Hypothyroidism Diet

Hypothyroidism is a disease that often develops without the patient even knowing about it, and only becomes noticeable after the emergence of complications. This is explained by the fact that the disease is more common in older women rarely taking complete examinations. Hypothyroidism diet can alleviate some of the conditions in patients.

 Basic principles of hypothyroidism diet

Nutritional therapy in hypothyroidism is based on the principle of reducing daily calorie intake (limiting the amount of carbohydrates and fats) and stimulating metabolic processes in the body (increase the amount of protein foods, vitamins and minerals). Energy value of the daily range of products is decrease primarily due to carbohydrates, and to lesser degree, fats. In the first place, you have to limit the digestible carbohydrates (e.g. sweets, butter, flour) and cholesterol rich foods (animal fats, fatty meats, fish brains and fish eggs, sour cream and so on).

At the same time the intake fiber rich products, containing complex carbohydrates, should be increased. That includes vegetables, fruits, berries and grains (especially buckwheat). Complex carbohydrates are absorbed slowly and are a constant source of long-term energy. Vegetable fibers do not split in the intestine, they promote proper food passage through the intestine and provide a cleansing function, eliminating stagnation and fecal stones.

Hypothyroidism diet should include a lot of high protein foods (lean meats, dairy products, cheese), vitamins and mineral salts. All of these components accelerate metabolism. Dairy products also help reduce constipation, which is very typical for patients with hypothyroidism. Also useful are dried fruits – apricots, dates, figs, prunes – they swell up in the intestine and facilitate proper bowel movement, and fresh beet juice which has to be mixed with carrot or apple juice (pure beet juice can irritate the gastrointestinal tract).

Vegetarian diet is also highly desirable in treatment of thyroid disorders. It is imperative to include more greens, root vegetables, fruits, nuts and vegetable proteins. They contain necessary organic iodine.

Hypothyroidism diet should also include fish, seafood and seaweed. These products have the highest content of iodine. Here are some other foods that contain iodine in large quantities: beans, green peas, carrots, tomatoes, lettuce, beets, potatoes, garlic, apple seeds, grapes, persimmons, millet and buckwheat. The iodine content in foods of plant origin depends on the soil in which these products are grown. Vegetables grown in iodine rich and iodine poor soils can have vastly different iodine content.

According to some theories, it is believed that the main cause of thyroid problems is toxins in the body. In hypothyroidism and overactive gland, the lymph is contaminated to the point it does not function properly. When the thyroid is constantly irritated by toxin contaminated blood, it can no longer control the pituitary gland, which leads to problems in its function as well. Presence of toxins, harmful to the thyroid gland, in the blood stream is associated with contamination and poor performance of liver and intestines. In addition, it is believed that one of the causes for hypothyroidism is disruption of absorbability of iodine and other nutrients in the intestines, and the reason for hypothyroidism is untimely release of iodine from the body. Based on this theory, the diet of patients, suffering from the diseases of thyroid gland should be such as to cleanse the blood, liver and intestines and to normalize their function.

Since hypothyroidism is associated with the decrease in thyroid hormone production, it is necessary to avoid eating rutabagas, radishes, cabbage, peaches, soybeans, spinach, peanuts because all these foods can interfere with thyroid hormone.

Also, the following products should be avoided:

• Fatty meats, sausages
• Sugar and confectionary
• Margarine, artificial fats
• White bread, pastries, muffins
• Fried, smokes and canned foods
• Spicy condiments: mayonnaise, vinegar, peppers
• Chemicals: dyes, flavors, flavor enhancers, stabilizers, preservatives
• No smoking, alcohol and coffee

In conclusion we would like to point out that the main treatment of hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement therapy. However, proper diet can significantly ease the condition in patients.