the mineral. Include chicken in your diet as these contain zinc, an essential nutrient for hypothyroidism.