Hypothyroidism affects 5-15% of the world population, with dietary modifications helpful in alleviating symptoms. Iodine-rich foods can reverse the disease caused by iodine deficiency, while avoiding goitrogenic foods is helpful. Those with thyroid disease may need a synthetic hormone supplement, but dietary changes can still help. Consult a doctor before starting a hypothyroidism diet or exercise plan.
Hypothyroidism is an endocrine disorder that develops when the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone. This disease affects between 5 and 15 percent of the world population. While there is no medical hypothyroidism diet that can cure a disorder of the thyroid gland, careful attention to diet can alleviate some of the symptoms. Also, because iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, including iodine-rich foods in a hypothyroid diet may be helpful.
The main consequence of hypothyroidism is reduced metabolism. This manifests itself in many different ways, causing a wide variety of symptoms. Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include fatigue, low energy, weight gain, loss of appetite, dry skin, hair loss, muscle or joint pain, depression, forgetfulness, reduced ability to concentrate, constipation, blurred vision, and intolerance to cold.
Worldwide, the leading cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency. This cause is more common in developing countries; In the Western world, hypothyroidism is more commonly caused by a thyroid disease that reduces thyroid hormone production. In both cases, dietary modifications can be helpful in relieving symptoms or reversing the disease altogether.
In someone with hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency, a diet rich in iodine can completely reverse the disease, as long as no lasting damage has been done to the body. Foods rich in iodine include fish, shellfish, eggs, yogurt, cheese, sea salt, and iodized salt. It is also best to avoid eating large amounts of so-called goitrogenic foods. These are foods that suppress thyroid function, and include cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, soy products, turnips, radishes, and rutabagas.
When hypothyroidism is caused by thyroid disease rather than iodine deficiency, a hypothyroidism diet may not provide a cure. People with thyroid disease usually must take a synthetic thyroid hormone supplement every day. Still, dietary modification can be helpful in helping to alleviate symptoms of hypothyroidism, particularly while medications are taking effect.
For someone who already has enough iodine in their diet, increasing this amount will not improve thyroid activity, but avoiding goitrogenic foods is often helpful. Reducing salt in the diet can help reduce water retention and improve gastrointestinal bloating. People with constipation may want to consider adjusting the amount of fiber in their diet if it is low. Eating several small meals throughout the day, rather than three larger meals, can help with digestion and sometimes slightly improve metabolism. Additionally, both cardiovascular exercise and strength training can help improve metabolism and reduce the effects of weight gain.
Anyone planning to start a hypothyroidism diet or start exercising should consult a doctor before doing so. This is important to ensure that diet and exercise are healthy and do not cause complications of hypothyroidism or other side effects. Working with a dietitian or nutritionist can also be helpful, as a diet that restricts the intake of some foods has the potential to be nutritionally deficient, and professional nutritional advice can prevent this.
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