Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a condition that needs to be treated with medication and monitored by your doctor. While you can't control your condition with diet alone, the correct diet---along with your medication---can allow you to increase the hormone production that comes from your thyroid. The diet itself is fairly simple and easy to follow.
Step 1
Limit your intake of carbohydrates. It is more difficult to process carbohydrates when you have an underactive thyroid. This will help keep your weight down and give your thyroid gland a chance to produce hormones.
Step 2
Eat lean meat, fish and white-meat chicken as primary proteins to treat your hypothyroidism. These foods will give you the energy you need to get through your day without feeling fatigued and cold---common symptoms for those with hypothyroidism. Not eating these foods may aggravate your condition.
Step 3
Drink low-fat milk every day and make sure you have other dairy products like low-fat yogurt. Since hypothyroidism often results in slow metabolism, many of those with this condition avoid dairy products. However, the proteins and nutrients in these dairy products are necessities and low-fat milk and yogurt can satisfy these needs.
Step 4
Consume beans, seeds and legumes to help your metabolism. Lima beans, lentils, pumpkin seeds and sesame seeds can help your thyroid become just a bit more active and this will help you complete your day without slowing down and fatiguing.
Step 5
Avoid foods that contain too much fiber. While these foods are beneficial to those without hypothyroidism, they can depress and slow down metabolism of those with the condition. These foods include walnuts, soy beans, broccoli, peaches, strawberries, peanuts and tofu.
Tips and Warnings
- Get a blood test every six months to make sure your hypothyroid condition is under control. You must also get tested if you are considering any elective surgery.
- Do not attempt to treat this condition yourself. You need to be under a doctor's care.
