Hypothyroidism Diet

Hypothyroidism Diet

What’s a Good Diet For Hypothyroidism: Foods not to Eat and Foods You Should Eat.

Hypothyroidism as we know it is a condition of the body where your body will not produce enough thyroid hormones to function well.

We know Thyroid hormones are the little helpers that control your growth, helps to repair and maintain a good metabolism.

So if you suffer from hypothyroidism you may have some of these symptoms, chills, tiredness, hair loss, depression, weight gain and many more. Hypothyroidism is known to affect from 1 to 2 percent of people around the world and 10x more likely to show up in women than in men.

To be truthful foods by themselves will not clear up or cure hypothyroidism. But the right combination of nutrients or medication will help bring back your thyroid function and reverse your symptoms.

The first step is to be properly tested, I can’t tell you how many patients we have seen at Patients Medical that was not properly tested.

The TSH test is not the best test to take, you don’t get complete results from it. Here at Patients Medical we use a very specialized test called the TRH Challenge Test which is similar to comparing an EKG to a stress test an EKG is a static or a photograph still photography and a stress test is like a video of what happens to your heart, to learn more about the TRH Challenge test go here or click TRH Challenge link below.

When your doctor can’t determine whats wrong with you don’t let him just prescribe you antidepressants call us and come in for testing.

let’s talk about the best diet you should be on for hypothyroidism and some foods you should avoid.

We know that the hormones in the thyroid helps to control and keep track of your metabolism. If you have hypothyroidism you will burn fewer calories when resting because you have a slower metabolism. If you have a slow metabolism you may have some health risks. Higher blood cholesterol levels, feeling tired and you may have a hard time losing weight.

Research shows if you have a hard time keeping your weight, doing medium to high-intensity cardio exercises like quick paced walking, jogging, hiking, or even some rowing can help by boosting your thyroid hormone levels. It may also speed up your metabolism. If you have hypothyroidism you usually have a much slower metabolism.

Many People Ask What Nutrients Are Important?

Selenium

Selenium will help your body wake up your thyroid hormones so your body can use them. Selenium is an essential mineral with many antioxidant benefits which may protect the thyroid gland from free radicals that can damage them.

A good way to add selenium-rich foods to your diet is eating tuna, Brazil nuts, sardines, legumes, and eggs.

Please be careful with taking selenium supplements without the advice of your doctor as large doses of Selenium may be toxic.

Iodine

Iodine is also an essential mineral that is needed to produce thyroid hormones. If you have an iodine deficiency you may be at risk of developing hypothyroidism.

One-third of the population worldwide are iodine deficient. If you live in a developed country like USA its less likely you would be iodine deficient because of the iodine added in table salt that we use on our foods.

If you become iodine deficient add iodine salt to your food or you can eat iodine rich foods like fish, seaweed, eggs, and dairy.

Taking an iodine supplement is not necessary as you can easily just get a good amount of iodine from the food you eat and adding table salt.

Zinc

Similar to Selenium Zine will help your body wake up your thyroid hormones so your body can use them.

Research shows that zinc can help your body regulate TSH which is the hormone that tells your thyroid gland to set free your thyroid hormones.

The good news is if you lived in a developed country you should not be low in zinc as it’s in most of the food supply.

But if you have hypothyroidism eat zinc-rich foods like chicken, beef, oysters, and shellfish.

So to sum things up Selenium, Iodine and Zinc are very helpful to someone with hypothyroidism. Remember it’s good to avoid taking selenium and iodine supplements without the advice of your doctor.

Foods to Stay Away From

The good news is that there is not a lot of foods you need to stay away from if you have hypothyroidism.

Foods that have goitrogens in them needs to be eaten in moderation especially when cooked.

Avoid highly processed foods which always contain more calories. If you have hypothyroidism you can gain weight quickly.

Try to avoid completely:

Highly processed foods: Cakes, cookies, hot dogs, all processed meats etc.

Millet: All kinds.

Supplements: Iodine and selenium unless given to you by your doctor.

Foods to Eat In Moderation

Soy foods: Soy milk, tofu, edamame beans, etc

Gluten foods: Pasta, bread, beer, etc.

Cruciferous Veggies: Kale, Broccoli, spinach, cabbage, etc.

Fruits: Pears, strawberries, and peaches.

Beverages:Green tea, coffee, beer and hard alcohol can irritate the thyroid gland.

