The best diet for hypothyroidism.

1. The importance of diet for people with hypothyroidism.

Depending on the underlying cause of hypothyroidism, diet plays a crucial role in its treatment and management. Eating a balanced diet will help keep the thyroid gland healthy.

Here are some important reasons why people with hypothyroidism need to pay attention to their diet:

Helps balance thyroid hormones:Certain foods support thyroid function and help the body use thyroid hormones more effectively.

Reduce the symptoms of the disease:A healthy diet can help alleviate common symptoms of hypothyroidism such as fatigue, weight gain, constipation, hair loss, and dry skin.

Control cholesterol, improve cardiovascular health:Hypothyroidism can increase blood cholesterol levels and blood pressure, leading to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. A healthy diet helps control cholesterol, manage blood pressure, and reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Boost your immune system:Hypothyroidism often weakens the immune system. A healthy diet can help boost the immune system and protect the body from illness.

There is no specific food or supplement that you can use to treat thyroid disorders. A balanced diet is the best way to ensure your body receives all the necessary nutrients.

2. Essential nutrients for people with hypothyroidism.

Iodine

Iodine is an essential trace element that stimulates thyroid hormone production and aids in the conversion of T4 (inactive thyroid hormone) to T3 (active thyroid hormone). Therefore, ensuring sufficient iodine intake in the diet is crucial.

Although iodine deficiency is the most common cause of hypothyroidism, in rare cases, excessive iodine supplementation can be harmful. This is why iodine is a controversial nutrient when it comes to thyroid health and requires balance to support optimal health.

Getting enough iodine in your diet is essential for the thyroid gland to function properly. Foods containing iodine include: seafood such as cod and tuna, shellfish, seaweed, milk, yogurt, cheese, eggs, iodized salt, etc.

Iodine supplements can counteract the effects of antithyroid medications. If you are taking levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism or goiter, you do not need iodine supplements. If you are being treated for hyperthyroidism, iodine supplements are unnecessary and may worsen the condition.

Selen

Selenium is a trace element essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland. Selenium is also a precursor to one of the body's most important antioxidants, helping to reduce inflammation, which particularly affects thyroid function.

A large European study has shown that 6 months of selenium supplementation has beneficial effects on thyroid disease and is associated with improved quality of life for participants. These positive effects persisted after 12 months without side effects.

Foods rich in selenium include: seafood, poultry, eggs, milk, yogurt, cheese, and cereals, etc.

Zinc

Zinc is an essential trace element that plays a crucial role in thyroid health by converting T4 to T3 and producing TSH.

Dr. Eitches, a registered dietitian in London, says that, like selenium, zinc is essential for activating thyroid hormones. Zinc deficiency has been shown to cause hypothyroidism and reduced metabolism.

Good food sources of zinc include: oysters and other shellfish, meat, fish, poultry, legumes, nuts, grains, eggs, dairy products, etc.

Magnesium

According to Dr. Lauren Papanos, a registered dietitian specializing in thyroid disorders at Functional Fuel Nutrition (UK), magnesium is crucial in balancing and producing thyroid hormones. Very low magnesium levels are associated with abnormal thyroid function, potentially increasing the risk of hypothyroidism.

Foods rich in magnesium include: legumes, nuts, pumpkin seeds, cereals, leafy green vegetables, milk, yogurt, cheese, fortified breakfast cereals, etc.

Iron

Dr. Eitches stated that iron is essential for the metabolism of thyroid hormones, and a lack of iron can impair this process.

You can get enough iron by eating foods such as: lean meats, poultry or seafood, fortified bread, breakfast cereals, peanuts, peas, spinach, nuts, and dried fruits, such as raisins.

Vitamin B12

According to Dr. Eitches, people with hypothyroidism are more likely to be deficient in vitamin B12, a nutrient crucial for blood, nerve health, and energy production. Vitamin B12 helps the body create red blood cells and keeps the nervous system healthy. It also helps the body release energy from food and utilize folate.

Dietary sources of vitamin B12 include: seafood, especially oysters and clams, poultry, pork, organ meats such as pork liver and beef liver, eggs, milk, yogurt, and cheese.

