
Here’s a quick rundown of potentially problematic compounds in common nuts and seeds:
- Almonds: Oxalates (122 mg per ounce), Lectins
- Brazil Nuts: Lectins
- Cashews: Oxalates (49 mg per ounce), Lectins
- Flax Seeds: Goitrogen, Lectins
- Hazelnuts: Oxalates (28 mg per ounce)
- Pecans: Oxalates (10 mg per ounce), Lectins
- Pistachios: Oxalates (14 mg per ounce), Lectins
- Pumpkin Seeds: Lectins
What foods are bad for hypothyroidism?
These foods contain goitrogens or are known irritants if consumed in large amounts:
- Soy-based foods: tofu, tempeh, edamame beans, soy milk, etc.
- Certain fruits: peaches, pears, and strawberries
- Beverages: coffee, green tea, and alcohol — these beverages may irritate your thyroid gland ( 27 Trusted Source , 28 Trusted Source , 29 Trusted Source )
Are walnuts bad for hypothyroidism?
Walnut is a rich source of selenium and so, it can help in boosting thyroid functions. Walnut, sometimes referred to as the healthiest of all the nuts, is an excellent source of selenium that supplies body walnut with the trace mineral to keep thyroid in balance.
What is a good diet plan for hypothyroidism?
- Parsley
- Lemon juice or apple cider vinegar
- Coconut oil
- Eggs
- Meat
- Fish
- Pineapple
- Coconut water
Are peanuts bad for hypothyroidism?
Nuts like walnuts, peanuts, pine nuts, and almonds could be an issue for those with hypothyroidism due to their goitrogenic effects. 18 That said, nuts are also a good source of other nutrients like selenium and calcium and you may want to consider having them in small amounts if you do not have an iodine deficiency.

Are almonds bad for hypothyroidism?
It can cause problems for those at risk for low thyroid function. Almonds are a goitrogenic food, meaning, when consumed in large quantities, they can suppress the function of the thyroid gland by interfering with iodine uptake, causing an enlargement of the thyroid.
Are cashews bad for hypothyroidism?
Cashews can help regulate thyroid function. Cashews contain the mineral selenium, which plays an important role in ensuring proper thyroid function, regulating thyroid levels and protecting the thyroid's tissue against oxidative stress. For women, this is especially important, as they are more prone to thyroid issues.
What nuts interfere with levothyroxine?
The maker of brand name Synthroid (levothyroxine) cautions that “certain foods and supplements can interfere with Synthroid. Foods containing soy and cottonseed meal can make Synthroid less effective. Walnuts, grapefruit juice and dietary fiber can also make Synthroid less effective.
Are pistachios good for hypothyroidism?
Including raw coconut or virgin coconut oil in salads is extremely beneficial for thyroid functioning. Among nuts Pista and Brazilian Nuts is beneficial for thyroid function.
Which nut is good for thyroid?
Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are excellent sources of selenium, which helps support healthy thyroid function. Pack a small bag of assorted nuts to snack on throughout the day.
What foods worsen hypothyroidism?
In general, it's best to avoid the following:Soy. Studies suggest that phytoestrogens in soybeans and soy-rich foods may inhibit the activity of an enzyme that makes thyroid hormones. ... Iodine-rich foods.Iron and calcium supplements. ... High-fiber foods. ... Certain vegetables.
What foods block levothyroxine?
What foods should not be taken with levothyroxine?Soybean flour.Soy.Walnuts.Dietary fiber.Cottonseed meal.Espresso coffee.Grapefruit.
What food should I avoid while taking levothyroxine?
levothyroxine food In addition, absorption of levothyroxine may be decreased by foods such as soybean flour, cotton seed meal, walnuts, dietary fiber, calcium, and calcium fortified juices. These foods should be avoided within several hours of dosing if possible.
What blocks levothyroxine?
A number of drugs have been shown to impair the absorption of levothyroxine; these drugs include calcium carbonate, aluminum- containing antacids, sucralfate, iron supplements, cholestyramine, sevelamer, and, possibly, ciprofloxacin, raloxifene, and orlistat.
