Milly Gaines
While there is no specific diet that causes hypothyroidism, certain foods can worsen symptoms or impair the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication. Iodine deficiency is a known cause of hypothyroidism, and while rare in developed countries due to iodine-fortified foods, it can still occur. Selenium deficiency is also linked to hypothyroidism, and while supplementation is not broadly recommended, it may be suggested by a healthcare professional if one cannot meet their selenium needs through food. Restrictive diets can increase the risk of hypothyroidism by causing nutrient deficiencies, whereas diets rich in oils, nuts, seeds, seafood, vegetables, and low-fat protein can protect against hypothyroidism due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diet, paleo diet, and autoimmune elimination diets are recommended for people with hypothyroidism.
Does diet cause hypothyroidism?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Iodine deficiency | Can cause hypothyroidism |
| Selenium deficiency | Can negatively affect thyroid function |
| Dietary extremes | Can affect how well medication works |
| Soy | May interfere with the body's ability to absorb synthetic thyroid hormones |
| Calcium supplements | May impair the body's ability to absorb thyroid medication |
| Iron supplements | May impair the body's ability to absorb thyroid medication |
| Antacids containing calcium or aluminium hydroxide | May impair the body's ability to absorb thyroid medication |
| Cruciferous vegetables | Can interfere with iodine and thyroid hormone production |
| Root vegetables | Generally not a cause for concern, except cassava, which can slow down thyroid hormone production |
| Weight gain | Not caused by thyroid function |
| Recommended diets | Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diet, paleo diet, autoimmune elimination diets |
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What You'll Learn
Iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism
While diet does not cause hypothyroidism, iodine deficiency is one of the causes of hypothyroidism. Iodine is an essential mineral that helps produce thyroid hormones. A deficiency in iodine can lead to the development of some types of hypothyroidism.
Severe iodine deficiency causes hypothyroidism because, despite the thyroid's increased activity to maximise iodine uptake and recycling, iodine concentrations are too low to enable the production of thyroid hormones. In mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, increased thyroid activity can compensate for low iodine intake and maintain euthyroidism in most individuals. However, chronic thyroid stimulation results in an increase in the prevalence of toxic nodular goitre and hyperthyroidism.
Iodine deficiency is less common in developed countries as iodine is added to many foods, including table salt. However, certain individuals are at a higher risk of iodine deficiency and should consult a healthcare professional to manage their iodine intake.
Selenium is another mineral that supports thyroid hormone production and protects the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress. While more research is needed, experts do not recommend selenium supplements for individuals with hypothyroidism. Instead, a healthcare professional may recommend supplementation only in cases of selenium deficiency where the patient cannot obtain selenium through food sources.
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Selenium-rich foods
While diet does not cause hypothyroidism, certain foods can make the symptoms worse. Nutritional deficiencies can be addressed with dietary changes or supplements. Selenium is a vital mineral that supports thyroid hormone production and protects the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress. Selenium-rich foods include:
- Brazil nuts
- Bananas
- Eggs
- Fish
- Lean meats
- Chicken
- Liver
- Garlic
- Red meat
- Grains
- Brewer's yeast
- Wheat germ
- Enriched breads
- Refined grains (white bread, pasta)
The amount of selenium in these foods depends on the selenium content of the soil in which they were grown. Selenium deficiency is rare, but it can be more common in certain parts of the world. A healthcare professional can help determine your target selenium levels and develop a dietary regimen. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) of selenium is 55 micrograms, but the National Institutes of Health (NIH) has identified 400 micrograms as the daily upper limit for adults.
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Dietary extremes
While there is no specific hypothyroidism diet, certain foods can impair the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication. Dr Todd Nippoldt, an endocrinologist, advises avoiding dietary extremes and consulting a healthcare provider about taking a multivitamin with minerals.
