Good Foods for Hypothyroidism

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Originally published on 17th October 2017
Last updated on 17th December 2018

The more I learn about hypothyroidism, the more I understand how big a part diet can play in the disease and helping our symptoms and recovery. Especially since gaining my qualifications in Diet and Nutrition.

However, we often see infographics and articles about foods that we should avoid when we have hypothyroidism, such as goitrogens, soy and gluten, but what about foods that are good for us?

Give us the list of food we can eat without feeling guilty!

Fish

The omega-3 fatty acids found in fish such as wild salmon, trout, tuna, or sardines make this food an excellent part of any hypothyroid patient’s diet. Hypothyroidism can increase the risk for heart disease as a result of higher levels of LDL, the ‘bad’ type of cholesterol, so fish rich in omega 3 can lower the risk for heart disease. Fish can also be a source of selenium, which is most concentrated in the thyroid and needed for good thyroid health.

Healthy Fats

Like Omega-3, other healthy fats such as olive oil, butter and coconut oil help to keep cholesterol at healthy levels, in order to produce the hormones our bodies need. Coconut oil also reduces inflammation, raises body temperature and gives the body immediate, usable energy!

Brazil Nuts

Also high in selenium if you’re able to confirm the nutritional value and content, brazil nuts can help you to get a good amount for optimal thyroid health, and are good to snack on and balance your blood sugar. Knowing the amount of selenium in them is often guess work, though.

Beans, such as Kidney Beans

Due to their protein content, beans can be a great source of sustained energy, which, if you live with hypothyroidism, you may be lacking. They’re also high in fiber, which can be helpful if you suffer with constipation, a common side effect of hypothyroidism. You can use them in stews, curries or even salads.

Fibre-rich Foods

Constipation is a common symptom of hypothyroidism and foods rich in fibre can help this. They can also help balance out wobbly blood sugar which is often coupled with Hashimoto’s and help you feel fuller. Just make sure not to eat loads of fibre-rich foods near taking your thyroid medication as this can affect absorption.

Bone Broth

Bone broth encourages a healthy gut which in turn helps with nutrient absorption – many people with hypothyroidism will also find themselves low in vitamins such as D, B12 or iron. Bone broth can also help with joint pain and gives the immune system a boost as it’s full of so much goodness.

Seaweed and Kelp

They are high in iodine and without enough the thyroid gland can swell, also causing the amount of thyroid hormone in your body to drop. They provide other trace minerals too, including iron, calcium, and potassium. It is possible to consume too much iodine, which can also lead to hypothyroidism, so enjoy in moderation.

Fermented Foods

When hypothyroidism is autoimmune, you should also consider addressing gut health.

A good supply of healthy gut bacteria supports overall good health and or me, improving my gut health was a huge part of improving my thyroid health.

Fermented foods such as yogurt and kefir help to continuously stock your gut with beneficial bacteria, resulting in a stronger immune system and overall better health.

Others

Cinnamon, ginger, garlic, peppermint, chamomile and turmeric are anti inflammatories, which can help to control your thyroid condition and promote better health. Many add these to food or take in supplemental/tablet form.

For some autoimmune patients, such as those with Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis, they may find that some items on this list are inflammatory. Adapting your diet and lifestyle to what is best for you and what works in your situation is important.

This is a guide only.

You can click on the hyperlinks in the above post to learn more and see references to information given.

Written by Rachel, The Invisible Hypothyroidism

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Rachel Hill

Rachel Hill is the highly ranked and award-winning thyroid patient advocate, writer, blogger, speaker and author behind The Invisible Hypothyroidism. Her thyroid advocacy work includes blogging, writing books, speaking on podcasts, being interviewed, writing for various websites and co-creating Thoughtful Thyroid courses. Rachel has worked with The National Academy of Hypothyroidism, BBC, The Mighty, Yahoo, MSN, ThyroidChange and more. She is well-recognised as a useful contributor to the thyroid community and is currently writing her second book You, Me and Hypothyroidism. She has received eight 2019 WEGO Health Award Nominations.