Is oatmeal good for hypothyroidism?
Whole Grains Try to eat oats, brown rice, sprouts, sprouted grain bread and quinoa to rev up your metabolism and help your thyroid gland.
What snacks are good for thyroid?
11 thyroid-friendly snacksSpiced Brazil Nuts. Rich in selenium, brazil nuts are one of the top snacks to reach for if you have thyroid disease. ... Dark Chocolate and Cherries. ... Frozen Yogurt Bites. ... Veggie Nachos. ... Almonds. ... Apple Towers. ... Sweet Potato Fries. ... Fruit Smoothie.More items...•
Can I eat avocado with hypothyroidism?
The these vitamins support energy production and a healthier inflammatory response in the body. All of these nutrients, in addition to the antioxidants in avocados, make avocados an excellent source of fat for those with hypothyroidism.
Are cashews good for Hashimoto's?
Iron deficiency is also common in Hashimoto's, so eating more iron-rich plant foods – such as lentils, tofu, cashews and molasses – will help you prevent deficiency that can interfere with thyroid function.
Is almond and cashew good thyroid?
Nuts. Cashews, almonds, and pumpkin seeds are excellent sources of iron. Brazil nuts help your thyroid in two ways. Not only are they a good source of iron, but they're also rich in selenium, another mineral that supports your thyroid.
Are there certain foods to avoid with hypothyroidism?
Generally, there's no hypothyroidism diet. Although claims about hypothyroidism diets abound, there's no evidence that eating or avoiding certain foods will improve thyroid function in people with hypothyroidism. However, adequate dietary iodine is essential for normal thyroid function.
Are cashew nuts high in iodine?
It is found in many foods of animal and plant origin, but here we will focus on nuts that are rich in iodine. The leader among them is cashews. They contain 10 micrograms per 100 grams of the product.
What foods can cause hypothyroidism?
Processed snacks, such as cookies, chips, crackers and–even some protein bars–often contain high fructose corn syrup. "The body processes it so much more differently than sugar," says DiCarlo. "Those foods in and of themselves can cause hormonal imbalances and weight gain, more-so with people with hypothyroidism," she adds. So what do you eat when jonesing between meals? You can try these healthy snack ideas instead of junk food. By sticking to food in its whole, original form, you can stay away from the 150 Worst Packaged Foods in America.
What are endocrine disruptors?
The National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences says endocrine disruptors are in many everyday plastic products, including bottles, food, and containers with BPA. Endocrine disruptors work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones in the body, like thyroid hormones. 10.
What is the thyroid gland?
Your thyroid is the little butterfly-shaped gland at the front base of your neck. It regulates the release of hormones and regulates your metabolism . The most common issue is hypothyroidism, an underactive thyroid condition that leads to extreme fatigue, depression, forgetfulness, and weight gain. It can also increase your risk for heart disease, ...
What is the most common autoimmune disease?
Hashimoto's disease is an autoimmune condition in which your immune system attacks your thyroid. Once rare, Hashimoto 's is now the most common autoimmune disease, according to the May 2017 study in the journal Endocrine Connections. 9.
What can disrupt thyroid function?
Think milk, butter, cheese, and meat. If you buy the cheap, conventionally raised versions at the supermarket, those types of deliciousness can also disrupt all your thyroid's hard work. You omnivores (like us) can avoid this dilemma by choosing organic, or at least antibiotic-free and hormone-free meats and dairy.
Can you take iron and calcium with thyroid medication?
Whether you take these minerals in a multivitamin or alone, calcium and iron supplements may counteract the medication you take to treat your underactive thyroid. These supplements may affect your ability to absorb levothyroxine, the synthetic thyroid hormone found in medications such as Synthroid and Levothroid, according to the Mayo Clinic. "There's a very strict way to take thyroid medication," Blum says. You take it the same way every day, at least one hour before food and never with calcium, iron or other minerals. Blum recommends taking your thyroid medication as soon as you wake up and consuming the mineral supplements with food at dinnertime or before bed.