Some foods that can affect the absorption of thyroid medication include walnuts, soy, iron and calcium supplements, and antacids containing calcium or aluminium hydroxide. Soy has long been thought to interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormones, but there is no evidence that people with hypothyroidism should avoid it entirely. Instead, it is recommended to wait at least four hours after taking thyroid medication before consuming soy products.
Cruciferous vegetables, such as cassava, can also have an adverse effect on thyroid hormones. However, Dr Bakar emphasises that one would have to consume an excessive amount of these vegetables for them to interfere with iodine and hormone production. Cassava, in particular, can be toxic if not prepared properly, and even when properly prepared, its toxins can slow down thyroid hormone production.
Additionally, restrictive diets can increase the risk of nutrient deficiencies, which can negatively impact thyroid function. A well-balanced diet that satisfies all dietary needs and includes thyroid-boosting nutrients may help reduce the risk of hypothyroidism. Eating patterns such as the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diet, paleo diet, and autoimmune elimination diets under medical supervision may be beneficial for people with hypothyroidism.
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Calcium-rich foods
While diet does not cause hypothyroidism, certain foods can make the symptoms worse. Nutritional deficiencies can be addressed with dietary changes or supplements. Iodine, for example, is a crucial mineral for the production of thyroid hormones, and a deficiency can contribute to the development of certain types of hypothyroidism.
There are also many calcium-rich foods that are non-dairy. Seeds, such as poppy, sesame, celery, and chia seeds, are tiny but nutritional powerhouses, packed with calcium and other minerals. Almonds are another great source of calcium, with 1 ounce (28 grams) delivering 6% of the daily value (DV) for calcium.
Some foods that are fortified with calcium, such as certain cereals, can make it easier to meet your daily calcium needs, and some types of cereal can deliver up to 1000 mg (100% of the DV) per serving.
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Root vegetables
While there is no specific diet for hypothyroidism, eating certain foods may worsen the symptoms. Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to weight gain, tiredness, and mood changes.
Some vegetables can interfere with thyroid hormone production and cause problems for people with hypothyroidism. Root vegetables, for instance, are often mentioned as a food group to avoid. However, according to Dr. Veeramachaneni, most root vegetables are not a cause for concern for people with hypothyroidism, except for cassava.
Cassava, also known as yuca, is a root vegetable originating from South America and Africa. It is gaining popularity in health food markets and is available in various forms, including whole, flour, chips, pasta, and tortillas. The trouble with cassava is that it can be toxic if not prepared properly, and even when properly prepared, the toxins released can slow down thyroid hormone production. Therefore, people with hypothyroidism should exercise caution when consuming cassava.
Other root vegetables, such as sweet potatoes, while nutritious and rich in fibre, vitamins, and minerals, contain saponins that can interfere with thyroid hormone production. It is recommended to not consume more than one cup of sweet potatoes if you have hypothyroidism. Roasting sweet potatoes is a tasty way to prepare them while limiting your intake.
In conclusion, while there is no need to entirely avoid root vegetables, people with hypothyroidism should be mindful of their consumption, especially in the case of cassava and sweet potatoes. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for personalised dietary advice, as individual needs may vary.
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Frequently asked questions
No, diet does not cause hypothyroidism. However, certain diets can increase the risk of hypothyroidism. Diets high in oils, nuts, seeds, seafood, vegetables, and low-fat protein tend to protect against hypothyroidism due to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
There is no specific diet for managing hypothyroidism. However, eating patterns that may benefit people with hypothyroidism include the Mediterranean diet, anti-inflammatory diet, paleo diet, and autoimmune elimination diets under medical supervision.
If you have hypothyroidism, it is recommended to avoid dietary extremes and foods that interfere with thyroid medication. Some foods to be cautious of include cruciferous vegetables, soy, walnuts, and excess dietary fibre.
Iodine deficiency is a common cause of hypothyroidism, so iodine supplements may be recommended in some cases. Selenium supplements may also be suggested for people with selenium deficiency, as selenium supports thyroid hormone production. However, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before taking any supplements.
