Physicians treat hypothyroidism with synthetic thyroid hormone. According to the Mayo Clinic website, no hypothyroid diet exists and there is no evidence that eating certain foods or avoiding them will ameliorate your thyroid function if you suffer from hypothyroidism. Nevertheless, according to university studies, all of which are inconclusive, certain foods may support or impair your absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone. Always consult your physician before incorporating these foods into your diet.
Whole Grains and Foods High in B Vitamins and Iron
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, certain foods may help support conventional medical treatment of hypothyroid individuals although they cannot treat hypothyroidism.
If an individual does not have an allergy to the following, foods rich in iron and B vitamins such as whole grains and fresh garden vegetables are listed as possible nutritional supports. However, these foods are not medically endorsed or recommended as constituting a hypothyroid diet by UMMC medical experts.
Sea vegetables are exceptionally high in iron content, as are lentils, black-eyed beans, beetroot and turnip greens, parsley, dried dates, raisins and watermelon. Consult your doctor to find out if these foods can support your hormone therapy.
Fruits and Vegetables High in Antioxidants
Foods high in antioxidants may support the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone. Fresh fruits such as tomatoes, cherries, blackberries, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries are rich in antioxidants, as are vegetables such as bell peppers, kale, red cabbage, spinach, beets and squash.
These foods may or may not reduce hypothyroid symptoms. Consult your doctor to ascertain whether or not they are right for your condition.
Soy May Interfere with Your Hormone Treatment
Soy products and thyroid function have been studied for more than 70 years with no conclusive evidence that soy affects thyroid functioning either favorably or adversely.
Christiane Northrup, M.D., a women's health expert, reports in her 2009 article entitled "Thyroid Disease" that soy does not disrupt thyroid function in normal individuals with adequate iodine intake. She adds, however, that soy isoflavones, naturally present in the soy bean "especially in high doses, can disrupt thyroid function in those who are iodine deficient, estimated to be 13 percent of the population, and in those who have compromised thyroid function."
Dr. Northrup is not alone. The University of Maryland Medical Center also lists soy as a food possibly interfering with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone, although they do not formally endorse this view.
Since there is some evidence, although inconclusive, that soy can depress thyroid function in those suffering from hypothyroidism, always consult your physician if you intend to introduce soy into your diet.
Possible Effects of Goitrogens
Goitrogens are foods that suppress thyroid function and interfere with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid. The Institute for Optimum Nutrition reports that goitrogens may have induced hypothyroidism in normal individuals. Goitrogens are also suspected of depressing thyroidal functioning in hypothyroid people.
Cornell University also lists goitrogens as possibly producing antithyroid activity. These foods include bok choy, turnips, black mustard, rutabaga, broccoli, cauliflower, kohlrabi and Brussels sprouts. Other goitrogens include radishes, watercress, horseradish, pine nuts, millet and peanuts.
Ask your doctor if you should avoid these foods.
Avoid Excess Dietary Fiber
The Mayo Clinic counsels that too much dietary fiber can hinder the necessary absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone in hypothyroid people. Certain foods eaten in excess producing this effect include walnuts, soybean flour and cottonseed meal. These foods are high in dietary fiber and should be avoided or eaten several hours before or after taking thyroid medication, according to the Mayo Clinic website.
