Hypothyroidism Diet

A well-planned hypothyroidism diet is crucial for managing symptoms, and at the same time, losing weight. Leaf through this article to understand healthy food items and foods to avoid in the hypothyroidism diet plan.

A healthy thyroid is responsible for secreting normal amount of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) required by the body. In case of an underactive thyroid gland, it produces low levels of hormone, a medical condition called hypothyroidism. The primary role of thyroid hormone is to regulate growth rate and body metabolism. And lack of the same leads to several medical conditions. Treatment for thyroid hormone deficiency is done with medications, surgery (if required) and hypothyroidism diet. Also, an underactive thyoid diet is suggested for effectual absorption of treatment medicines.

An Overview on Hypothyroidism Diet

Very often, hypothyroidism and weight gain are related to each other. What happens is the body metabolic processes are slowed down under low thyroid levels, resulting in fat accumulation. As a consequence, a patient having this thyroid problem faces difficulty in shedding calories, even with regular exercise and weight loss programs. The hypothyroidism diet plan is mainly focused on including food items that restore the thyroid gland function, while eliminating those that lower medicine effects. These two approaches are followed strictly in natural treatment for hypothyroidism and planning hypothyroidism diet for weight loss.

Foods to Include in Hypothyroidism Diet

For production of thyroid hormone, iodine is one of the key elements. Hence, eating foods rich in iodine is a practical step to increase thyroid levels. Other trace minerals that help in stimulating thyroid hormone production are selenium, tyrosine and zinc. You can include the following food items, while planning a hypothyroidism diet to lose weight:

Iodine rich foods (sea fish and sea vegetable)

Protein rich foods (lean meat, pulses)

Foods containing selenium (Brazil nuts, onion, tomato)

Tyrosine rich foods (wheat, poultry and seaweed)

Foods rich in zinc (oyster, wheat germ)

Fresh vegetables (lentil, bell pepper and squash)

Fresh and dried fruits

Yogurt for balancing intestinal flora

Low fat milk (skimmed milk)

Brown rice and its products

Herbal tea or green tea

Coconut oil (take in moderate amount)

In addition to increasing intake of the above listed foods, serving smaller meals five times daily (instead of three large meals) is recommended for losing weight with hypothyroidism. People with low thyroid levels report bloating problems and constipation. So, consuming moderate amount of fiber and drinking ample amount of water (at least 8 glasses every day) are suggested to solve such referred signs.

Foods to Avoid with Hypothyroidism Diet

According to health experts, certain foods negatively affect the health of thyroid gland and also, in the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement drugs. Taking these factors into consideration, a patient should follow an elimination diet for hypothyroidism, devoid of the triggering foods. People having hypothyroidism should avoid taking:

Soy products

Soybean flour

Pears and peaches

Strawberries

Walnuts and peanuts

Some vegetables (lima beans, sweet potato, spinach)

Cabbage and alike brassica vegetables

Tofu based foods

Linseed and cottonseed meal

Refined or white sugar

Sugar substitutes (diet soda)

Caffeine (tea and coffee)

Excess salt or sodium intake

Cigarette smoking

Alcoholic beverages

In addition to these food items, nutritional supplements and over-the-counter medications are associated with reduced effect of hypothyroidism medication. Supplements for iron and calcium are not recommended for patients with hypothyroidism. Care should be taken while administering antacids, cholesterol lowering drugs and ulcer medications. The best way is to consult a trusted physician and discuss about suitable therapeutic medicine that will not affect hypothyroidism condition.

As you now know 'what is hypothyroidism diet' along with the healthy foods, I hope following a low thyroid diet will be easy for you. According to a survey performed in patients with thyroid hormone deficiency, stress is found to be a triggering factor for the medical condition. Hence, following relaxation exercises and adopting healthy ways to reduce stress will help in combating hypothyroidism symptoms.