Diet for hypothyroidism – key aspects and practical tips

Diet plays an important role in every person’s life, but it is especially important for those struggling with hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism, also called hypothyroidism, is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too little thyroid hormone. This results in a slowdown in metabolic processes in the body, which can lead to excess weight, fatigue and other health problems. However, a properly adjusted diet can help alleviate the symptoms of hypothyroidism and improve the quality of life of patients. In this article, we will discuss the principles of a hypothyroidism diet and present a sample menu that will help maintain hormonal balance.

Diet for hypothyroidism – what is it?

Hypothyroidism affects the body’s metabolism, so diet is crucial for patients with this condition. The main goals of the hypothyroidism diet are:

• Providing an adequate amount of iodine: Iodine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones, so people with hypothyroidism should eat products rich in this element, such as sea fish, sea algae and iodized salt.
• Controlling the consumption of soy products: Soy contains compounds that inhibit the absorption of thyroid hormones, so it is worth limiting the consumption of soy products.
• Introducing fiber: Dietary fiber helps regulate weight and prevents constipation, which is a common problem in patients with hypothyroidism. Whole grains, vegetables and fruits are excellent sources of fiber.
• Limiting the consumption of saturated fats: The diet should contain a small amount of saturated fats, which may negatively affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. Instead, it is worth reaching for healthy fats, such as linseed oil or olive oil.

Diet for hypothyroidism: allowed and prohibited products

To better understand what a diet for hypothyroidism should look like, it is worth knowing the list of permitted and prohibited products.

Products allowed:

• Sea fish: A source of iodine and omega-3 acids that support the functioning of the thyroid gland.
• Seaweed: Rich in iodine and other ingredients beneficial for the thyroid gland.
• Leafy Vegetables: Add fiber and vitamins to your diet.
• Fruit: Source of fiber and vitamins.
• Nuts and seeds: Provide healthy fats and other valuable ingredients.

Prohibited products:

• Soy products: Contain compounds that inhibit the absorption of thyroid hormones.
• Iron and calcium in excess: They may hinder the absorption of thyroid hormones, so it is worth monitoring their intake.
• Saturated fats: It’s best to limit your intake of animal and trans fats.
• Highly processed food: Often contains artificial additives that adversely affect health.

Sample menu for a hypothyroidism diet

We have prepared a sample menu that will help maintain hormonal balance and support thyroid function:

Breakfast:

• Oatmeal with berries and nuts.
• Freshly squeezed orange juice.

Second breakfast:

• Natural yogurt with honey and fruit.

Lunch:

• Cod fillet baked with herbs.
• Buckwheat Groats With Vegetables.
• Salad with arugula, tomatoes and nuts.

Tea:

• Carrot and celery with hummus.

Dinner:

• Chicken baked with lemon and herbs.
• Millet with vegetables stewed in olive oil.

Remember that this is only an example menu and the diet should be tailored to your individual needs and preferences. It’s always a good idea to consult your doctor or dietitian before making drastic changes to your diet.

Your suggestions

Do you have any suggestions for a hypothyroid diet? We’d love to hear your opinions and experiences. Share them in the comments below.

Recommended articles

If you are interested in learning more about hypothyroidism and its treatment, we recommend reading the following articles:

• “Hypothyroidism: symptoms, causes and treatment.”
• “The role of iodine in the diet in hypothyroidism.”
• “How to deal with excess weight in hypothyroidism?”

We hope that our article has provided you with valuable information about the diet for hypothyroidism and will help you maintain a healthy thyroid.