Brenda Khan
Diet and supplements can have an impact on thyroid health, and this is an important topic to address with a healthcare professional, especially if you are experiencing thyroid issues. While medication is the first line of treatment for thyroid conditions, dietary interventions and specific supplements may help treat certain thyroid diseases. A well-rounded, healthy nutrition plan is important, and certain foods and supplements should be avoided or limited, such as soy, cruciferous vegetables, and cassava. Root vegetables, on the other hand, are generally considered healthy, except for cassava, which can be harmful to those with hypothyroidism if not cooked properly. Additionally, iodine deficiency is linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer, and correcting this deficiency may help protect against more aggressive forms of the disease. Selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins D and B12 may also be beneficial for people with Hashimoto's disease, a common cause of hypothyroidism. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to determine the best supplement regimen based on individual needs and health status.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Diet | A nutritious and well-rounded diet can help support thyroid function, even if you have hypothyroidism. |
| Supplements | Selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins D and B12 may be beneficial for people with Hashimoto's disease. |
| Iodine | Low iodine intake is linked to an increased risk of thyroid cancer. However, iodine supplements can negatively affect thyroid function if taken without a physician's guidance. |
| Foods to Avoid | Soy, cruciferous vegetables (in excessive amounts), and cassava (for people with hypothyroidism). |
| Foods to Include | Root vegetables (except cassava), selenium-rich foods, and a diet low in pro-inflammatory foods, added sugar, and ultra-processed foods. |
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What You'll Learn
A balanced diet is key
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining thyroid health. While medication is the primary treatment for thyroid conditions, dietary interventions can help reduce symptoms and support overall health. This includes addressing nutritional deficiencies and incorporating nutrient-rich foods into your diet.
For instance, iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, and a deficiency can contribute to hypothyroidism. However, iodine supplements should only be taken under medical supervision, as they can negatively affect thyroid function if taken inappropriately. Selenium is another important nutrient, as a deficiency has been linked to the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases like Hashimoto's thyroiditis. While selenium supplements may be recommended for those with a selenium deficiency, they are not broadly suggested for individuals with hypothyroidism due to a lack of comprehensive research.
It is important to note that dietary needs vary depending on the specific thyroid condition. For example, individuals with hypothyroidism may be advised to limit soy and cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and kale. However, these vegetables are generally considered part of a healthy and balanced diet, and excessive consumption would be required to interfere with iodine absorption. Root vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and beets, are also healthy components of a thyroid-friendly diet, except for cassava, which should be avoided by those with hypothyroidism due to its toxin-producing properties.
Consulting a healthcare professional is crucial before starting any supplements, as they can cause harm in certain cases. Working with a registered dietitian can help individuals with thyroid conditions develop a balanced eating plan that meets their specific nutritional needs and avoids any potentially harmful foods or supplements.
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Supplements may do more harm than good
While dietary interventions and supplements may help treat certain thyroid diseases, certain supplements may do more harm than good when it comes to thyroid health. For instance, many thyroid supplements contain high amounts of iodine and may contain thyroid hormones. Taking these supplements can lead to dangerous side effects and create thyroid issues in people with healthy thyroid function. They can lead to elevated thyroid hormone levels in the blood and cause symptoms of hyperthyroidism, which can lead to dangerous complications.
Some supplements that are marketed towards those looking to promote thyroid health may be dangerous to take. For example, tyrosine is an amino acid involved in thyroid hormone production, and while it is necessary for thyroid hormone synthesis, supplementing with it does not necessarily improve thyroid function and could lead to imbalances. It is recommended that you focus on getting tyrosine from dietary sources rather than supplements.
Additionally, supplements containing animal thyroid glands can contain varying amounts of thyroid hormones, which can interfere with prescribed thyroid medication and lead to imbalances. The purity and safety of the animal products is also not verifiable, and it is generally recommended that you avoid non-prescription supplements containing animal thyroid glands.
Iron and calcium supplements can also significantly reduce the absorption of thyroid medication when taken simultaneously. It is recommended that you take these supplements at least four hours apart from your thyroid medication and consult your healthcare provider before starting any new supplementation.
Therefore, while some supplements may be beneficial for thyroid health, it is important to be aware that certain supplements may do more harm than good and to always consult a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen.
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Iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism
Iodine is an essential mineral for the human body, and iodine deficiency can have serious health consequences, including thyroid disorders. Iodine is required for the production of thyroid hormones, which regulate metabolism and other vital functions. Severe iodine deficiency can lead to an enlarged thyroid gland, known as a goitre, and hypothyroidism. In mild-to-moderate iodine deficiency, the body can compensate by increasing thyroid activity, but this comes at the cost of an increased prevalence of toxic nodular goitre and hyperthyroidism.
The recommended daily intake of iodine for adults and the elderly is generally 150 micrograms. However, in pregnant or lactating women, the requirement increases to at least 200–250 micrograms daily. Newborns, children, and adolescents also have a higher iodine requirement per kilogram of body weight compared to adults. Iodine deficiency is a global health issue, with around one-third of the world's population living in areas where iodine deficiency is endemic. The introduction of iodised salt has helped reduce iodine deficiency in many countries.
