Hypothyroidism is a condition that causes your thyroid gland to produce too few hormones. Since the thyroid gland helps regulate your metabolism -- the rate at which food is converted into energy -- hypothyroidism may cause weight gain and reduced energy. Additional symptoms may include slow heartbeat, fatigue, cold sensitivity, constipation, depressive moods and menstrual irregularities. In addition to medical treatment, such as synthetic hormone replacement, a nutrient-rich diet, limited in certain foods, may help manage hypothyroid symptoms.
Certain Vegetables and Nuts
While vegetables supply valuable amounts of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fiber, certain varieties may hinder thyroid function. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests avoiding cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, turnips, cassava, soybeans and mustard greens. Nuts provide healthy fats, protein and a variety of helpful nutrients. Avoid peanuts, peanut butter and pine nuts, however, as they too may dampen thyroid function.
Enriched Carbohydrates
Enriched carbohydrates, such as white flour and sugar, are foods that have lost valuable amounts of nutrients during food processing. Refined flour, for example, results after nutrient-parts of a whole grain are removed. What remains of the grain is ground into a fine powder. Enriched carbohydrates have a greater impact on blood sugar levels than complex carbohydrates; thus, eating them may trigger or worsen mood swings, energy problems and food cravings associated with hypothyroidism. M. Sara Rosenthal, author of "The Thyroid Sourcebook," suggests limiting enriched carbohydrates as a helpful means of managing these and other hypothyroidism symptoms, such as bloating and constipation. For best results, replace enriched breads, pasta, cereals and snack foods with whole grains or starchy vegetables, such as potatoes or squash. While fruit juice contains a variety of nutrients, it also lacks the fiber content present in whole fruits and may negatively affect your blood sugar, appetite and energy levels. For this reason, Rosenthal suggests avoiding fruit juice as well.
Saturated Fats and Trans Fatty Acids
Saturated fats and trans fatty acids, or trans fats, are considered unhealthy fats that can increase your risk for high cholesterol, high blood pressure and heart disease. Rosenthal suggests replacing saturated and trans fats with omega-3 fats and other healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds and plant-based oils, for improved immune system function, brain function and overall health. Foods rich in saturated fat include beef fat, beef, lamb, pork, poultry fat, organ meat, butter, whole milk, cream and full-fat cheeses. Trans fats are present in many processed foods, including processed meat and cheeses, fast food, potato chips, cookies, crackers, pastries, canned soup, frozen entrees and french fries. Consuming few processed foods, replacing red meat with lean poultry, fish or legumes and opting for low-fat milk in place of whole milk can help reduce your unhealthy fat intake. When you do purchase processed foods, check nutrition labels to determine specific fat content.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism Facts and Suggestions
- "The Thyroid Sourcebook"; M. Sara Rosenthal; 2008
