Hypothyroidism Diet Foods to Eat, Foods to Avoid

By shirley

Reviewed: dr. vanta

Article Sources

Article Sources

• 1. 'Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid).' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284.
• 2. 'Hypothyroidism.' American Thyroid Association, www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/.
• 3. 'Can Certain Foods Increase Thyroid Function in People with Hypothyroidism?' Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554.
• 4. 'Hypothyroidism: A Booklet for Patients and Their Families.' American Thyroid Association, 2019, www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hypothyroidism/web/booklet.pdf.
• 5. NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/treatment/.
• 6. 'Thyroid and Diet Factsheet.' British Thyroid Foundation, www.btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-and-diet-factsheet.
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• 8. Team, Chronic Conditions. 'Foods and Supplements You Should Avoid With Thyroid Issues.' Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, Health Essentials from Cleveland Clinic, 5 Oct. 2020, health.clevelandclinic.org/thyroid-issues-what-you-need-to-know-about-diet-and-supplements/.
• 9. 'Straight Talk About Soy.' The Nutrition Source, 3 Mar. 2021, www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/soy/.
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• 11. Vol 11 Issue 12 P.3- American Thyroid Association, www.thyroid.org/patient-thyroid-information/ct-for-patients/december-2018/vol-11-issue-12-p-3-4/.1
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Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland doesn't produce enough thyroid hormones to maintain proper body function. This causes symptoms that range from fatigue, forgetfulness and depression to constipation, dry skin, weight gain and hair loss.¹‘Hypothyroidism (Underactive Thyroid).’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 19 Nov. 2020, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/symptoms-causes/syc-20350284. With the right treatment, most people can control the condition by taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication and improving their lifestyle.²‘Hypothyroidism.’ American Thyroid Association, www.thyroid.org/hypothyroidism/.

A healthy diet is very important for the function of your thyroid. Some foods and supplements impact thyroid hormone production. Others interfere with absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medications, so people with hypothyroidism should remain aware of the foods they eat and when they eat them.³‘Can Certain Foods Increase Thyroid Function in People with Hypothyroidism?’ Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 4 Sept. 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554.

1. Synthetic Thyroid Hormone Replacement Medication

Doctors usually prescribe a synthetic thyroid replacement medication, called thyroxine, for those with hypothyroidism. Thyroxine is available generically or as branded medications, such as Synthroid and Levoxyl. Taking thyroxine as directed eases symptoms of hypothyroidism. Doctors advise taking levothyroxine at the same time each day.⁴‘Hypothyroidism: A Booklet for Patients and Their Families.’ American Thyroid Association, 2019, www.thyroid.org/wp-content/uploads/patients/brochures/Hypothyroidism/web/booklet.pdf.

It's best for people to take thyroxine first thing in the morning and on an empty stomach. Drinking a full glass of water after swallowing the medication helps keep the pill from getting stuck in the throat. For best results, people should avoid eating for 30 to 60 minutes after taking thyroxine.⁵NHS Choices, NHS, www.nhs.uk/conditions/underactive-thyroid-hypothyroidism/treatment/.