Note that if you have celiac disease from Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or don’t feel good about eating food with large amounts of gluten because they may cause discomfit then don’t eat any gluten foods at all.

Foods Good To Eat

Vegetables: Vegetables are good to eat. Cruciferous ones should be eaten in moderate portions.

Fruits: Oranges, bananas, tomatoes, etc.

Gluten-free seeds and grains: Flaxseed, quinoa, rice, buckwheat and chia seeds.

Dairy: Most dairy products like yogurt, milk, cheese, etc.

Beverages: Plenty of water and other non-caffeinated drinks.

Eggs: Iodine and selenium-rich whole eggs are best, the yoke is rich in iodine and selenium, and the whites are full of good protein.

Meats: Most meats chicken lamb, beef, etc.

Fish: Most seafood, including shrimp, tuna, oysters salmon, halibut, etc.

If you have hypothyroidism you need to eat a clean diet based on lean meats, veggies, and fruit. Which gives you a low-calorie diet and a very filling one, to help stop weight gain.

Healthy Sample Meal Plan

Here is a week-long meal plan for people with hypothyroidism.

It will provide you with a healthy amount of good protein and a moderate amount of crabs to maintain a good weight.

Be sure to take any thyroid medication 1 to 2 hours before your meal or go by the advice of your doctor. Note that calcium, fiber, iron and other nutrients can prevent your body from properly absorbing your thyroid medication.

Monday
  • Breakfast: Steel cut Oatmeal with 1/3 cup of berries.
  • Lunch: Grilled or chicken salmon salad.
  • Dinner: Baked Fish with rosemary, lemon, and black pepper and a side of steamed vegetables.
Tuesday
  • Breakfast: Bread ( Gluten-free) with 2 eggs.
  • Lunch: Chicken salad with Brazil nuts in a salad or on the side.
  • Dinner: Chicken Stir-fried and veggies side of rice.
Wednesday
  • Breakfast: 24hr chia seed pudding — 1 3/4 tbsp (27 grams) chia seeds, One cup (240 ml) Greek yogurt, sliced fruits you pick and 1/2 tsp vanilla extract. Put in a mason jar or bowl overnight while you sleep.
  • Lunch: Have leftovers from Tuesday dinner or turkey burger with Gluten free bun and carrots.
  • Dinner: Over roast lamb chop with steamed veggies.
Thursday
  • Breakfast: Bread ( Gluten-free) with 2 eggs.
  • Lunch: Leftovers from Wednesday dinner.
  • Dinner: Shrimp Stir-fry with a quinoa salad.
Friday
  • Breakfast: Mushroom, Zucchini egg frittata.
  • Lunch: Tuna salad cut up 1 boiled egg in the salad.
  • Dinner: Mediterranean pizza (gluten-free) with feta cheese, tomato paste and olives to taste.
Saturday
  • Breakfast: Omelet with various vegetables.
  • Lunch: Gluten-free chicken salad sandwich.
  • Dinner: Sliced lean Pork stir-fry -with bell peppers add corn tortillas and salsa on the side.
Sunday
  • Breakfast: Strawberry-Banana Smoothie.
  • Lunch: Quinoa salad with green vegetables and nuts.
  • Dinner: Steak fajitas with peppers and a side salad.

This is a very sample week of meals for anyone with hypothyroidism. You have lots of delicious options along with a healthy menu, feel free to mix it up.

To maintain a healthy weight you should get plenty of rest each night, try to get 6 to 8 hours of sleep, lack of sleep is linked to weight gain. Pay attention to what you eat, try to eat healthy whole food, notice how you eat, how fast you eat try to develop a good relationship with your food, yes I said relationship:)

Studies show that yoga and meditation may help you have less stress and better your overall health.

Stick to a lower carb diet, moderation is the key. Eating a moderated amount of crabs is best and will help maintain a healthy weight. But don’t do a ketogenic diet because too few crabs can lower your thyroid hormone level so don’t go overboard.

You can call Patients Medical to have us make a personalized meal and wellness plan just for you.

At Patients Medical no two patients are ever given the same treatment.

We focus on the root causes of secondary medical conditions, integrating modern medicine, holistic practices, and natural supplements to spark healing and prevent disease.

Call Us Today: (212) 794-8800

TRH Challenge link

https://www.patientsmedical.com/testing/thyroid-TRH-test.aspx

Make an Appointment