Hashimoto's disease is the most common form of hypothyroidism and primarily affects women in middle age. The condition occurs when your immune system malfunctions and attacks your thyroid gland, causing inflammation and insufficient production of thyroid hormones. Various medications and surgery are used to treat Hashimoto's disease and dietary changes may alleviate symptoms. You should consult your doctor before making any changes, however, to make sure they don't interfere with ongoing treatments.
Symptoms
Constipation is a common side effect of Hashimoto's disease that can be dispelled by adding more fiber to your diet. Weight gain may occur, however, no matter what kind of diet you follow. Other symptoms that often occur throughout stages of the disease include puffiness in the face, brittle fingernails and hair, depression, fatigue and heavier menstrual periods than normal. You may feel fatigued and more sensitive to the cold.
Iron
While you need whole grains that are rich in iron, you have to be careful about taking iron supplements, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Iron is an important nutrient needed for maintaining a healthy immune system. At the same time, iron supplements can interfere with certain thyroid medications. A diet that includes fortified cereal is one of the most effective ways to get sufficient dietary iron in your system, while promoting smooth elimination. While meat and fish are good sources, you can get 100 percent of your daily needs from ¾ cup of fortified cereal.
Interactions
A diet that's high in fiber may interfere with thyroid medicine absorption, according to FamilyDoctor.org. Thyroid medicine is designed to regulate hormone production, which should get your metabolism back in order and help you lose excess weight. In addition to iron supplements, calcium supplements also may prevent your thyroid medication from working. A diet that includes significant amounts of soy also may be problematic.
Supplements
Regular blood tests at your doctor's can help you keep track of which supplements and diet options interfere with your recovery. According to MedlinePlus, you should never take fiber supplements when you are being treated with thyroid medications. Multivitamins may interfere with the absorption properties of your medication as well and should be approved by your doctor. Antacids that contain aluminum hydroxide also should be avoided.
Precautions
Follow your doctor's orders closely and eliminate excess fiber if it causes your thyroid levels to drop. A myxedema coma is a serious side effect of extremely low thyroid hormone levels and can lead to death. Signs that you may need emergency medical treatment for low thyroid levels include difficulty breathing, low blood pressure and dropping blood sugar levels.
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