The thyroid is a gland located at the base of the neck, it secretes thyroid hormones and is involved in the proper functioning of the whole organism. Hypothyroidism affects 2 to 3% of the population in USA and causes many symptoms: weight gain, fatigue, constipation, etc.
The main points of the special hypothyroidism diet:
Eat a diet rich in iodine
Avoid goitrogenic foods
Maintain good hydration
Fill up with the nutrients necessary for the proper functioning of the thyroid
Avoid foods that interfere with Levothyrox treatment
Benefits of an iodine-rich diet for hypothyroidism
The special hypothyroidism diet has many benefits, it allows:
Curb weight gain associated with hypothyroidism
Alleviate the symptoms of the disease
Avoid goitrogenic foods
Decrease the consumption of foods that may interfere with drug treatment
Maintain optimal nutritional status
Hypothyroidism and weight gain: dietary recommendations
If you have hypothyroidism, adopting an appropriate diet is essential to avoid weight gain but also to alleviate the many other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism. Good hydration is also essential to fight against constipation, it should be combined with other measures such as physical activity.
Iodine
The daily iodine requirement of an adult is 150 micrograms per day. In general, iodine is found in the following foods that should be consumed regularly:
Sea food
Algae
Fish (especially cod and haddock)
Milk and dairy products
Table salt enriched with iodine (380 micrograms for 5ml)
Selenium
Selenium contributes to the proper functioning of the thyroid gland, so it is recommended to consume enough as part of the special hypothyroidism diet.
The sources of selenium are:
Brazil nut
Fatty fish
Sea food
Meat and poultry
Shiitake mushrooms
Eggs
Whole grains
Vitamin B12
Like selenium, vitamin B12 participates in the optimal functioning of the thyroid. It is considered that 30% of people with hypothyroidism suffer from vitamin B12 deficiency. It is found in the following foods:
Molluscs
Sea food
Offal
Pisces
Meat and poultry
Eggs
Dairy products
Fortified soy milk
Whole grains
Diet yeast
Vitamin D
90% of people with hypothyroidism are said to be deficient in vitamin D. Foods that are sources of vitamin D are:
Fortified soy milk and drinks
Fatty fish
Margarines
Egg yolk
Shiitake mushrooms
Other recommended foods:
Omega 3
Antioxidants
Fruits and vegetables
Dietary fiber
Lean protein sources
Physical activity
In addition to eating a diet rich in iodine and taking Levothyrox, certain foods should be avoided with hypothyroidism. Either because they have a goitrogenic effect and slow down the functioning of the thyroid gland, or because they interfere with drug treatment, or because they promote weight gain. This is the case with soy, certain plants, fats and certain vitamin supplements.
“Goitrogenic” foods
Certain foods known as goitrogens are to be avoided as part of the special hypothyroidism diet. They slow down the functioning of the thyroid gland and prevent it from absorbing iodine, which is essential for the production of thyroid hormones.
Goitrogenic foods to avoid with hypothyroidism are
Brussels sprouts
Cabbage
Cauliflower
Kale
Broccoli
Mustard leaves
Cress
Turnip
Rutabaga
Sweet potatoes
Soy beans
Peanuts
Millet
However, cooking inactivates the goitrogenic effects of these foods.
Iron, Calcium and Fiber Supplements
If you are taking iron, calcium, or fiber supplements, it is advisable not to consume them around the time of taking Levothyrox. You should wait 4 hours between the two because these supplements compete with the treatment and can lessen its effect.
Alcohol and coffee
The consumption of alcohol and coffee should be limited and not take place around the time of taking the treatment. Allow at least 1 hour between the two to avoid interference.
Other foods not recommended:
Industrial products and ready-made meals
Simple sugars
Refined products
Tobacco