Does iodine make you feel sluggish?
Iodine. Rawpixel/Unsplash. Too much iodine can damage your thyroid and make you feel sluggish, a symptom of hypothyroidism. "It's like Goldilocks: If you have too much, it's no good. If you have too little, it's no good," Blum says. You'll find iodine in iodized salt, supplements and those same large predator fish.
What foods can cause thyroid problems?
But these foods also contain a variety of compounds that may impair thyroid function for others – including lectins, oxalates, goitrogens and phytic acid.
What are the chemicals that affect thyroid?
In my last article, we discussed specific harmful compounds in our foods and environment which can damage your thyroid, including: 1 Lectins 2 Goitrogens 3 Oxalates and 4 Heavy Metals.
Why are peanuts considered thyroid triple threats?
[v] And while all legumes contain these compounds, peanuts and soy are “thyroid triple threats” because they also contain oxalates and goitrogens!
What are cruciferous vegetables?
Cruciferous vegetables include foods like broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and many others. As I’m sure you learned from your Mother and Grandmother, who undoubtedly urged you to “eat your veggies” when you were a child… these foods have a wide variety of health benefits.
What are the factors that affect the health of a person?
I am talking about individual differences in our genetics, environment, previous health and dietary history, gut microbiomes (and dozens of other factors) that can play a profound role in how certain foods and compounds in foods affect your personal health.
How many people have thyroid disease?
But it has become a serious epidemic. It’s estimated that more than 50 million people worldwide suffer some form of thyroid disease.
What foods are bad for thyroid?
Thyroid-Harming Food #4: Potatoes & Sweet Potatoes. Potatoes, sweet potatoes and yams are a staple food worldwide. And while you might already avoid these foods for their impact on blood sugar, you should also know that potatoes are rich in lectins.
What happens if your thyroid doesn't produce enough T3?
When your thyroid doesn’t make enough T3 and T4, the result is hypothyroidism. In most cases, hypothyroidism can be treated safely and effectively with the synthetic thyroid hormone levothyroxine, which replaces your body’s natural T3 and T4.
What hormones are involved in metabolism?
The hormones that the thyroid gland makes — triiodothyronine, or T3, and thyroxine, or T4 — have a large impact on your health, affecting all aspects of your metabolism. They maintain the rate at which your body uses fats and carbohydrates, help control your body temperature, influence your heart rate, and help regulate the production of proteins.
Where is the thyroid gland located?
Your thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland at the base of the front of your neck. Hypothyroidism, sometimes called underactive thyroid, is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough of certain important hormones.
Does broccoli affect thyroid?
Concern surrounding the impact of spinach, kale and other similar vegetables — including broccoli, broccoli rabe, turnips, Brussels sprouts, Chinese cabbage and cauliflower — on thyroid health is due to the effect they can have on the thyroid’s ability to absorb iodine. Having enough iodine in your diet is crucial for thyroid health because your thyroid gland needs iodine to make T3 and T4.
Can you take thyroid medication with walnuts?
Also, to avoid problems with absorption, don’t take your thyroid hormone medication with foods that contain walnuts, soybean flour or cottonseed meal. Don’t take it at the same time as you take an iron supplement or a multivitamin that contains iron. It’s also important to avoid taking it with calcium supplements or antacids that contain aluminum or magnesium. Some ulcer medications and some cholesterol-lowering drugs also can interfere with thyroid hormone replacement. To avoid potential problems, eat these foods or use these products several hours before or after you take your thyroid medication.
Can you eat spinach if you have hypothyroidism?
ANSWER: Although you may find many claims about foods you should and shouldn’t eat to ensure thyroid health, in general there are no specific foods you must avoid if you have hypothyroidism — including kale and spinach. Eating a healthy, balanced diet and carefully taking your medication as prescribed by your health care provider will go a long way toward effectively managing hypothyroidism.
