Dietary guidelines in hypothyroidism

Health and diet

Dietary guidelines in hypothyroidism

written by Dr. Pankaj Kumar | September 12, 2018

Hypothyroidism doesn’t have to prevent or limit you from following a healthy lifestyle. You can manage obesity and associated complications related to thyroid disorder with the help of diet and exercise.

We do not advise you to stop any medication rather we can guide you how you can improve the release of thyroid hormones by choosing right rood on right time. For medication related advice you must consult your doctor.

See how several organs are affected by hypothyroidism:

Let us now focus on proper food in hypothyroidism. Try to follow these, as a general guide to your dietary pattern in hypothyroidism:

1. Soy:

Phytoestrogens in soybeans, tofu and soy-rich foods may inhibit the activity of an enzyme that makes thyroid hormones. Avoid soy and soy products in breakfast as well s later in diet, as much as possible.

2. Iodine-rich foods:

Using iodized salt or iodine-enriched foods can be beneficial but eating too much iodine can have the opposite effect and suppress thyroid gland activity. So it should be taken in right proportion. For iodine deficient people, you should take iodized table salt with your meals. Seaweed, fish, dairy and eggs are richer sources of iodine. They should occupy a major part of your diet.

3. Take some essential supplements:

Taking iron or calcium supplements can also change the effectiveness of many thyroid medications. So avoid taking Iron and calcium supplements in morning. Also zinc and selenium is essential for thyroid function. Try to have supplementation of thse too.

4. High-fiber foods:

We all know the fact that “high-fiber diet is best.” Too much fiber eaten right after taking thyroid medicines may interfere with their absorption so wait two hours before you eat a high-fiber meal.

5. Vegetables:

Fiber rich vegetables (Cruciferous vegetables) like broccoli, cabbage, spinach, kale, and Brussels sprouts etc., may interfere with thyroid medication absorption. Reducing the amounts of such vegetables in the morning right after taking your medication may help.

6. Tobacco and alcohol:

These can also influence the effectiveness of thyroid medicine. So consumption of these products should be restricted.

Besides, few websites insist that eliminating gluten is essential for treating thyroid disease. Need more concrete research on this. For details, please read: