If you have hypothyroidism, you don't need to follow a special diet. However, there are some foods that you shouldn't eat close to the time when you take your medication, and others that you should cook before you eat. Some foods and supplements help improve symptoms, although they won't cure hypothyroidism.
Thyroid Medication Interactions
Don't eat cottonseed meal, soybean flour or walnuts within 3 hours of taking your thyroid medication. Consuming large amounts of fiber may interfere with the absorption of your medication. Take supplements containing iron or calcium, cholesterol medications, antacids and ulcer medications at least 3 hours before or after you take your thyroid medication to prevent interactions, MayoClinic.com says.
Goitrogens
Many foods contain substances known as goitrogens that interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication and the production of thyroid hormones. These substances are destroyed by cooking the foods that contain them. Although goitrogens do not normally cause hypothyroidism, some doctors recommend people with hypothyroidism avoid these foods or consume them only when cooked, notes the University of California San Diego. Foods containing goitrogens include broccoli, Brussels sprouts, cassava, cabbage, cauliflower, rapeseed, kale, lima beans, maize, peanuts, pine seed, pearl millet, soy, spinach, turnips, linseed, mustard greens and sweet potatoes.
Beneficial Foods and Herbs
Foods high in antioxidants, B vitamins or iron may improve hypothyroidism symptoms, although you still need to take your thyroid medication. These include fruits and vegetables, sea vegetables and whole grains. The herbs guggul and coleus may help people with low thyroid function.
Beneficial Nutrients
L-tyrosine and omega-3 supplements may help as long as you don't have any contraindications for taking these supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. If your levels of zinc, iodine, selenium or vitamin A are low, you may want to take supplements containing these nutrients.
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