How did the Goiter get its name?
They get their name from the term goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland that may occur with hypothyroidism ( 20 ).
What is the condition in which the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormones?
Harmful nutrients. Foods to avoid. Foods to eat. Meal plan. Tips. Bottom line. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help control growth, cell repair, and metabolism.
Why do people with hypothyroidism feel cold?
They help control growth, cell repair, and metabolism — the process by which your body converts what you eat into energy. Your metabolism affects your body temperature and at what rate you burn calories. That is why people with hypothyroidism often feel cold and fatigued and may gain weight easily ( 1. ).
What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is important for growth, repair, and metabolism. People with hypothyroidism may often feel cold and fatigued and may gain weight easily .
How many people are affected by hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism affects 1–2% of people worldwide and is 10 times more likely to affect women than men ( 2 ).
What is the cause of tiredness and weight gain?
Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a health condition that affects 1–2% of people worldwide. It can cause symptoms like tiredness, weight gain, and feeling cold, among many others. Fortunately, eating the right nutrients and taking medications may help reduce your symptoms and improve your thyroid function.
Is iodine a mineral?
Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones. Thus, people with iodine deficiency might be at risk of hypothyroidism ( 11 ).
How to avoid iodine?
Avoid processed foods like ready-to-eat snacks and meals, potato chips, cookies, crackers, mass-produced cakes, or even that snacking staple – the hot dog. That’s because just like insufficient iodine can be a problem, too much can be just as bad! Highly salty processed foods are often high in the mineral and you could wind up getting too much by having these foods on a regular basis. If you have hypothyroidism due to Hashimoto’s disease, higher levels of iodine in the body can send a signal to your thyroid to further drop thyroid hormone production, making your situation even worse. 20
What foods can help with thyroid issues?
Peaches, Pears, and Strawberries. Tempting though it may be to tuck into fruit like strawberries, peaches, and pears, you’ll need to find alternatives that are more supportive of your thyroid and aren’t goitrogenic. 19 Try snacking on antioxidant-rich blueberries or cherries or citrus fruits instead. 9. Processed Foods.
What foods can help with iodine deficiency?
So can iodine-rich foods like iodized salt and seafood – but increase intake only if you have an iodine deficiency.
What vegetables are good for thyroid?
Cook your brassica vegetables. As one study found, that can produce enzymes that help reduce levels of glucosinolate, a substance that forms the goitrogens that interfere with iodine absorption and thyroid function. In the study, Brussels sprouts, a vegetable that has 220 mg/100 g of glucosinolates, a level high enough to pose problems, caused no adverse effect on thyroid function when consumed cooked. 6
Can goitrogenic foods cause thyroid problems?
Goitrogenic foods can interfere with iodine uptake by your thyroid and the production of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and lead to enlargement of the thyroid – a condition known as goiter, further compounding your thyroid issues. 1
Can you eat soy if you have iodine deficiency?
You need to mind your soy intake if you have also got an iodine deficiency as this may just raise your risk of developing hypothyroidism or could cause you to need a higher dose of thyroid hormone. Soy product isoflavones interfere with iodine absorption and usage by the body and could make an existing deficiency worse. 4
Can soy milk cause hypothyroidism?
Advertisements. Soy and soy foods are considered known offenders when it comes to hypothyroidism as they may interfere with thyroxine absorption. You may need to cut out tofu, tempeh, and soy milk or soy milk-based products from your diet.
How does the diet affect hypothyroidism?
Having hypothyroidism means that the body does not have enough thyroid hormones. While changing the diet cannot cure this, it can help manage the condition.
What is the thyroid gland?
The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the throat. Having hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, means that this gland produces less of its hormones than the body needs. This can slow down the person’s metabolism and cause weight gain and fatigue, among other symptoms. Below, we explore how the diet affects hypothyroidism symptoms ...
How to treat thyroid disease?
