Thyroid Diet: Eating For Your Borderline Thyroid

Borderline hypothyroidism is an early form of hypothyroidism, which causes an underactive thyroid and high thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels. The condition can be so minor that there are only very mild, non-specific symptoms or none at all. Most cases are asymptomatic. While there is no specific diet for thyroid disease, experts recommend that people with borderline thyroid keep their soy consumption low. Root vegetables are also healthy parts of your diet, except for cassava, which people with hypothyroidism should avoid. Iodine-rich foods like milk, dairy, saltwater fish, and iodised table salt can reduce your risk of the condition. However, taking too much iodine can result in an overactive thyroid.

Borderline thyroid is an underactive thyroid that hasn't reached the level of hypothyroidism

There is no specific diet for thyroid disease, but eating well means focusing on balanced meals full of whole foods, including fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins. Choosing more nutritionally dense foods and exercising can help you feel more energised, support a healthy weight, and stay on top of your health.

Since both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are associated with insulin resistance, you should consider having your fasting glucose and insulin levels tested, evaluated, and treated. For borderline levels, limiting added sugars, practising mindful eating, and reducing your intake of foods high in refined carbohydrates can lower your blood sugar and help with weight loss.

It's important to work closely with your healthcare team and a registered dietitian to develop a plan tailored to your individual needs. For example, soy may hinder the absorption of certain thyroid medications, and cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables can alter iodine levels when eaten raw. However, cooking these vegetables can negate these effects.

Soy consumption should be kept low for people with borderline thyroid

Borderline thyroid is when the thyroid is a little underactive but not quite to the level of hypothyroidism. There is no specific diet for thyroid disease, but eating well means focusing on balanced meals full of whole foods, including fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins.

Regular thyroid function testing is essential for those who consume soy frequently to monitor potential impacts on thyroid health.

Root vegetables are generally healthy for people with thyroid conditions

People with borderline thyroid conditions should keep their soy consumption low. This is because soy can negatively impact thyroid function and alter the levels of thyroid hormones. However, according to Dr Veeramachaneni, most root vegetables, including carrots, potatoes and beets, are healthy parts of your diet, regardless of whether you have a thyroid condition or not. The exception is cassava, which people with hypothyroidism should avoid.

Radishes are another root vegetable that is full of fibre and vitamins but also contains goitrogens, which can block iodine from reaching the thyroid gland.

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, kale and Brussels sprouts, have also been thought to interfere with how the thyroid uses iodine. However, this is a misconception, as you would have to consume an excessive amount of these vegetables for them to interfere with iodine and hormone production in the thyroid.

A balanced diet that includes whole foods, fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes and lean proteins is recommended for people with thyroid conditions.

Balanced meals are recommended for people with thyroid disease

If you have borderline thyroid, it is recommended that you keep your soy consumption low. For people with hyperthyroidism, soy is fine to include in your diet. Most root vegetables are also healthy parts of your diet, regardless of whether you have a thyroid condition or not, except for cassava, which people with hypothyroidism should avoid.

Since both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are associated with insulin resistance, you should consider having your fasting glucose and insulin levels tested, evaluated, and treated. For borderline levels, limiting added sugars, practising mindful eating, and reducing your intake of foods high in refined carbohydrates, such as pastries, French fries, and potato chips, can lower your blood sugar and help with weight loss.

It is important to work closely with your healthcare team and a registered dietitian to develop a plan tailored to your individual needs. For example, soy may hinder the absorption of certain thyroid medications, and cabbage and other cruciferous vegetables can alter iodine levels when eaten raw. However, cooking these vegetables can negate these effects.

Getting plenty of iodine in your diet can reduce your risk of borderline hyperthyroidism

While there is no specific diet for thyroid disease, eating a balanced diet full of whole foods, including fruits, veggies, whole grains, legumes, and lean proteins, is recommended. An underactive thyroid can slow down your metabolism, causing fatigue, constipation, and weight gain. Choosing more nutritionally dense foods and exercising can help you feel more energized, support a healthy weight, and stay on top of your health.

If you have borderline hyperthyroidism, you may not be able to prevent it, but some evidence suggests that getting plenty of iodine in your diet can reduce your risk of the condition. Iodine is a mineral the body needs to create thyroid hormones. Milk and other dairy products, saltwater fish, and iodized table salt are rich sources of iodine. You can also talk to a healthcare provider or pharmacist about iodine supplements. These supplements are generally safe if you take less than 100 micrograms (µg) per day. Taking too much iodine can result in an overactive thyroid.

For people with borderline hypothyroidism, experts recommend keeping soy consumption low. Root vegetables are generally healthy, except for cassava, which should be avoided by people with hypothyroidism.

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