Diet in Hypothyroidism
The thyroid is a small gland in the throat which produces thyroid hormone.
Hypothyroidism is the condition when the gland produces less thyroid hormones than the body needs. This can slow down the body’s metabolism and cause weight gain, fatigue, and many other symptoms. Thyroid hormone replacement medication is prescribed by a doctor and advised in an empty stomach as certain foods, supplements and medications can interfere with medicine’s absorption. These are:
- High fibre food
- Walnuts
- Soybean flour
- Iron supplements
- Calcium supplements
- Antacids
- sucralfate (Carafate)
- cholestyramine (Prevalite) and colestipol (Colestid)
Dietary Management:
The diet can have a significant impact on the symptoms of hypothyroidism. Some foods may improve certain symptoms, while others may make them worse or interfere with treatment.
- Foods that contain certain nutrients, such as iodine, selenium, and zinc, can help maintain healthy thyroid function.
- Selenium is a micronutrient that plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones and has antioxidant activity.
- Zinc supplementation, alone or in combination with selenium supplementation, improves thyroid function.
- Reducing intake of goitrogens helps people with hypothyroidism. Goitrogen ( found in cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli etc ) are compounds that can affect thyroid function if consumed in large amounts. Some evidence indicates that soy might interfere with how the body produces thyroid hormones.
People with hypothyroidism may gain weight more easily than people without the condition. This is because hypothyroidism can slow metabolism. Healthy diet, reducing processed food, high intensity exercise and strength training help losing/ maintaining weight and managing symptoms.