Hypothyroidism, a condition characterised by an underactive thyroid gland, can significantly affect your overall health. If you’ve recently had a thyroid blood test and found out that you have hypothyroidism, you would want to manage this condition effectively.
One of the best ways to support your thyroid health is through a well-planned diet. Knowing what to eat and what to avoid can make a real difference in managing your symptoms and improving your quality of life.
Let’s understand how a hypothyroid diet can help you manage your thyroid in a better way.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland, located at the base of your neck, doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. This deficiency can slow down various bodily functions, leading to a range of symptoms.
Common signs of hypothyroidism include fatigue, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, and constipation. So, if you are symptomatic of any of these, you should take a thyroid blood test. Since thyroid hormones regulate metabolism and energy levels, an imbalance can affect numerous aspects of your health.
What is the hypothyroidism diet?
A hypothyroidism diet is specifically designed to support thyroid health by incorporating foods that aid in hormone production and boost metabolism while avoiding those that can hinder thyroid function. This dietary approach focusses on providing essential nutrients that balance thyroid hormones.
How does the hypothyroidism diet help thyroid patients?
Adopting a hypothyroid-friendly diet can be highly beneficial. Key dietary changes can support thyroid function in several ways. These are:
1. Boosting nutrient intake: Certain nutrients are essential for thyroid health, including iodine, selenium, and zinc. A diet rich in these nutrients can support your thyroid gland’s ability to produce hormones effectively.
2. Reducing Inflammation: Foods that are rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties can manage inflammation, which may be beneficial for people with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
3. Improving Metabolism: Incorporating foods that promote healthy metabolism can counteract the slower metabolic rate associated with hypothyroidism.
Foods to include in a hypothyroidism diet
When managing hypothyroidism, choosing the right foods helps to significantly support your thyroid health. Here are a few key categories of foods to include in your hypothyroidism diet:
1. Iodine-rich foods: Iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production. Include iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, and dairy products in your diet.
2. Selenium-rich foods: Selenium converts T4 into the more active T3 form. Brazil nuts, eggs, and poultry are good sources of selenium.
3. Zinc-rich foods: Zinc supports thyroid hormone production and can be found in foods like meat, shellfish, and legumes.
4. Fruits and vegetables: Leafy greens, berries, and cruciferous vegetables are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, supporting overall health and reducing inflammation.
Foods to avoid when you have hypothyroidism
By avoiding specific food items, you can keep your thyroid health in check and better manage your overall well-being. Doing so will also improve your T3, T4, and TSH levels in your thyroid blood test report. Here’s a closer look at some of the foods you should consider limiting or avoiding:
1. Soy Products: Soy contains compounds that can interfere with thyroid hormone absorption. Ideally, you should limit soy-based foods like tofu and soy milk.
2. Gluten: Some people with hypothyroidism may also have gluten sensitivities. Avoiding gluten-containing grains, such as wheat and barley, can reduce symptoms.
3. Cruciferous Vegetables in Excess: While vegetables like broccoli and cauliflower are healthy, consuming them in excessive amounts can affect thyroid function. Cooking these vegetables can reduce their goitrogenic effects.
4. Highly processed foods: Foods high in sugar and unhealthy fats can worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism and contribute to weight gain. Focus on whole, nutrient-dense foods instead.
Guidance on a thyroid-supportive diet
Choosing foods that support your thyroid and avoiding those that can interfere with its functioning properly can regulate your thyroid hormones and improve your health.
If you need further guidance on a thyroid-supportive diet, feel free to get in touch with us.