The relationship between iodine intake and thyroid function is complex. While severe iodine deficiency can cause hypothyroidism, correcting iodine deficiency in a previously deficient population may lead to a small increase in the prevalence of subclinical hypothyroidism and thyroid autoimmunity. This increase may be transient, and optimisation of iodine intake at a population level is still an important preventive measure to reduce the overall prevalence of thyroid disorders.
For individuals with hypothyroidism, certain dietary considerations may be necessary. While most root vegetables are considered safe, people with hypothyroidism should avoid cassava, a root vegetable that can produce toxins that interfere with thyroid function if not properly cooked. Kelp, a type of seaweed, is generally safe to consume in food amounts but should be avoided in supplement form, as excessive intake can affect thyroid health. It is always advisable to consult a healthcare provider for personalised guidance on diet and supplements, especially when living with a thyroid condition.
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Selenium and hypothyroidism
Selenium is a mineral that is essential for thyroid function. It is important for the production of thyroid hormones and for maintaining normal thyroid function. The thyroid has the highest concentration of selenium in the body. While most people get enough selenium from their diet, some may benefit from supplementation after consulting a healthcare professional. Selenium is found naturally in various foods, including Brazil nuts, seafood, and eggs.
Hashimoto's thyroiditis, an autoimmune disorder in which the body produces antibodies that attack the thyroid gland, is the most common cause of hypothyroidism in the United States. Women are ten times more likely to suffer from hypothyroidism than men, and the prevalence increases with age. Some studies have shown that selenium levels are lower in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis, suggesting that selenium deficiency may be a risk factor for the disease.
Several studies have found that selenium supplementation can reduce thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPO) and improve the severity of hypothyroidism symptoms. Selenium supplements have also been associated with a slower progression of symptoms and improved quality of life for people with thyroid eye disease (Graves' orbitopathy). However, one intervention trial found that the risk of adverse effects was significantly higher in the selenium supplementation group. More studies are needed to fully understand the role of selenium supplementation in slowing the onset of hypothyroidism.
Pregnant women with TPO-Ab-positive have a higher risk of developing postpartum thyroid dysfunction (PPTD) and permanent hypothyroidism. One study showed that supplementation with 200 micrograms of SeMet per day during pregnancy and postpartum reduced the incidence of PPTD and hypothyroidism. Additionally, in patients with severe hypothyroidism, the combination of L-T4 (levothyroxine) and selenium therapy was more effective than L-T4 monotherapy.
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Foods to avoid with hypothyroidism
Dietary changes and supplements may help treat certain thyroid diseases, including hypothyroidism. However, it is important to note that there is no specific "hypothyroidism diet" that will cure the condition.
If you have hypothyroidism, you may want to avoid foods that may trigger your immune system or cause inflammation. This includes eliminating gluten, processed foods, and sugary foods and drinks. Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism can cause the body's metabolism to slow down, making it easier to gain weight. Therefore, it is recommended to reduce or eliminate sugar from your diet. Additionally, processed foods tend to be high in sodium, which people with hypothyroidism should also avoid due to their increased risk of high blood pressure.
Some healthcare professionals also recommend reducing your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat. This is because fats may interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormones.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage have also been associated with hypothyroidism. Research has shown that these vegetables may block the thyroid's ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, one would need to consume a significant amount of these vegetables for them to truly impact iodine uptake. Cooking cruciferous vegetables also reduces their goitrogenic activity, making them safer to consume.
Some studies have suggested that soy may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication, so it is advised to wait four hours after eating soy-based foods before taking medication. However, other studies have found that soy has no effect on thyroid hormones.
It is important to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian before making any significant dietary changes or taking supplements. They can help identify which foods may need to be limited or avoided and develop a balanced eating plan that doesn't unnecessarily cut out nutrient-rich ingredients.
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Frequently asked questions
A nutritious and well-balanced diet is recommended for thyroid health. This includes a diet low in pro-inflammatory foods, added sugars, and ultra-processed foods. Root vegetables, including carrots, potatoes, and beets, are considered healthy for thyroid health. People with hypothyroidism should avoid cassava, a root vegetable that can produce toxins that slow down an already underactive thyroid.
Research suggests that certain supplements, including selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins D and B12, may be beneficial for people with Hashimoto’s disease, an autoimmune disease that is the most common cause of hypothyroidism. However, it is important to consult a healthcare provider before taking any supplements, as they can cause health issues in people with and without thyroid disease.
People with thyroid conditions may be advised to limit their intake of soy and cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, and kale. However, it is important to note that these vegetables are part of a healthy and balanced diet, and one would have to consume an excessive amount for them to interfere with iodine and hormone production in the thyroid.
In addition to medication, a diet low in pro-inflammatory foods, added sugars, and ultra-processed foods is recommended for people with hypothyroidism. Eating foods rich in specific nutrients may also support thyroid health, and addressing nutritional deficiencies with dietary changes or supplements may be suggested by doctors.
Kelp, a type of seaweed, is generally safe to consume in food form, but it should be avoided in supplement form. People with thyroid issues should not exceed the average daily recommended intake of 158 to 175 micrograms of kelp per day. Additionally, iodine supplements should be avoided unless advised by a physician, as they can negatively affect thyroid function.
