Hypothyroidism

Maintain weight, reduce symptoms, increase energy levels and make treatment more effective with diet

Recommended For

Hashimoto's thyroiditis, Hypothyroidism, Low thyroid, Primary hypothyroidism, Secondary hypothyroidism, Tertiary hypothyroidism, Underactive thyroid.

Diet Goals

Improve symptoms, prevent heart disease

  • Meet nutrient guidelines to support healthy thyroid
  • Daily intake (adults) is 150 mcg/day iodine found in 3/4 tsp of salt
  • Improve levothyroxine absorption - take on an empty stomach - no coffee, food or vitamins for 1 hour
The diet goals with this inflammatory condition are to prevent long term complications and promote good medication absorption.

Food Recommendations

Foods to Eat

Fruit, Berries: Raspberry, blueberry, strawberry
Veggies, Leafy greens: Lettuce, kale, spinach, romaine, arugula
Whole grains: Whole wheat bread & pasta, oatmeal, popcorn, quinoa, brown rice
Selenium foods: Brazil nuts, fish, meats, eggs, nuts, banana
Low fat dairy: Skim, 1% milk, yogurt, cheeses, buttermilk
Lean meats: Chicken, turkey, fish, tuna, shrimp, pork chops

Foods to Avoid

Soy protein: Tofu, soy milk, edamame, miso, tempeh, natto
High iodine: Seaweed, fish (cod, tuna), shrimp, iodized salt
Alcohol: Beer, wine, liquor, canned alcohol drinks
High sodium: Deli meat, soup, cheese, pizza, salty nuts & snacks
Saturated fats: Beef, lamb, pork, full fat dairy, butter, pastry, pie, biscuits
Processed foods: Fast or fried foods, packaged foods, frozen dinners, cakes

Diet Rules

Additional Information

Research

Research shows diet and thyroid medications can improve condition; thyroid stabilizes in 3-4 wks w/meds.
Study of people with hypothyroidism and high cholesterol showed treating the thyroid corrected the cholesterol 60% of the time.
Studies show thyroid disorders strongly related to impaired glucose control, and diabetes. 30% of Type 1 & 12.5% of Type 2 diabetics have thyroid disorders.

Caveats

Take thyroid meds on empty stomach 30-60 minutes before food, coffee/caffeine - can interfere with absorption of med.
Wait 4 hrs after taking thyroid meds to take: Soy, iron and calcium supplements, antacids with calcium or aluminum, high fiber, iodine, soy based foods.
Low iodine can cause low thyroid; get iodine from diet only; avoid iodine supplements. Can cause too much or too little thyroid production.
High fat foods, junk food, sugar may interfere with the thyroid's ability to function normally, make hormone.

References

Akpınar, E. (2019). An Underestimated Comorbidity of COPD: Thyroid Dysfunction. Tuberkuloz ve Toraks. https://europepmc.org/article/med/31414644
Basile, L. (n.d.). What is the Best Diet for Hypothyroidism? endocrineweb.com. https://www.endocrineweb.com/conditions/hypothyroidism/what-best-diet-hypothyroidism
Bernard, B. (2022). What Is the Best Hypothyroidism Diet? HealthCentral. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/hypothyroidism/what-best-diet-hypothyroidism
Biondi, B., Kahaly, G., & Robertson, R. (2019). Thyroid Dysfunction and Diabetes Mellitus: Two Closely Associated Disorders. NIH, National Library of Medicine; Endocrine Reviews. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6507635/
Campana MBBS, J. (2023). Hypothyroidism diet: Can certain foods increase thyroid function? Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554
Godfrey M.S, J. (2018). Thyroid Diet: How To Eat with a Thyroid Disorder. HealthCentral. https://www.healthcentral.com/condition/thyroid/thyroid-diet-how-to-eat-with-a-thyroid-disorder
Harris MPH RD, C. (2012). Thyroid Disease and Diet — Nutrition Plays a Part in Maintaining Thyroid Health. Today’s Dietitian. https://www.todaysdietitian.com/newarchives/070112p40.shtml
Harris MPH RD, C. (n.d.). Two of a Kind: Celiac Disease and Thyroid Disease. Todays Dietitian. Retrieved January 27, 2022, from https://www.todaysdietitian.com/pdf/courses/HarrisCeliacThyroid.pdf
Kharrazian, D. (2010). Good thyroid health depends on good gut health. Kharrazian Resource Center. https://drknews.com/good-thyroid-health-depends-on-good-gut-health/
Tonstad, S., Nathan, E. N., Oda, K., & Fraser, G. (2013). Vegan Diets and Hypothyroidism. NIH, National Library of Medicine, Nutrients. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3847753/
Toraks, T. (2019). An underestimated comorbidity of COPD: Thyroid dysfunction. Europe PMC. https://europepmc.org/article/med/31414644
Wentz PharmD, I. (2021). Which Protein Is Safe for Hashimoto’s? Dr. Izabella Wentz, PharmD. https://thyroidpharmacist.com/articles/protein-safe-hashimotos/
Zendel, A., Abu-Ghanem, Y., Dux, J., Mor, E., Zippel, D., & Goitein, D. (2017). The Impact of Bariatric Surgery on Thyroid Function and Medication Use in Patients with Hypothyroidism. SpringerLink/PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28255851/