Treatment usually involves taking a synthetic version of thyroid hormones. Some foods and nutrients can help or hinder the thyroid’s function. Overall, it is important to aim for a healthful diet that supports the absorption of thyroid medication and helps with maintaining a healthy weight.
Why do people with hypothyroidism gain weight?
People with hypothyroidism may find that they gain weight more easily than people without the condition. This is because hypothyroidism can reduce metabolism. Having a healthful diet rich in fruits, vegetables, filling proteins, and healthy fats can help manage weight and boost well-being.
What nutrients are needed for thyroid health?
Foods that contain certain nutrients, such as iodine, selenium, and zinc, can help maintain healthy thyroid function. Some foods may negatively impact thyroid function and worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism.
What foods contain iodine?
Foods rich in iodine include: cheese. milk. iodized table salt. saltwater fish. seaweed. whole eggs.
Why does the body need iodine?
The body needs iodine to produce thyroid hormones. But because the body cannot make iodine, people need to get it from their diets.
How to assess magnesium levels?
Other methods for assessing magnesium status include measuring magnesium concentrations in erythrocytes, saliva, and urine; measuring ionized magnesium concentrations in blood, plasma, or serum; and conducting a magnesium-loading (or “tolerance”) test. No single method is considered satisfactory. Some experts consider the tolerance test (in which urinary magnesium is measured after parenteral infusion of a dose of magnesium) to be the best method to assess magnesium status in adults. To comprehensively evaluate magnesium status, both laboratory tests and a clinical assessment might be required.
Why is bioavailability important?
The importance of bioavailability#N#It’s not just the amount of nutrients that a food contains that is important, it’s how bioavailable those nutrients are to the body.#N#Bioavailability refers to the portion of a nutrient that is absorbed by the body.#N#The amount of nutrients we absorb from a food is invariably lower than the absolute amount of nutrients the food contains.#N#The nutrients in some foods are more bioavailable to humans than others. For example, the grass on your front lawn is loaded with vitamins and minerals, but they’re largely inaccessible to humans. Grass contains large amounts of a plant fibre called cellulose, which humans cannot break down. Since we can’t break down the cellulose, we can’t absorb the nutrients grass contains.#N#On the other hand, nutrients in animal products like fish, meat, poultry, dairy, and eggs are highly bioavailable. This means we can absorb them easily.#N#The key to nourishing your body, then, is to maximize your intake of bioavailable nutrients. This will ensure that your body has everything it needs to function optimally.
What are the two major classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids?
The two major classes of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are the omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids. Like all fatty acids, PUFAs consist of long chains of carbon atoms with a carboxyl group at one end of the chain and a methyl group at the other. PUFAs are distinguished from saturated and monounsaturated fatty acids by the presence of two or more double bonds between carbons within the fatty acid chain.
How to increase zinc bioavailability?
Techniques to increase zinc bioavailability include soaking beans, grains, and seeds in water for several hours before cooking them and allowing them to sit after soaking until sprouts form.
How much magnesium is in the human body?
An adult body contains approximately 25 g magnesium, with 50% to 60% present in the bones and most of the rest in soft tissues. Less than 1% of total magnesium is in blood serum, and these levels are kept under tight control. Normal serum magnesium concentrations range between 0.75 and 0.95 millimoles (mmol)/L . Hypomagnesemia is defined as a serum magnesium level less than 0.75 mmol/L. Magnesium homeostasis is largely controlled by the kidney, which typically excretes about 120 mg magnesium into the urine each day. Urinary excretion is reduced when magnesium status is low.
Why is zinc important for cellular metabolism?
Zinc is involved in numerous aspects of cellular metabolism. It is required for the catalytic activity of approximately 100 enzymes and it play s a role in immune function, protein synthesis, wound healing, DNA synthesis , and cell division. Zinc also supports normal growth and development during pregnancy, childhood, and adolescence and is required for proper sense of taste and smell. A daily intake of zinc is required to maintain a steady state because the body has no specialized zinc storage system.
Where are Omega 3s found?
