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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
Brazil Nuts
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
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.
As this source says:
Thyroid health is dependent on good gut health. A sufficient supply of healthy gut bacteria is required for the production and conversion of active thyroid hormones. Bacterial gut infections reduce thyroid hormone levels that increases the amount of inactive T3 and promotes autoimmune thyroid disorders.
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.
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.
There is also a new scientifically-backed personalised gut health service from Thyrve, that includes customised probiotics and dietary recommendations based on your own gut health. The test-to-treatment service can help with weight maintenance, fitness, skin health, metabolism, mood, digestion, bloating and more, due to how important gut health is to your overall health. The status of your gut is the best indicator of your health. You can check them out here.
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, Thyroid Patient Advocate, blogger and author, has Six 2018 WEGO Health Award Nominations. She is a highly ranked writer appearing in the Top Hypothyroidism Websites and Top Thyroid Websites and has worked with The National Academy of Hypothyroidism, The BBC, The Mighty, Yahoo, MSN, Thyroid Refresh and ThyroidChange, to name just a few. She is well-recognised as a useful contributor to the thyroid community and also contributed the foreword to Emily Kyle’s The 30-Minute Thyroid Cookbook.