Hypoactive Thyroid Diet

The Thyroid:

The thyroid gland is part of the body's endocrine system, responsible for producing and secreting the thyroid hormones triiodothyronine (T3), and thyroxine (T4). This gland is located at the base of the neck and wraps around the windpipe. The only time it can be felt is if there is an abnormal growth, or nodule present on the lobes that lie on either side of the thyroid. The thyroid regulates the metabolic processes of the body.

Symptoms of Hypoactive Thyroid:

• Fatigue


• Depression


• Sluggishness


• Feeling cold


• Dry hair and skin


• Constipation


• Menstrual changes


• Weight gain of 5–10 pounds

Hashimoto’s Disease: An autoimmune disorder causing the immune system to attack the thyroid, resulting insufficient amounts of thyroid hormone produced, resulting in hypoactive thyroidism.

Diet tips for hypoactive Thyroid:

An underactive thyroid causes a decrease in metabolism, resulting in weight gain. Below are some tips on managing weight gain associated with hypoactive thyroid disease. These food are rich in tyrosine.

• Lean meats such as chicken, turkey, and fish


• Low-fat yogurt


• Low-fat milk


• Avocado


• Bananas


• Lima beans


• Pumpkin seeds


• Sesame seeds


• Lentils

Protein rich foods, such as lean meats, egg whites etc. to avoid weight gain and depression.

Essential fatty acids help maintain hormone levels in our body. Vitamin B complex helps in alleviating this disorder.

Foods rich in Iodine are excellent in decreasing symptoms of hypothyroidism, such as Celtic sea salt, seaweeds, salt-water fish and most all sea foods.

Selenium rich foods such as seafood, chicken, garlic, onions can cure hypothyroidism. Foods such as low fat dairy products, yogurt, bananas, pumpkins have rich stores of Tyrosine.

Foods to Avoid:

Some foods can impair the absorption of thyroid hormones. The foods that are known to cause an increase underactive thyroid symptoms :

• Walnuts


• Soy beans


• Broccoli


• Cabbage


• Cauliflower


• Turnips


• Peaches


• Strawberries


• Peanuts


• Radishes


• Tofu


• Spinach


• Multivitamins containing iodine

If you have hypothyroidism, try eating smaller meals during the day instead of three large meals. Smaller more frequent meals are more beneficial to losing weight.

Decrease your intake of salt. Salt can cause fluid to be retained in the tissues, resulting in increased blood pressure and edema of the feet and ankles.

Calcium Supplements:

If you are taking Calcium supplements, take them four hours or more apart from your thyroid medications. This will decrease the chances of malabsorption or adverse interactions with your thyroid meds. In addition to this, any vitamin supplements you are taking should be discussed with your health care provider. Always let your doctor know any and all meds you are taking, including any natural herbal compounds.

If you are having any symptoms or suspect that your thyroid may be in trouble, consult with your health care provider to get timely testing and treatment for hypoactive thyroid.

by Barb Hicks, RN/LMT