Omega-3 fatty acids (omega-3s) have a carbon–carbon double bond located three carbons from the methyl end of the chain. Omega-3s, sometimes referred to as “n-3s,” are present in certain foods such as flaxseed and fish, as well as dietary supplements such as fish oil. Several different omega-3s exist, but the majority of scientific research focuses on three: alpha-linolenic acid (ALA), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA). ALA contains 18 carbon atoms, whereas EPA and DHA are considered “long-chain” (LC) omega-3s because EPA contains 20 carbons and DHA contains 22.
How to reduce iodine deficiency?
If you have been diagnosed with both hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency, there are some things you can do to make these vegetables less harmful. Cooking them can reduce the effect that cruciferous vegetables have on the thyroid gland, and limiting your intake of these (cooked) vegetables to 5 ounces a day may help as well, since that amount appears to have no adverse effect on thyroid function.
What vegetables interfere with thyroid hormone?
Cruciferous Vegetables Like Broccoli and Cauliflower. Natasa Mandic/Stocksy. Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, are full of fiber and other nutrients, but they may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone if you have an iodine deficiency.
How many people have thyroid issues?
According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of the population may end up dealing with a thyroid condition at some point in their lives. And thyroid issues can be sneaky: Of the nearly 20 million Americans living with the disease, as many as 60 percent don't even realize they have it.
Does alcohol affect thyroid hormone?
Alcohol appears to have a toxic effect on the thyroid gland and suppresses the ability of the body to use thyroid hormone. Ideally, people with hypothyroidism should cut out alcohol completely or drink in careful moderation.
Is processed food bad for hypothyroidism?
Processed Foods in Packages and the Frozen Aisle. "Processed foods tend to have a lot of sodium, and people with hypothyroidism should avoid sodium ," Frechman says. Having an underactive thyroid increases a person's risk for high blood pressure, and too much sodium further increases this risk.
Can gluten be used for thyroid?
An article published in May 2017 in the journal Endocrine Connections noted that hypothyroidism and celiac disease are often present together, and while no research has demonstrated that a gluten-free diet can treat thyroid conditions, you may still want to talk to a doctor about whether it would be worth eliminating gluten, or getting tested for celiac disease . A study published in July 2019 in Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes found that a gluten-free diet may have clinical benefits for women with thyroid disease.
Can fatty meat cause thyroid problems?
Certain foods like fatty meat and cruciferous veggies may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone. iStock. Hypothyroidism can be a tricky condition to manage, and what you eat can interfere with your treatment. Some nutrients heavily influence the function of the thyroid gland, and certain foods can inhibit your body's ability ...

Overview
- Hypothyroidism is a health condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. …
Thyroid hormones help control a number of bodily functions, including growth, cell repair, and metabolism. As a result, people with hypothyroidism can experience symptoms like fatigue, hair loss, weight gain, cold intolerance, mood changes, and constipation, among many other sympto… - Medication is the first line of treatment for hypothyroidism, but following a healthy diet and lifestyl…
This article outlines the best diet for hypothyroidism, including which foods to eat and which to avoid — all based on research.
Iodine
- Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones and a deficiency in this n…
Even though iodine deficiency is common in many areas of the world, it’s less common in developed countries like the United States. However, people who don’t use iodized salt, pregnant women, and people following vegan diets are more at risk for developing low iodine levels ( 13 ). - If you have hypothyroidism, you should not supplement with iodine unless it’s recommended by …
If you’re concerned that you’re not taking in enough iodine, contact your healthcare professional to assess your iodine levels and determine the best iodine intake plan for you.
Selenium
- Selenium is another mineral that’s necessary for thyroid health. It’s needed for thyroid hormone …
Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is a great way to boost your selenium levels. This includes Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes. - Additionally, selenium supplements can be helpful for certain people with hypothyroidism. For ex…
However, this doesn’t mean that selenium supplements are necessary for all people with hypothyroidism. Only supplement with selenium if recommended by your healthcare provider.
Zinc
- Like selenium, zinc is needed for thyroid hormone production and thyroid function ( 19 ).
