The thyroid gland is essential for producing hormones to regulate body functions such as metabolism. Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormone. Sometimes, hypothyroidism is caused when the body attacks itself in an autoimmune response. It may also occur after treatment of hyperthyroidism if the body cannot keep up with thyroid hormone production. Although there is no one specific hypothyroid diet, some types of foods can help with managing symptoms.
Fiber
Hypothyroidism may cause constipation and weight gain. Eating foods that are high in fiber can help to regulate bowel movements by keeping fluid in the digestive tract. Additionally, foods high in fiber are often filling and you may eat less overall, which can help you to lose weight. Women age 19 to 50 should get 25 g of fiber daily, while men should get 38 g per day. Foods that contain fiber that can help with hypothyroidism include prunes, apples, beans, carrots, bran and oatmeal. A 1/2 cup of cooked split peas contains 8.1 g of fiber, while one oat bran muffin contains 2.6 g.
Foods with Iodine
A goiter is an enlargement of the thyroid gland because of a lack of iodine, a chemical needed for the body to make thyroid hormones. In developed countries, this type of hypothyroidism is rare because most people take in iodine every day through foods. However, because iodine is an essential dietary component, including foods that contain iodine can prevent exacerbation of goiter and hypothyroidism. Adults over 19 should get 150 mcg of iodine each day. Some foods that contain iodine include iodized salt, shrimp, tuna, milk and eggs. A 3 oz. serving of shrimp contains 35 mcg of iodine, while the same size serving of cod contains 99 mcg.
Antioxidants
Eating foods that contain antioxidants can be beneficial to your health and could help with symptoms of hypothyroidism. Antioxidants are components in some foods that help prevent damage to cells and provide a measure of protection against substances that can worsen some health conditions. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends making foods with antioxidants a regular part of your diet if you have hypothyroidism. Foods to include are fruits, such as berries, cherries, grapes and citrus fruits; and vegetables, including onions, tomatoes, carrots and peppers.
Foods to Avoid
If you have hypothyroidism, some foods may contribute to worsening symptoms. Additionally, some types of foods may negatively interact with thyroid medications, so talk with your doctor about your diet and what foods you should avoid. Some types of cruciferous vegetables from the Brassica family, such as broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage, are known as goitrogens and can affect how the body produces thyroid hormone. You may need to limit these foods. Additionally, some soy products, such as meat substitutes, soy ice cream and tofu are also considered to be goitrogens and you should limit them.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- Naturopathic Wellness; Hypothyroidism Diet; Saul Marcus
- Linus Pauling Institute; Iodine; Jane Higdon; April 2003
- "Journal of the American Dietetic Association"; Position of the American Dietetic Association: Health Implications of Dietary Fiber; October 2008
- Food Insight; Functional Foods Fact Sheet: Antioxidants; October 2009
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