An estimated 20 million Americans have a thyroid disorder, according to a "Today's Dietitian" article published in Oct. 2004, and 13 million have not been diagnosed. Your thyroid gland produces hormones that help regulate your metabolism, body temperature, energy levels and moods. When you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid produces too few hormones, making way for fatigue, depressive moods, constipation and weight gain. Dietary changes may play an important role in managing your symptoms.
Function
Although medical treatment is usually required for hypothyroidism, lowering the glycemic stress of your diet, or the impact it has on your blood sugar, provides a valuable alternative to medications and may help restore healthy hormone levels, according to women's health expert Dr. Christiane Northrup. Emphasizing foods that promote your wellness and avoiding foods known to interfere with thyroid function may also enhance medical care in managing your symptoms and lower your risk for complications, such as weight gain.
Helpful Foods
"One of the main objectives for women with hypothyroidism is controlling body weight through a calorie-controlled diet appropriate for their age and weight," said Patricia Vasconcellos, a registered dietitian and spokesperson for the American Dietetic Association. To improve weight control and alleviate constipation, emphasize fiber-rich foods, such as fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Antioxidant-rich foods, such as blueberries, tomatoes, bell peppers and squash, may help manage symptoms of hypothyroidism. Choose primarily lean protein sources, such as fish, skinless white-meat poultry, beans and lentils, and healthy fat sources, such as vegetable oils, nuts, seeds, avocados and fatty fish, such as salmon.
Foods to Avoid
Certain foods contain substances called goitrogens, which interfere with thyroid function and increase your risk for complications. Goitrogenic foods include cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower and cabbage, peaches, strawberries, millet, peanuts, pine nuts, walnuts, radishes, spinach and soy. Vasconcellos suggests that women with thyroid conditions limit soy to a maximum of one serving per day, which is equal to 8 oz. of soy milk or 4 oz. of tofu. Avoiding refined foods, such as white bread, instant pasta, sugary sweets and low-fiber cereals, leaves plentiful room in your diet for whole grains and other beneficial foods. Limit unhealthy fat sources, such as fatty meats, fried foods, high-fat dairy products and commercially-prepared foods containing partially hydrogenated vegetable oil, which may increase inflammation and your risk for heart disease.
Beverages
Staying well-hydrated can help prevent and alleviate constipation and symptoms of dehydration, such as tiredness, hunger, low moods and fatigue. The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends discussing caffeine use with your doctor before increasing your intake, because caffeine may interact with your condition or mediations. Valuable sources of hydration include water, caffeine-free herbal tea, broth-based soups and low-fat cow's, soy or almond milk. Fresh fruits and vegetables also provide valuable amounts of fluid.
