What should hypothyroid patients eat

This is called primary hypothyroidism and the most common type of hypothyroidism. Other causes of primary hypothyroidism are iodine deficiency, a genetic disorder, taking certain medications, and surgery that removes part of the thyroid 6. This happens when the pituitary gland is not working properly and is called secondary hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones are very important. They help control growth, cell repair, and metabolism — the process by which your body converts what you eat into energy. Your metabolism affects your body temperature and at what rate you burn calories. That is why people with hypothyroidism often feel cold and fatigued and may gain weight easily 1. Learn more about the signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism.

The thyroid hormone is important for growth, repair, and metabolism. People with hypothyroidism may often feel cold and fatigued and may gain weight easily. The thyroid hormone helps control the speed of your metabolism. The faster your metabolism, the more calories your body burns at rest. People with hypothyroidism make less thyroid hormone.

This means they have a slower metabolism and burn fewer calories at rest. Having a slow metabolism comes with several health risks. It may leave you tired, increase your blood cholesterol levels , and make it harder for you to lose weight 7. If you find it difficult to maintain your weight with hypothyroidism, try doing moderate or high intensity cardio. This includes exercises like fast-paced walking, running, hiking, and rowing.

Research shows that moderate to high intensity aerobic exercise may help boost your thyroid hormone levels. In turn, this may help speed up your metabolism 8 , 9. People with hypothyroidism might also benefit from increasing protein intake. Research shows that higher protein diets help increase the rate of your metabolism People with hypothyroidism usually have a slower metabolism.

Research shows that aerobic exercise can help boost your thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, eating more protein may help boost your metabolism. Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones. Thus, people with iodine deficiency might be at risk of hypothyroidism If you have an iodine deficiency, consider adding iodized table salt to your meals or eating more iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs.

Iodine supplements are unnecessary, as you can get plenty of iodine from your diet. Some studies have also shown that getting too much of this mineral may damage the thyroid gland This essential mineral also has antioxidant benefits, which means it may protect the thyroid gland from damage by molecules called free radicals Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is a great way to boost your selenium levels.

This includes Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes. Your subscription is confirmed for news related to biggest developments in health, medicine and wellbeing. Now playing. Reminder Successfully Set! Next Story: Stress eating and ways to curb your cravings.

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Eating a balanced diet makes taking supplemental iodine unnecessary. In fact, too much iodine can cause hyperthyroidism in some people. Other supplements such as soy, taken in large amounts, may have an impact on thyroid hormone production but won't cause hypothyroidism in people who are not also iodine deficient.

Avoiding dietary extremes will ensure thyroid health. If you have concerns, talk with your doctor about taking a multivitamin with minerals. If you have hypothyroidism, take thyroid hormone replacement medication as directed by your doctor — generally with an empty stomach. It's also important to note that too much dietary fiber can impair the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication. Certain foods, supplements and medications can have the same effect. To avoid potential interactions, eat these foods or use these products several hours before or after you take your thyroid medication.

Supplements containing biotin, common in hair and nail preparations, can interfere with the measurement of thyroid hormone. Biotin does not affect thyroid hormone levels, but supplements should be stopped for at least a week before measuring your thyroid function so that your thyroid status is accurately reflected. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Sign up for free, and stay up-to-date on research advancements, health tips and current health topics, like COVID, plus expert advice on managing your health.

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