Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland is underactive. This condition can cause the metabolism to slow down, leading potentially to weight gain, digestive problems and a wide variety of other symptoms. While most patients require medication to control this disease, nutrition and diet play a role as well. If there are concerns about diet, it is best to talk with a registered dietitian to make sure any food plan being followed is safe.
Identification
The thyroid gland is responsible for producing hormones that regulate many functions in the body, including metabolism. Hypothyroidism is diagnosed when the thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones and there are many causes of this disease. Hypothyroidism can cause several complications, states MayoClinic.com, and this condition tends to make patients feel tired and sluggish. Additional symptoms include weight gain, muscle aches, constipation, painful joints and many others.
Considerations
The primary treatment for hypothyroidism is the medication synthetic thyroxine, which mimics the action of the hormone T4. According to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service, taking medication does not cure this disease, but it can control it completely in most patients. However, a well balanced diet should be followed to help control weight gain, constipation and high cholesterol levels, which often occur with hypothyroidism.
Warnings
There is no special diet that is prescribed for those with hypothyroidism. However, Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding certain foods that can interfere with the body's ability to absorb the medication. The medication should be taken on an empty stomach if possible. If not, certain foods should not be consumed at the same time as the medication is taken. This includes high-fiber foods, walnuts, soybean flour, cottonseed meal, iron supplements or multivitamins containing iron and calcium supplements. The above foods and supplements need to be eaten several hours before or after taking the medication.
Benefits
Some patients with hypothyroidism also develop an iodine deficiency. The University of Maryland Medical Center, suggests that this can be remedied by taking iodized salt or eating seafood high in iodine. Cod, sea bass, haddock, perch and kelp are the best sources of iodine. For iodine deficient patients, a physician may recommend consuming approximately 150 micrograms or more per day; however, no more than 1,100 micrograms should be taken, as too much can cause injury to the thyroid gland.
Features
Hypothyroidism can also cause high cholesterol levels, which can raise the risk of heart disease, reports the Cleveland Clinic. Medication for hypothyroidism should bring cholesterol levels under control. This is important, because if left untreated, high blood pressure, heart failure and atrial fibrillation can develop. However, patients with this disease can also benefit from restricting cholesterol in the diet. In addition, since hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, calorie intake must be watched as well. Since each case is different, a registered dietitian can develop a healthy eating plan based on individual needs and overall health.
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