Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland produces too few hormones. Without sufficient amounts of these hormones, you may experience lethargy, body aches, depressive moods, menstrual abnormalities, sleep difficulties, food cravings, constipation and/or weight gain. In addition to medical treatments, a nutritious diet limited in particular foods may help reduce your symptoms, prevent potential complications and promote your overall health. For best results, seek specified guidance from your doctor or dietitian.
Refined Grains
Refined grains, such as enriched white and wheat flour, are grains that have lost valuable nutrient, fiber and protein content during food processing. While fiber-rich foods can help alleviate constipation associated with hypothyroidism, according to author of "The Hypothyroid Sourcebook" Sara M. Rosenthal, refined grains may worsen your symptoms. Refined grains may also offset your blood sugar levels and contribute to mood swings, poor energy levels and increased appetite. For best results, replace enriched breads and pasta, sweetened cereals, instant rice and commercially-prepared baked goods and salty snacks with whole grain equivalents most often.
Added Sugars
Added sugars, such as cane sugar, honey, corn syrup and brown rice syrup, are ingredients that contribute calories and sweet flavor to foods, but few nutritional benefits. Similar to refined grains, foods and beverages rich in added sugars may damage your blood sugar, energy and appetite levels and leave less room in your diet for fiber and nutrient-rich foods. Common sources of added sugars include regular soft drinks, pancake syrup, jelly, jam, frosting, milk chocolate, candy, frozen desserts and commercially-prepared cookies, cakes, pies and pastries.
Certain Vegetables
Vegetables are a valuable source of antioxidants, which help your body fend off infections and disease, and fiber. Certain varieties, however, may interfere with thyroid function and medications used to treat hypothyroidism. For this reason, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding kale, spinach, broccoli, mustard greens, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, cauliflower and soybeans and focusing on thyroid-friendly varieties, such as bell peppers, berries and squash instead.
Fatty Meats and High-Fat Dairy Products
Fatty meats and high-fat dairy products are rich sources of protein and nutrients, such as B-vitamins and zinc. They also contribute saturated fat to your diet -- fats that may increase your risk for weight gain, type 2 diabetes and heart disease. Consuming protein sources high in saturated fat also leave little room for healthy omega-3 fat sources such as fish, which may reduce inflammation linked with hypothyroidism, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Meats and dairy products particularly rich in saturated fat include organ meats, red meat with visible fat, hot dogs, sausage, bacon, deli meats, pork ribs, dark-meat poultry, fried chicken, whole milk, heavy cream, butter and high-fat cheeses.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- "The Hypothyroid Sourcebook"; M. Sara Rosenthal; 2002
Member Comments