Hypothyroidism is a health condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones. Thyroid hormones help manage several bodily functions, including:
If you have hypothyroidism, you should follow your doctor’s advice, eat a healthy diet, and exercise regularly. You should also avoid certain foods, drinks, and supplements that can interfere with your thyroid medication or Do’s
Don’ts
The nutrients that may benefit people with hypothyroidism can vary based on the type of hypothyroidism. Doctors may recommend addressing nutritional deficiencies with dietary changes or supplements.
Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones, and a deficiency can contribute to the development of some types of hypothyroidism. Iodine deficiency is the mostcommon cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. Though iodine deficiency is common in many parts of the world, it’s less common in developed countries. People at a higher risk of iodine deficiency in developed countries can include:
However, excessive iodine intake can also be harmful, especially for people with autoimmune hypothyroidism, including Hashimoto thyroiditis. It’s best to talk with a healthcare professional about your iodine intake if you have a thyroid condition. They can test your iodine levels and help you manage your intake.
They may recommend you avoid foods that are high in iodine, such as:
Selenium is another mineral that supports thyroid hormone production. It helps protect the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress and has been linked to selenium deficiency and the development of autoimmune thyroid disease, including Hashimoto thyroiditis.
Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet can increase your selenium levels. Examples can include:
As more research on selenium and hypothyroidism is still needed, experts do not broadly recommend taking selenium supplements if you have hypothyroidism. A healthcare professional may recommend supplementation in people with a selenium deficiency who cannot get selenium through food sources.
Selenium supplements may be helpful for people with hypothyroidism who have a selenium deficiency.
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified 400 mcg of selenium as the daily upper limit for adults. A high intake of selenium over time can cause symptoms of:
The NIH notes that consuming high amounts of selenium can lead to toxicity. Selenium toxicity can have serious, and sometimes fatal, effects like:
The body also needs zinc for thyroid hormone production and thyroid function.
Not getting enough can negatively affect thyroid function and overall health. A zinc deficiency can lead to or worsen hypothyroidism.
A 2021 study in which participants took supplements containing zinc, vitamin A, and selenium suggests that increasing these micronutrients may increase thyroid hormone production in people with hypothyroidism.
If you think you may have a zinc deficiency, consider talking with a healthcare professional. They can determine whether or not a zinc supplement may be appropriate for you.
Other nutrient deficiencies that may play a role in the development or worsening of hypothyroidism may include:
If you have hypothyroidism, avoiding or limiting certain foods may support your thyroid function and overall health.
Ultra-processed foods inflammation and oxidative stress in the body. Oxidative stress refers to the excess of reactive compounds called free radicals in the body, which overwhelm the body’s antioxidant defenses and can lead to cellular damage.
Hashimoto thyroiditis can increase markers of inflammation and oxidative stress. Eating ultra-processed foods can worsen these markers and may negatively affect thyroid function and overall health. Ultra-processed foods to avoid can include:
Gluten is a group of proteins found in:
If you have celiac disease, eating gluten triggers an autoimmune reaction that damages the digestive tract and negatively affects your body’s ability to take in other nutrients. This can lead to nutrient deficiencies and inflammation that can worsen hypothyroidism. If you have a sensitivity or intolerance to gluten, doctors typically recommend following a gluten-free diet. However, talking with a doctor or dietitian before drastically changing your eating plan is best.
Goitrogens are substances in soy products and cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage and Brussels sprouts. Some research suggests they may interfere with thyroid hormone production. Most people, including those with hypothyroidism, can enjoy moderate amounts of goitrogenic foods without negatively affecting their thyroid health. Goitrogenic foods can include:
If you have hypothyroidism, you can try incorporating the following nutritious foods into your diet:
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