Not getting enough zinc can negatively impact your thyroid function and many other aspects of health, so it’s essential to get enough of this nutrient in your diet. - Some studies show that zinc supplements could be helpful for those with hypothyroidism. When …
If you’re interested in taking a zinc supplement, talk to your healthcare provider. They can determine whether or not a zinc supplement may be appropriate.
Other important nutrients
- In addition to the nutrients listed above, there are other vitamins and minerals that people with h…
Vitamin D: People with hypothyroidism are more likely to be deficient in vitamin D. Having low vitamin D levels can negatively impact thyroid function and worsen hypothyroid symptoms. Because vitamin D isn’t concentrated in many foods, supplementation is often necessary ( 22 - B12: B12 deficiency is common amongst people with hypothyroidism. Talk to your doctor about t…
Magnesium: Low or deficient magnesium levels are associate with thyroid dysfunction and can increase the risk of developing hypothyroidism. Supplementing with magnesium has been shown to improve hypothyroid symptoms ( 21
Gluten and ultra-processed foods
- Gluten is a group of proteins found in wheat, barley, triticale, and rye. Studies suggests that peo…
Additionally, people with hypothyroidism should limit certain foods in order to promote overall health. - For example, people with Hashimoto’s disease have been shown to have increased markers of i…
For this reason, it’s a good idea for people with hypothyroidism to avoid foods that may contribute to oxidative stress and inflammation such as ultra-processed foods, foods and beverages high in added sugar, and fried foods ( 37, 38, 39, 40 ).
Goitrogens
- You may have heard that people with thyroid conditions should avoid foods containing goitrogen…
While goitrogens can impact thyroid function, most people, including people with hypothyroidism, can enjoy moderate amounts of goitrogen containing foods like cabbage, broccoli, and kale without negatively impacting their thyroid health. - Cruciferous vegetables like kale and broccoli are actually quite low in goitrogens. Plus, cooking …
That being said, it’s a good idea to avoid eating large amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, Russian kale, bok choy, and Brussels sprouts as well as large amounts of juice made with raw cruciferous vegetables. Other goitrogenic foods include soy and pearl millet.
Diet and thyroid medication
- You’ll want to make sure you’re taking your thyroid medication on an empty stomach to promote …
Keep in mind that this includes avoiding beverages, foods, and supplements that could interfere with medication absorption. - Certain supplements and even coffee can significantly impact thyroid medication absorption, so i…
People with hypothyroidism don’t have to avoid many foods. However, people with Hashimoto’s disease may benefit from a gluten-free diet. People with hypothyroidism should avoid consuming large amounts of goitrogenic foods and limit ultra-processed foods in order to promote overall he…
Monday
- Breakfast: egg and spinach omelette served with a half avocado and a bowl of berries
Lunch: a large green salad with chicken, beans, and pumpkin seeds
Tuesday
- Breakfast: chia pudding with almond butter and berries
Dinner: fish baked with lemon, thyme, and black pepper served with roasted vegetable and a baked potato
Wednesday
- Breakfast: egg and veggie muffins with a side of fruit
Lunch: Mediterranean quinoa salad with chickpeas, vegetables, and feta
Thursday
- Breakfast: spinach, chickpea, and sweet potato breakfast hash
Lunch: chicken salad with fresh veggies and fruit
Friday
- Breakfast: protein berry smoothie made with vanilla pea protein, natural peanut butter, and froze…
Lunch: a large green salad with chicken, fresh vegetables, beans, and pumpkin seeds
Saturday
- Breakfast: egg, mushroom, and zucchini frittata
Lunch: Mediterranean tuna and quinoa salad
Sunday
- Dinner: sweet potato turkey chili
This sample week-long meal plan is suitable for people with hypothyroidism. It provides plenty of options for a delicious and healthy menu. - Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a health condition that affects many people worldwi…
It can cause symptoms like tiredness, weight gain, constipation, low mood, and cold intolerance, among many others.