Diet Therapy For Managing Thyroid Disorders: Foods To Eat And Avoid

Hello readers! Are you looking for diet therapy that can help you with hypothyroidism? Thyroid disorder is very common nowadays, and it is affecting a lot of people globally. Our lifestyle has changed our food habits and has become a leading cause of various diseases like obesity, heart disease, kidney disorder, digestion problems, etc.

It is essential to monitor the foods we consume. Therefore, we have provided information on diet therapy for managing thyroid disorders and foods to eat and avoid. 

At ToneOp, we have tried our best to provide options to reduce the risk of hypothyroidism. You can consult our dieticians and fitness experts to customise your thyroid care diet plan.

Table of contents

1. What Is Hypothyroidism?

2. What Are The Causes Of Hypothyroidism?

3. What Are The Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism?

4. Which Nutrients Are Important For Those With Hypothyroidism?

5. What Foods Should Thyroid Patients Avoid?

6. Which Food Is Good For Thyroid Patients?

7. The Final Say

8. FAQs

Understanding Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism is a hormone-related medical condition that affects the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormone is responsible for the growth and development of our body. It also regulates bodily functions, metabolism, growth, and energy production.

But, for some reason, our body fails to make enough thyroid hormone, leading to hypothyroidism. Due to this, you can feel muscle pain and changes in your skin and hair texture, irregular menstrual cycles, high cholesterol levels, and much more. Let us learn more about it.

Causes Of Hypothyroidism

The main causes of hypothyroidism include the following:

1. Autoimmune Thyroiditis

2. Thyroid Surgery or Radiation Therapy

3. Iodine Deficiency

4. Medications

5. Congenital Factors

Symptoms Of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism symptoms include the following

• Fatigue And Weakness

• Weight Gain

• Cold Sensitivity

• Hair And Skin Changes

• Cognitive Impairment

• Mood Disturbances

• Muscle Aches And Joint Pain

• Irregular Menstrual Cycles

• Elevated Cholesterol Levels

• Constipation

• Heavy Periods, Or Menorrhagia

• Weakness

• High Cholesterol

• Puffy Face, Feet, And Hands

• Insomnia

• Balance And Coordination Issues

• Anaemia

• Depression

Which Nutrients Are Important For Those With Hypothyroidism?

Nutrients play an essential role in overall development and metabolism. Including these crucial nutrients in your diet therapy can improve your health conditions. You can add these to your thyroid care diet plan. Some important nutrients required for your diet therapy with their role in hypothyroidism include:

What Foods Should Thyroid Patients Avoid?

Foods provide various benefits to your health and mind fitness. But certain foods may impact your health. You should avoid some foods if you are suffering from hypothyroidism. Some foods that you should restrict in your diet therapy are:

1. Avoid Using Soy-Based Products

Soy-based products and foods containing goitrogens usually interfere with thyroid hormone production and absorption. It may cause severe problems; therefore, you should avoid including these foods in your diet therapy.

Foods that contain soy include

• Soy Milk

• Soy Sauce

• Edamame

• Tofu

• Miso

• Tempeh

• Natto

• Tamari

2. Avoid Using Cruciferous Vegetables

Iodine absorption is essential for those suffering from hypothyroidism, but some vegetables hinder this process. Hypothyroidism patients should avoid adding cruciferous Vegetables, like broccoli, cabbage, and cauliflower, into their diet therapy.

Some Cruciferous Vegetables You Should Avoid

• Arugula

• Bok choy

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Collard greens

• Daikon radish

• Horseradish

• Kale

• Kohlrabi

• Radish

3. Avoid Using Processed Foods

If you suffer from hypothyroidism, you should avoid using processed food in your diet therapy. They contain high levels of salt and sugar that disrupt iodine balance and affect thyroid function. They also result in weight gain and inflammation

Some examples of processed foods are:

• Cheese

• Canned vegetables

• Bread

• Savoury snacks

• Meat products

• Microwave meals or ready meals

• Cakes and biscuits

• Drinks

• Ice cream

• Soups

4. Avoid The Consumption of Gluten-Rich Foods

Gluten is a major cause of Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. It is generally found in wheat and grains. People with hypothyroidism should limit their intake of gluten-rich foods in their diet therapy. 

