Diet for Hypothyroid patient.

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A person's diet have significant impact on thyroid disorder.
Some food can improve the condition and some food can worsen the condition.

In this article we will discuss how diet affects Hypothyroidism.

How does diet affect Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism occurs when the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones. Doctors treat hypothyroidism with medicine like levothyroxine that replaces the thyroid hormone.

 Diet cannot cure hypothyroidism, it plays important roles in managing the condition:

• Foods that contain certain nutrients will help in maintain proper thyroid function, such as iodine, selenium, and zinc.
• Other foods can impade with normal thyroid function, such as those containing goitrogens and soy, so limiting these can improve symptoms.
• Some foods and supplements can impade with how well the body absorbs thyroid replacement medicine, so limiting these foods can also help.

Hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain because it can slow down a body's metabolism.

Therefore, a person with hypothyroidism should aim for a healthful diet to prevent weight gain.

Making dietary changes can have an impact on how a person feels and may help improve their quality of life.

The following sections identify some of the nutrients that can help people with hypothyroidism, and which foods contain them.-

1. Iodine-

The body requires iodine to produce thyroid hormones. However, the body cannot make iodine, so a person needs to get iodine from their diet.

⇒ Iodine deficiency can also cause an enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goiter.

⇒Foods rich in iodine include:

• cheese
• milk
• ice cream
• iodized table salt
• saltwater fish
• seaweed
• whole eggs

Iodine deficiency is relatively uncommon in the United States due to the use of iodized table salt, but it is more common in other areas around the world.

However, a person should avoid consuming large amounts of iodine because excess iodine can worsen hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.

2. Selenium-

Foods rich in selenium include:

• Brazil nuts
• tuna
• shrimp
• turkey
• chicken
• ham
• eggs
• oatmeal
• whole wheat bread

3. Zinc

→Zinc is another nutrient that has beneficial effects on a person’s thyroid hormones.

→Foods rich in zinc include:

• oysters
• beef
• crab
• fortified cereal
• pork
• chicken
• legumes
• pumpkin seeds
• yogurt

What Food should avoid in hypothyroidism-

Some foods contain nutrients that can interfere with thyroid health. While these foods are not off-limits, people may notice improvements by limiting their consumption.

1. Goitrogens

Some foods contain goitrogens that can potentially decrease thyroid hormone production.

Foods that contain goitrogens are typically green, cruciferous vegetables, including:

• collards
• brussels sprouts
• Russian kale
• broccoli
• broccoli rabe
• cauliflower
• cabbage

However, these foods also offer plenty of health benefits.

People with hypothyroidism can still enjoy these foods in moderation because scientists believe goitrogens only affect a person’s hormones when they consume them in excess.

Also, the cooking process appears to deactivate the goitrogen’s effects.

2. Possibly gluten

Hypothyroidism may have links to an underlying autoimmune disorder, so people may be more at risk of developing other autoimmune conditions, including celiac disease.

Celiac disease causes chronic inflammation and damage to the small intestine due to the ingestion of gluten. Gluten is a protein in wheat and other grains, including barley, oat, and rye.

Treating celiac disease involves following a gluten-free diet. People with autoimmune-related hypothyroidism can try to cut gluten out of their diets to see if their symptoms improve.

3. Soy

Researchers have found that soy may interfere with how the body produces thyroid hormone.

In one published case study, a woman developed severe hypothyroidism after consuming a health drink containing high amounts of soy for 6 months. Her condition improved after discontinuing the drink and taking thyroid hormone replacement medication.

Foods that contain soy include:

• soy milk
• soy sauce
• edamame
• tofu
• miso

4. Processed foods

A person should avoid processed foods, which tend to be calorie-dense and offer little nutritional benefit. These types of foods also promote weight gain.

Examples of processed foods include:

• fast food
• hot dogs
• donuts
• cakes
• cookies

Other diet tips-

Certain foods and supplements can make hypothyroid medication less effective.

⇒The following medications and supplements may interfere with the body’s absorption of thyroid hormone:

• antacids or acid reducers
• calcium supplements
• iron supplements
• high-fiber foods, such as bran flakes, fiber bars, and drinks
• foods high in iodine
• soy-based foods

People using these medications, supplements, or foods regularly should speak to their doctor regarding the best ways to manage their medication and thyroid hormone levels.

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