Vitamin D

Vitamin D helps regulate calcium absorption, which is essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. A large number of previous studies have investigated whether vitamin D is related to thyroid disorders. Many studies have found that low vitamin D levels correlate with thyroid autoantibodies and may even be characteristics of thyroid cancer.

Foods that help supplement vitamin D include: fatty fish such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel; cod liver oil; beef liver; egg yolks; cheese; mushrooms; fortified breakfast cereals; and orange juice, etc.

The aforementioned nutrients are crucial for thyroid health. Patients should undergo nutritional testing to more accurately determine which nutrients may be imbalanced. Nutritional testing is particularly useful for clinicians to assess specific thyroid nutrients and allows for a broader understanding of the patient's overall nutritional needs.

3. Dietary recommendations for hypothyroidism

According to MSc. Dr. Nguyen Xuan Tuan, specializing in Oncology and a lecturer at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy - Vietnam National University, Hanoi, patients who have undergone partial or total thyroidectomy should apply some scientifically proven safe weight loss methods such as: taking thyroid hormone regularly, exercising regularly, monitoring daily calorie intake, and supplementing with sufficient protein...

Patients should consult their doctor about their calorie needs. Try to eliminate processed foods, fast food, or anything high in calories but low in nutrients from your diet. Increasing protein intake helps curb hunger, supports muscle growth, and, combined with exercise, improves metabolism.

In general, nutrition experts recommend that the best diet for people with hypothyroidism should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, good quality protein, healthy fats, and a moderate amount of healthy carbohydrates.

However, it's important to remember that a personalized approach is always best because it takes into account the individual's overall health, immunity, gut health, nutrient deficiencies, toxic exposure, and many other lifestyle factors. Patients with hypothyroidism should consult their doctor or a nutritionist for advice on the most appropriate diet and vitamin and mineral supplementation levels for their specific health condition.

4. Foods to avoid or limit when you have hypothyroidism.

Foods containing goitrogens

Goitrogens are compounds that interfere with the body's absorption of iodine, negatively affecting thyroid function. Some foods containing goitrogens include cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, soybeans, and spinach. However, very high consumption levels are necessary for this to be a real concern. Under normal dietary conditions, this is generally not a problem and the risk is very low. People with hypothyroidism do not need to completely eliminate these foods from their diet, but should limit their intake.

Kelp

People with hypothyroidism should avoid products like kelp because they can affect thyroid function and health. Kelp supplements, which are derived from seaweed and have a naturally high iodine content, are not beneficial for people with thyroid disease.

Soybeans

Soy isoflavones inhibit the thyroid peroxidase (TPO) enzyme, which plays a key role in thyroid hormone synthesis, and they also interfere with thyroid hormone production.

Soybeans interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine; therefore, patients taking levothyroxine to treat hypothyroidism should try to avoid soybeans. If they wish to consume soybeans, they should keep at least 4 hours between eating soybeans and taking levothyroxine.

Calcium

Some calcium-rich foods and supplements interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine. A 4-hour interval between the two is sufficient to ensure no significant impact on blood thyroxine levels.

Foods containing gluten

Foods containing gluten, including wheat, cereals, sweets, and sauces, can negatively impact hypothyroidism. People with hypothyroidism should limit these foods, and the best way to do this is to check the gluten content on the product packaging.

Processed foods

Processed foods and sugar create hormonal imbalances, increase inflammation, and hinder the recovery of the gut and thyroid gland; therefore, all processed foods should be avoided when suffering from thyroid disease.

Alcoholic beverages, caffeinated drinks

Alcoholic and caffeinated beverages can reduce the body's production of thyroid hormones in people with hypothyroidism, worsening the condition.

When suffering from hypothyroidism, thyroid hormone replacement medication should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional. This medication is usually taken on an empty stomach. Too much fiber in the diet can prevent the body from absorbing the medication. Certain foods, supplements, and medications can also have a similar effect.

It is important to note that the use of vitamins and minerals (supplements) can affect thyroid function or thyroid blood test results. Therefore, patients should seek appropriate advice from a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements or vitamins.