Some Gluten foods you need to avoid are

• Wheat

• Barley

• Rye

• Triticale 

• Bread 

• Pasta

• Cereal 

• Baked goods (cakes, cookies, pastries) made with regular flour

• Beer

• Couscous

5. Avoid Eating Fatty and Fried Foods

Fried foods are the main cause of heart disorders. They can cause hypothyroidism and weight gain. They also hinder thyroid hormone function.

Some examples of fried foods are:

• French fries

• Fried chicken

• Potato chips

• Fried fish

• Onion rings

• Fried Calamari

• Mozzarella sticks

• Fried doughnuts

• Chicken nuggets

6. Avoid Using Excessive Iodine-Rich Foods

Iodine is required for the synthesis and proper functioning of thyroid hormone. However, its excessive use can be problematic for thyroid patients. You should contact your health expert to know the amount of iodine intake.

Some examples of iodine foods that you should avoid are:

• Seaweed (kelp, nori, wakame)

• Codfish

• Shrimp

• Dairy products (milk, cheese, yogurt)

• Iodized salt (used excessively)

• Tuna

• Shellfish (lobster, crab, clams)

• Eggs

• Navy beans

• Processed foods with added iodine

Which Food Is Good For Thyroid Patients?

We have mentioned some foods that you should include in your diet therapy:

1. Eat Selenium-Rich Foods

Selenium is a mineral that helps improve some symptoms of autoimmune thyroid disease. Selenium is important for the functioning of thyroid hormone. Supplements enriched with selenium can help to reduce the risk of developing hypothyroidism.

Some Foods That Are Rich In Selenium Include

• Brazil Nuts

• Fortified Pasta And Cereals

• Rice

• Egg Whites

• Baked Beans

• Oatmeal

• Spinach

2. Include Iron-Rich Foods

Iron is required to transport oxygen in the body. It is present in the haemoglobin. Studies suggest that adequate iron consumption can improve hypothyroidism.

Some Foods That Are Rich In Iron Include

• Fortified Cereals

• Raisins

• Dark Chocolate

• Beef, Chicken, Turkey, And Pork

• Spinach

• Oysters And Fish

• White Beans, Kidney Beans, And Black Beans

• Lentils

• Sardines

• Chickpeas

• Canned Beef, Chicken, Or Turkey

• Cured Pork Products (Bacon, Sausages, Or Hot Dogs)

3. Eat Calcium And Vitamin D Enriched Foods 

To keep your bones strong, you need to get enough calcium and vitamin D. Long-term hyperthyroidism can reduce bone mineral density and lead to osteoporosis.

Foods Rich In Calcium Include:

• Milk (No More Than Once A Day)

• Broccoli

• Fortified Orange Juice

• Kale

• Bok Choy

There are only a few foods that are good sources of vitamin D. Below is a list of some foods that contain this vitamin.

• Salmon and tuna

• Milk and some fortified dairy products (check the labels)

• Fortified cereals

The Final Say

If you want to reduce the risk of hypothyroidism, it's important to have a proper diet. We recommend some nutritious foods that can boost your immunity and benefit those with hypothyroidism. 

However, before making any changes to your diet, it's best to talk to your nutritionist or seek guidance from a dietitian at Toneop. They offer expert advice on medical condition diet plans.

FAQs

1. What is hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects the thyroid gland and results in less thyroid hormone production. 

2. How hypothyroidism is caused?

Hypothyroidism is caused by 

• Autoimmune Thyroiditis

• Thyroid Surgery

• Radiation Therapy

• Iodine Deficiency

• Certain Medications

• Congenital Factors.

  
  

3. What are the 5 symptoms of hypothyroidism?

5 hypothyroidism symptoms include 

• Fatigue And Weakness

• Weight Gain

• Cold Sensitivity

• Hair And Skin Changes

• Cognitive Impairment

About ToneOp

ToneOP is a platform dedicated to improving and maintaining good health through a comprehensive range of goal-oriented diet plans and recipes. It also intends to provide value-added content to our consumers.