Whole Foods Diet & Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a disease in which your thyroid gland produces too few hormones, leading to fatigue, hoarseness, weight gain, sleep difficulty, constipation and depression. Symptoms can appear gradually and be difficult to diagnose, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center, UMMC. Proper diagnosis and treatment are crucial, however, because left untreated, hypothyroidism can cause serious health problems. Treatment involves synthetic hormone medications and lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious, balanced diet.

Function

Although a whole foods-based diet isn't known to cure or prevent hypothyroidism, it may support medical treatment in reducing your symptoms and lowering your risk for complications. In some cases, reducing the glycemic impact of your diet, or the effect it has on your blood sugar, restores hormone balance, according to women's medical expert Dr. Christiane Northrup. This typically involves eating more whole, natural foods. Because many whole foods are fiber-rich, your diet may lead to reduced constipation and improved appetite and weight control. Antioxidants, prevalent in fruits, vegetables and other natural foods, support your body's ability to resist and heal from infections and disease.

Features

Your diet should contain a well-balanced variety of nutritious foods. Fruits, vegetables and whole grains are rich sources of fiber and antioxidants. As low-glycemic foods, they promote blood sugar balance and appetite control. Because fruits and vegetables are rich in water and low in calories, increasing your intake while cutting back on denser foods may help you manage your weight. Legumes, fish, lean meats and dairy products provide rich amounts of protein, which promotes appetite control and immune function, as well as B-vitamins and iron, which may help reduce hypothyroidism symptoms, according to UMMC. Fats help the body absorb fat-soluble nutrients, such as the antioxidant vitamin E and promote positive brain function. Healthy sources include nuts, seeds, avocados, oily fish such as salmon and vegetable oils such as canola and olive.

Foods to Limit

While you are increasing your intake of nutritious foods, cut back on processed fare, such as white bread, instant rice, sugary sweets and potato chips, which provide few nutrients and may offset your blood sugar levels. Unhealthy fat sources, such as red and processed meats, high-fat dairy products, butter and fried foods may increase inflammation and your risk for cholesterol problems and heart disease. Patricia Vasconcellos, dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association, recommends limiting foods that contain natural substances known as goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function. Foods considered goitrogenic include cruciferous vegetables, such as Brussels sprout, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, rutabagas and turnips, spinach, strawberries, peaches, walnuts, pine nuts, millet and soy. Limit soy and soy products to one serving or less daily, which is equal to 4 oz. of tofu, 8 oz. of soy milk or 2 tsp. of soy sauce.

Meal Planning

Eat well-balanced meals and snacks that emphasize complex carbohydrate sources, recommends endocrine disorders expert and bioethicist M. Sara Rosenthal in "The Hypothyroid Sourcebook. Although precise measurements are not necessary, aim for meals containing 40 percent carbohydrates, 30 percent lean protein and 30 percent healthy fat. A suitable breakfast could contain steel-cut oats and berries as your "healthy carbs," low-fat yogurt for protein and 1 to 2 tbsp. almonds or flaxseeds for healthy fat. Dinner might contain steamed vegetables, brown rice and a grilled salmon filet, which provides protein and healthy fat. Drink plenty of water with and between meals for overall wellness and to prevent constipation. Eat your meals at regular intervals and incorporate healthy snacks as needed. Nutritious snack options include fruit slices topped with almond butter, whole-grain bread topped with hummus or a fruit smoothie prepared with low-fat milk.