Health, Nutrition, Superfoods
Thyroid Diet Chart: 5 Foods for Hypothyroidism Diet Plan
May
The underactive thyroid diet is a topic that is up for a lot of discussions!
But prior to rushing for the thyroid diet plan, it is of utmost importance to know about hypothyroidism.
Table of Contents
- Goitrogen effects on hypothyroidism
- Thyroid diet foods
- Superfoods for thyroid
- Foods to avoid in hypothyroid diet
- Hypothyroid diet chart
- Thyroid problems
According to studies, the prevalence of hypothyroidism, the condition where the thyroid gland becomes underactive, in India is 11%, compared while only 2% in the UK and 4·6% in the USA.
Although incurable, hypothyroidism or thyroid issue as a whole is found to be manageable with the right balanced-diet and lifestyle changes.
The thyroid diet plan basically forbids the inclusion of certain cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip.
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Goitrogens and their Effects on Hypothyroidism Treatment
A ‘Goitrogen’ is a term used to describe substances that interfere with the thyroid gland function.
Goitrogens can be from different origins like drugs, chemicals or even food.
These substances block the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland and disrupt the thyroid hormone production.
Since iodine is an essential nutrient in the synthesis of thyroid hormone, many believe that eating foods that contain goitrogens can inhibit thyroid function leading to underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism.
These foods can further aggravate the symptoms of thyroid deficiency.
One of the major symptoms of poor thyroid function is weight gain. This blog of ours explains the inter-relationship of thyroid and weight loss in great detail.
Foods to be included in the Thyroid Diet Food Chart
Although we can’t say about a permanent cure for hypothyroidism, however, the right diet can help manage the disease better.
So here we come up with foods that needed to be included and the foods to be avoided in a diet for the hypothyroid patient
5 Recommended Super Foods for a Hypothyroid Diet
- Fish and seafood
- Nuts
- Whole-grain foods
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Dairy products
Know more about the above foods in the video below
If you are suffering from hypothyroidism and wondering what foods are safe to consume and include as a part of thyroid diet plan towards effective treatment of hypothyroidism treatment;
then this FREE Possible Nutritionist Consultation on thyroid treatment is just for you!
5 Foods to Avoid while following a Hypothyroid Diet
Here is the list of foods to avoid while following a thyroid diet chart.
Remember that while following a thyroid diet chart, the foods to be avoided are as important as the foods that are recommended.
So go through this list and keep them away for the sake of your thyroid gland.
1. Gluten
Gluten is a protein that is found in wheat, barley, oats, and their food products.
The main drawback of consuming gluten by hypothyroid people is that it hampers the gut system and causes body inflammation.
This affects the immune system and makes the immune system attack the body’s own thyroid. This readily enhances hypothyroidism.
A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology, it was seen that gluten withdrawal helped in improving thyroid complications [1]
2. Processed Foods
The Processed foods can be the villains in hypothyroidism. However, that doesn’t mean they are good otherwise.
We might think that increasing the salt intake can better the iodine condition of hypothyroidism.
But that isn’t true. Firstly, the salt content of processed foods is very high and that salt does not necessarily contain iodine.
In fact, it has been revealed that in case of excess of iodine
Also, the thyroid’s activity is restricted due to mechanisms like the production of cytokines that inhibits thyroid function or inclusion of iodine molecule in protein chain of thyroglobulin, that inhibits thyroid’s normal functioning [2].
Moreover, the processed foods that contain added sugar inhibits the conversion of T4 to T3, which isn’t good for hypothyroidism.
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3. Cruciferous Vegetables
A Cruciferous vegetables like cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnip, bok choy, mustard greens, and watercress contain a substance called ‘thiocyanate’ that in very high concentrations can interfere with iodine absorption.
Hence, physicians advise against them as a part of a planned diet for hypothyroidism.
So, a thyroid diet plan should clearly concentrate on the levels of intake.
Note
For a normal individual with normal thyroid hormone levels eating cruciferous vegetables has far more health benefits than the potential risk to worsen thyroid function.
Eating these foods in normal amounts in the cooked form should be continued. One must avoid believing the myth to avoid all cruciferous vegetables to promote thyroid health.
Too much consumption of raw cruciferous vegetables can have an adverse effect in individuals with iodine deficiency or those with hypothyroidism.
4. Coffee
Excluding coffee in a hypothyroidism diet may be crucial because there is evidence about coffee inhibiting the absorption of hypothyroid medications [3]
So avoiding coffee, especially before taking thyroid medications is nutritionist recommended.
5. Alcohol
The Alcohol should be avoided in a diet for thyroid patient.
It has been scientifically proven that Alcohol suppresses the functioning of thyroid gland. Moreover, Alcohol causes cellular toxicity [4].
It has been reported by The University of Maryland and Medical Center that reducing or avoiding alcohol can significantly reduce hypothyroidism symptoms.
For an individual suffering from hypothyroidism, consumption of usual amounts of these foods only minimally raises the risk of worsening the symptoms of the thyroid.
Did you know?
Processed soy products could be restricted in a diet for hypothyroidism. Instead, fermented soy like tofu or miso can be incorporated in moderation.
