If you have a thyroid disorder, you may be wondering what types of foods would be beneficial to the thyroid. Although no one diet is right for hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), there are some general guidelines you can follow. Talk to your doctor about your particular condition, your current supplements or medications, and ask him what type of diet would be right for you.
Fiber
Fiber is an essential part of any diet. It helps food move through the colon, and soluble fiber can actually benefit cholesterol levels. According to M. Sara Rosenthal, Ph.D., in "The Thyroid Sourcebook," ensuring you have an adequate amount of fiber in your diet should be a part of your lifelong diet plan. It can help to maintain your weight, maintain a healthy GI tract and can also complement your thyroid medication if you are balanced right now. Adding bran, brown rice, whole grains, oats, apples and legumes to your diet can increase your daily fiber intake, states mayoclinic.com.
Fiber needs water to move through the system, so adequate water intake is also important. However, "The Thyroid Sourcebook" advises caution in regard to how much water you drink as well as fiber supplementation. Too much fluid can decrease iodine levels, and fiber supplements can interfere with the absorption of your thyroid hormone. The book states that you can take your medication and fiber four hours apart to avoid conflict.
Diets for Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is often characterized by unexplained weight gain, bloating, constipation and fatigue, according to mayoclinic.com. As mentioned above, if you suffer from this condition, adding fiber and water to your diet can be beneficial. "The Thyroid Sourcebook" mentions eating foods that are low on the glycemic index. This diet emphasizes foods that break down slowly, thus releasing sugar into the bloodstream more slowly. This action can help to maintain normal blood glucose and insulin levels and avoid the highs and lows that can create cravings and fatigue. Blood sugar imbalances can also lead to obesity, heart conditions and type 2 diabetes, according to mayoclinic.com.
Foods to Avoid with Hypothyroidism
According to UMM.edu, certain foods can suppress thyroid function. Broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, turnips, soy, beans and mustard greens can decrease thyroid function. Therefore, if you are hypothyroid, consider avoiding these foods.
Hyperthyroidism Diets
When you have an overactive thyroid, you may have an artificially high metabolism. This disorder is typically characterized by weight loss and sometimes increased frequency of bowel movements, according to "The Thyroid Sourcebook." During this time, it is important to eat foods rich in calcium, like dairy products, to keep your weight up. Animal fats, peanut butter, mayonnaise and other foods higher in fat can also be helpful. In an effort to reduce diarrhea, the book also recommends cutting out fruit juices and fresh fruits. The foods mentioned in the previous section may also help suppress an overactive thyroid. If you are lactose intolerant, which can happen in some cases of hyperthyroidism, avoid dairy products and take a calcium supplement. Try avoiding caffeine, alcohol and cigarettes as they can stimulate your heart. Talk to your doctor about your diet and vitamin intake to decide what is right for you.
Hyperthyroidism and Weight Gain
If you have been treated for hyperthyroidism, you may have experienced weight gain. According to "Living Well with Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism" by Mary J. Shomon, weight gain can happen because your metabolism is now at a normal level. You cannot eat the same types or quantities of food. Those high levels of thyroid hormones may also have interfered with the hormonal feedback system that controls appetite, so you still may want to eat more. You may also become hypothyroid, and thus at risk for weight gain. Shomon's book also recommends following a low glycemic index diet, lowering caloric intake, eating adequate protein and getting enough omega-3 fatty acids.
References
- "The Thyroid Sourcebook"; M.S. Rosenthal, Ph.D.; 2009
- The Mayo Clinic: Fiber
- The Mayo Clinic: Hypothyroidism
- The Mayo Clinic: Glycemic Index Diet
- "Living Well with Graves' Disease and Hyperthyroidism"; M.J. Shomon; 2005
