Hypothyroidism is a condition in which your thyroid gland isn't functioning right. When this happens, your metabolism slows down, because the thyroid isn't producing enough of its hormone. Only about 0.5 percent of the U.S. population has hypothyroidism, the majority being women, according to the American Thyroid Organization. The most common form of hypothyroidism is called Hashimoto's disease, but it can also result from radiation treatments that affect the thyroid gland. Because the disease slows your metabolism, weight gain, dry skin, depression and fatigue are common symptoms, making dieting a challenge.
What to Eat
As your hypothyroidism slows the systems in your body, you may find you have difficulty concentrating, you may become constipated, and you may gain a little weight. You need to take a prescription medicine to treat hypothyroidism, but you can also eat a healthy diet to be sure you're getting good nutrition to offset these effects of your metabolism slowing. This means eating plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, plus whole grains to provide fiber to keep your bowels functioning. Protein in the form of lean meats, skinless chicken, fish and low-fat dairy products provide energy and keep you feeling full, so you will be less likely to overeat.
What Not To Eat
Limit foods in your diet that might interfere with thyroid function. These include broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale, spinach, peanuts and millet. While diet choices don't directly affect hypothyroidism, according to MayoClinic.com, excess dietary fiber, soy, calcium and iron supplements and certain prescription drugs can limit the effectiveness of thyroid medications under some circumstances. Taking supplements or prescription medications at least four hours before or after you take your thyroid medicine may alleviate this problem. Talk to your doctor about these and other possible drug interactions. You also need to take your medicine on an empty stomach.
Hypothyroidism and Iodine
Because a lack of iodine can lead to hypothyroidism, some people try to treat their disease by taking iodine or sea kelp supplements. Unfortunately, iodine deficiency isn't usually the cause of hypothyroidism in the U.S. and other nations, which have been adding iodine to salt and other foods for decades. Interestingly, studies reported by the University of Maryland Medical Center show that too much iodine can actually increase hypothyroidism, so talk to your doctor before adding this supplement to your diet.
Medications and Other Guidelines
People with hypothyroidism may gain 5 or 10 lbs. as a result of the disease, but this is often due to excess salt and water that the body retains as needed thyroid hormones stop functioning. Once you begin taking levothyroxine, a thyroid replacement medication, your weight should stabilize, and additional weight gain can't be directly attributed to the disease. Nevertheless, good nutrition and regular exercise will help you manage your weight and keep all your body systems -- cardiac, pulmonary, digestive and cognitive -- functioning smoothly, as well as improving your outlook and giving you more energy.
