Written By: Priyanka Mittal
M.Sc and MPhil in food and Nutrition

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Best Diet for Hypothyroidism: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid – Are you looking for the Best Diet for Hypothyroidism: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid? Then you are on the right page where you will know about the best diet and foods to eat and avoid for your hypothyroidism. You may experience fatigue, constipation, depression, and other more serious health concerns. Luckily, eating certain foods may help boost the effectiveness of your thyroid. It is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that plays a major role in how well your body works. Best Diet for Hypothyroidism: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

Having Hypothyroidism or an underactive thyroid means that this gland produces less of its hormones than the body needs. That may slow down the body’s metabolism and cause weight gain, constipation, tiredness, and some other symptoms. In this blog, we’ll know the best diet for Hypothyroidism: foods to eat, food to avoid. Here we also suggest some specific foods to and avoid.

What is Hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is a small butterfly-shaped gland in your throat that controls the metabolic processes of the body. This produces thyroid hormones that may regulate many biological functions and also ensure proper healthcare and the time when the thyroid gland becomes more reactive then it may lead to many problems. The best way to ensure optimal functioning of the thyroid gland is through the food we eat. Our daily diet can help our thyroid gland stay balanced and achieve the equilibrium state if it is not functioning properly. 

Causes of Hypothyroidism are as follows:

  • Thyroid Surgeries
  • Acute Thyroid  Inflammation
  • Deficiency Of Iodine
  • Medical Treatments That Damage The Thyroid
  • Hereditary Conditions 

Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism 

The symptoms of hypothyroidism may depend on the several conditions. This problem tends to develop slowly, often over several years. At the very first stage, you may barely notice the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Like weight gain & fatigue. Sometimes you may think that it is just a part of getting old. But as your metabolism power continues to slow, that may develop some major problems. 

Here we discussed some of the symptoms you might feel are as follows:

  • Dry Skin
  • Weight Gain
  • Body Becomes More Sensitive
  • Hoarse Like Voice 
  • Tiredness
  • Constipation
  • Thinning Hair
  • Muscle Weakness
  • Memory Problem 
  • Depression
  • Menstrual Cycles become heavier & IrregularBest Diet for Hypothyroidism: Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

What Foods to Eat For Hypothyroidism & Avoid 

Well, it is the time when the body does not have enough thyroid hormones. Changing the diet may not cure this, but it can help to manage the condition. Here we’ll know which foods are good for our health and foods to avoid hypothyroidism. 

  • Foods that may contain certain nutrients, such as iodine, zinc, and selenium can help to maintain healthy thyroid function.
  • Other foods to avoid while they may negatively affect thyroid function and worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism 

Foods That Are Good For Your Hypothyroidism Health 

Beginning with the Foods that are beneficial for our health in the condition of hypothyroidism. 

Foods Containing Iodine

At that stage when iodine is required for your body. So, consuming iodine-rich foods may be helpful in the conditions to as that moment your body might feel a deficiency of iron in your body. 

Foods that are rich in iodine are as follows:

  • Whole Eggs 
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Chicken
  • Fish & Shellfish

Foods Containing Selenium

It is a micronutrient that plays a major role in the production of thyroid hormones and also has antioxidant properties. Selenium maintains the level in the body helps to prevent thyroid and may promote overall health. 

Foods that are rich in selenium are as follows:

  • Sea Foods
  • Brazil Nuts
  • Yellowfin Tuna
  • Sunflower Seeds
  • Brown Rice 
  • Beef 
  • Shrimp

Foods Containing Zinc

It is another nutrient that may specifically benefit people with low levels of their thyroid hormones. A small scale showed that zinc supplementation can be taken alone or in combination with the required selenium supplementation. It may improve thyroid function mostly in females with hypothyroidism. 

Foods that are rich in zinc are as follows:

  • Whole Grains
  • Nuts & Seeds
  • Crab
  • Chicken
  • Yogurt
  • Oysters
  • Legumes

Foods To Avoid 

Now, discuss foods to avoid while suffering from hypothyroidism to take care of your health. Some foods that are rich in nutrients are not off-limits. Redistricting the intake of some foods may help the person to manage their condition while suffering from hypothyroidism. 

Foods Containing Soy 

Some of the studies may indicate that soy may interfere with the body’s thyroid hormones. You may feel the difference and some improvement in yourself while removing some foods that are not good for your health. 

Foods that are rich in soy are as follows:

  • Tofu
  • Soy Sauce 
  • Miso
  • Tofu
  • Soy Milk
  • Edamame

Foods Contain Goitrogens 

It is a compound that may impact thyroid function if a person consumes it in a large amount. Moreover, if it is consumed in a regular amount like vegetables that contain goitrogens example bok choy and broccoli are beneficial for your overall health growth and may not interfere with your thyroid function. 

Foods that are rich in goitrogens are as follows:

  • Cabbage
  • Brussels Sprouts
  • Russian Kale
  • Cauliflower
  • Collards
  • Broccoli Rabe

Foods Contains Gluten

Research may suggest that removing gluten from your diet improves thyroid function in people. These diseases may cause chronic inflammation and damage your small intestine due to the indigestion of gluten. Like as protein in wheat and some other grains, including barley, oats, and rye. To improve your health conditions you may have to consume gluten-free foods and then see whether their symptoms improve or not.

Some foods that you have to avoid are as follows:

  • Soda Drinks
  • Donuts
  • Cakes
  • Fast Foods
  • Cookies

Conclusion

Hypothyroidism refers to the thyroid glands not producing enough amount to meet the certain body’s needs. If it is not treated then it may reduce the metabolism and can cause fatigue, amongst other symptoms of the disease. Here we have discussed the foods that are good to consume and that you have to avoid for health conditions. Moreover, It is important to aim for a healthy diet that may support the absorption of the thyroid medication and also help to maintain a healthy weight. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Question 1. What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in infants?

Answer – Some of the symptoms may include poor growth, dry skin, poor weight, constipation, horse crying, enlarged tongue, etc. This is because some babies are born without a thyroid gland that doesn’t work correctly. 

Question 2. What are the symptoms of hypothyroidism in teens?

Answer – You might notice some symptoms in your children like delayed puberty, poor mental health, and poor growth that leads to short stature.