Tuesday, May 7, 2019

Hypothyroidism Diet Plan: What to Eat, What to Avoid

Hypothyroidism is the inability of the thyroid gland to produce enough thyroid hormones. The patients who have it may suffer from unexplained weight gain, primarily due to the development of edema and other thyroid symptoms. It is therefore essential to monitor your caloric intake and maintain a balanced diet by favoring foods with a low glycemic index and those that will fight against water retention. Note that a suitable diet is not enough to treat this affection, but some nutritional tricks allow better effectiveness of the treatments.

Dietician Sheela Seharawat at Diet Clinic Health Care Pvt Ltd 


Foods to focus on hypothyroidism 
It is primarily foods rich in iodine that you need to consume says Dietician Sheela Seharawat of Diet Clinic. Indeed, this trace element is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. A deficiency of iodine can by itself cause hypothyroidism.

Iodine is mainly found in seafood products:

  • Fishes such a salmon and sardines
  • Shellfish such oysters 
  • Shrimps and prawns
  • Other elements are essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid, including the zinc and selenium 


The foods richest in zinc are:

  • Oysters
  • Cocoa powder 
  • Wheat germ
  • Mutton liver 


The richest selenium foods are:

  • Brazil nuts 
  • Oysters 
  • Tuna 
  • Egg yolks 


Hypothyroidism: foods to avoid
Some foods are known to be harmful to the thyroid. This is the case of crucifers (cabbage family): they limit the absorption of hormone replacement and are rich in goiter, a molecule that reduces the formation of thyroid hormones and is the cause of goiter formation.

Other Weight Loss Foods may also limit the absorption of the replacement therapy but also iodine. It is, therefore, better to reduce the intake of certain foods if you have hypothyroidism, such as:


  • Cabbage
  • Broccoli 
  • Brussels sprouts 
  • Rapeseed oil 
  • Radish  
  • Turnip 
  • Soy products 


Also, be wary of drug interactions. Some dietary supplements can also limit the absorption of your medication: this is the case of nutritional supplements containing iron, calcium or magnesium.

No comments:

Post a Comment

The Power of a Simple Glass of Water with a Squeeze of Lemon

  The Power of a Simple Glass of Water with a Squeeze of Lemon In a world filled with complex diets, trendy superfoods, and expensive supple...