Millets are rich in many nutrients and phytochemicals and can be incorporated into the daily diet in moderation. Millets were observed to impact thyroid function only when these were consumed as the staple food in large quantities.
Using iodized salt regularly and including iodine-rich seafood can help to provide the required iodine for thyroid function.
Hypo Thyroid Diet Chart from our Nutritionist, based on Possible’s products
The Bottom Line
The above article will give you an insight into what foods to include and avoid but the diet plan should include all food groups.
This will help you in an efficient supply of nutrients with better management of the disorder.
FAQs
1. What are the common causes of Hypothyroidism?
The most common causes are:
- Insufficient Iodine.
- Hormonal imbalance
- Gut bacteria imbalance
- Internal inflammation
2. What are the symptoms of Hypothyroidism?
The common symptoms include- Fatigue, cold, excess weight gain, constipation, dry skin, muscle weakness, puffy face, elevated levels of blood cholesterol, tenderness in the muscles.
3. What foods to include in the hypothyroid diet plan?
Food options like mixed nuts, brown bread, fruit bowl, brown rice, multigrain roti, mint jeera buttermilk, cucumber carrot juice, green tea, ginger tea, low-fat milk with turmeric imparts health benefits in hypothyroidism.
4. Can hypothyroidism be cured naturally?
With appropriate diet and proper exercise under expert’s guidance, complications of thyroid disorders can be reduced.
5. What can be the complications if hypothyroidism remains unchecked?
If remain unchecked, hypothyroidism can lead to birth defects, mental health issues like anxiety and depression, heart problems and even, goiter.
Inspiring Story of a Possible Client with Hypothyroidism
Also Read: Simple exercises for thyroid problems!
Submitted By,
Suhasini Mudraganam
Chief Nutritionist, Possible
Suhasini Mudraganam is a leading food scientist who was instrumental in designing the Possible Food plan. She has done her MS in Nutrition from University of Missouri, USA and has over 14 years of global experience.
hi
i have normal T3,T4 values but but my T.S.H value is high doctor gave me 25mg thyroid tablets can you please suggest me the diet
Hi Satwik,
A sample diet chart incorporating Truweight super foods is given in the blog. This diet is good for Thyroid patients and is prepared by our Nutritionist. You can check out Truweight’s superfood products here https://shop.truweight.in/. To get in touch with us and avail a FREE consultation, you can visit here http://get.truweight.in/free-consultation-website/. You can also reach us at 08064514959, our representative will get in touch with you ASAP.
I m taking mdcns regularly of hypothyroid since 1 year but.. my weight doesn’t loss so..is it importnt to change my diet while i m taking the mdcns regularly?
Hi Nabiha,
If you are hypothyroid and overweight and also on hypothyroid medication, you need to follow a diet based on hypothyroid condition, for managing the same as well as losing weight. To know more about what diet is good for thyroid patients you can always reach us at 08064514959. Our representative will get in touch with you ASAP.
Hi
I m a thyroid patient and trying for weight loss . I have replaced wheat by millet in my meal since a month. Suddenly from few days i have pain in my breasts. Cud it be possible because of millet?
Please help
Hi Reena,
Consumption of millets should not be a cause pf pain in the breast. Also, we would advise you to consult a physician to know the reason behind the occurrence of your breast pain. Don’t delay or ignore such pains.
I have hypothyroidism since last 3 years. I have been taking Thyronorm 100 mcg since then. My levels had dropped down to 0.4 …but then i got married and it increased to 8. I had also reduced my medicine dosage to 75 mcg. Now again i m taking 100 mcg. I want to know if i can take almonds, walnuts, figs . Should i b avoiding wheat rotis? Can i take sprouts ? Also please guide me with some diet chart wrto the same.
Hi Neha,
For hypothyroid, you need to check your Thyroid profile in every 3 to 6 months and correct the medication dosage discussing with your physician. A diet plan for hypothyroid is given in this blog. You can also go through some exercises for hypothyroidism in the video here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Il73q1SDkmY&t=1s. Remember that for a disorder like Hypothyroidism, following the right diet and making a few lifestyle modifications are very necessary.
I am a 34 year old female, diagnosed 2 plus years ago with hypothyroidism. I am taking medicine for 1 years or more. I am not your usual hypothyroid patient. I am less than 95 lb., and my energy varies day to day with vitamin supplement. After a brief stint with gall bladder removal, the practitioners told me conflicting results of my thyroid tests.Please suggest me diet …
Hi Samaira, To prescribe you a diet, we need your lab reports. If you want to know about healthy weight loss, Please reach us on 1800-102-1255
Hi
I am diabetic for past 15 years and planning to shift millet diet for atleast one year as i need to undergo dental treatment to avoid the risk of implant failure associated with diabetis. Is it safe to consume millets daily without any side effects like hypothyroid problems ( i presently dont have any thyroid problems) and which ones you suggest Pls guide
Hi, you can eat millets as part of the balanced diet. Millets have many health benefits and add to the diversity of the meals. Make sure to eat enough iodine rich foods and use iodized salt while cooking. Millets can add to the thyroid problem only in individuals with iodine deficiency. As mentioned, goitrogens in millets are deactivated when cooked or processed.