If you have hypothyroidism, it means that your thyroid gland is underactive, or produces too few hormones. Because these hormones play an important role in your energy and metabolism, many sufferers of hypothyroidism experience weight gain, lethargy, depressive moods, sleep difficulties and constipation. The most common cause, according to the National Library of Medicine, is inflammation of your thyroid gland. In addition to medical treatment, a nutritious diet that emphasizes particular foods may help reduce your symptoms.
Iodine
Iodine is a mineral necessary for thyroid hormone production. Iodine deficiency is the leading cause of thyroid disease outside of the United States, according to a "Today's Dietitian" article published in October 2004. Although American diets typically consume sufficient amount of the mineral, you may consume too little if you diet excludes fish, seaweed and iodized salt. To meet adults' daily recommended intake of 150 mcg of iodine, incorporate a variety of iodine sources into your diet routinely. Valuable options include cod, which provides 100 mcg of iodine per 3 oz. serving, iodized salt, which provides 77 mcg per gram and baked potatoes, which provide 60 mcg per medium-size, skin-on potato. The iodine content of seaweed varies, but may provide over 4,500 mcg per one-quarter oz dried. Dairy products, eggs, shrimp, beans and tuna also contain notable amounts.
B Vitamins
B vitamins play an important role in your energy, metabolism and immune function. To manage symptoms of hypothyroidism, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends eating foods rich in B-vitamins that also contain iron, such as whole grains, seaweed and fresh vegetables. Additional vitamin B-rich foods include potatoes, lentils, bananas, chili peppers, beans, nutritional yeast and molasses. Limit or avoid cruciferous vegetables, such as cabbage, broccoli and brussels sprouts, soybeans and millet and however, which may interfere with thyroid function.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants, such as beta-carotene, vitamin C, vitamin E and lycopene, support your body's ability to fend off and heal from infections and disease. The UMMC recommends emphasizing antioxidant-rich fruits, such as tomatoes, cherries and blueberries, and vegetables, such as squash and bell peppers, for improved hypothyroidism symptoms. Nuts, seeds and vegetable oils, such as wheat germ and safflower oil, are top sources of vitamin E. For lycopene, consume tomatoes, watermelon, apricots and pink grapefruit. Vitamin C-rich foods include bell peppers, strawberries, kiwi, broccoli and citrus fruits.
Fiber
Fiber is an undigestible form of carbohydrate that promotes digestive function and can help guard against constipation associated with hypothyroidism. A fiber-rich diet also promotes positive cholesterol levels and appetite control, which may ease the process of weight management. Women should aim for 21 to 25 g of fiber per day, according to MayoClinic.com. Men typically require 30 to 38 grams per day. Cooked beans, split peas and lentils provide more fiber than other natural foods, supplying 10 to 16.5 grams per cup. Swapping refined grains, such as white flour, out for whole grains can also boost your fiber intake. Whole wheat spaghetti and barley provide roughly 6 g of fiber per one-cup cooked. Fiber-rich fruits and vegetables include artichokes, green peas, raspberries, apples and pears. One medium artichoke provides over 10 grams of fiber. One cup of raspberries provides 8 grams.
