Complex carbs like whole grain bread or brown rice is a great staple to add to your diet for your overall health, but it is also helpful in managing thyroid problems. Complex carbs aid digestion and can help improve and balance thyroid hormone levels.
Whole Grains Help Ease Constipation, a Symptom of Hypothyroidism. Constipation is a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Whole-grain foods such as cereal, bread, pasta, and rice are high in nutrients in addition to fiber, which can help with bowel regularity.
Try to eat oats, brown rice, sprouts, sprouted grain bread and quinoa to rev up your metabolism and help your thyroid gland.
Those with hypothyroidism may want to consider minimizing their intake of gluten, a protein found in foods processed from wheat, barley, rye, and other grains, says Ruth Frechman, RDN, a dietitian in the Los Angeles area and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics.
What is a good breakfast for people with hypothyroidism? Eggs are a healthy breakfast for people with hypothyroidism. Eggs are a lean protein containing iodine and selenium—nutrients necessary for thyroid health. Pair with toast and sliced avocado for a nutrient-dense, satisfying breakfast.
Eggs. As we've already covered, iodine and selenium are essential for proper thyroid function and eggs are an excellent source of both!
Healthier carbohydrate choices for people with hypothyroidism include whole-grain or sourdough bread, brown rice, whole-wheat tortillas, and sweet potatoes. These alternatives won't have the same effect on your blood sugar, Cowen says.
Greek yogurt
Curd or yogurt is one of the best foods for the thyroid gland. Dairy products, particularly yogurt, are high in nutrients and help the body meet its iodine requirements to maintain proper thyroid function.
A: Generally, the more nutrient-rich the diet, the better for thyroid sufferers. White potatoes are highly nutrient-dense in their cleanest, most natural form. Potatoes provide several essential minerals that support the thyroid, including Vitamin C, B6, potassium, magnesium, iron, and iodine.
The these vitamins support energy production and a healthier inflammatory response in the body. All of these nutrients, in addition to the antioxidants in avocados, make avocados an excellent source of fat for those with hypothyroidism.
Cheese: Dairy products are some of the best sources of bioavailable iodine. In addition to being a good source of calcium and good fats, it is also a rich source of iodine. When it comes to cheese your best bets are cheddar and mozzarella.
Nutrient density is a key tenet of thyroid-healthy eating, and while I wouldn't describe white rice as being nutrient-dense, it does contain some key thyroid-supporting nutrients. Key thyroid-supporting nutrients in white rice: Selenium helps us convert thyroid hormones and can lower thyroid antibodies.
Foods that decrease thyroid function:
Other foods that contain goitrogens include: strawberries, cassava, peaches and sweet potato. People with hypothyroidism should also avoid highly processed foods like cakes, cookies, hot dogs etc. Soy can also decrease thyroid function.
If you have hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), you may have been told to avoid cruciferous vegetables — such as kale, cauliflower, broccoli, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts. These vegetables have been shown, in certain situations, to interfere with how your thyroid gland uses iodine.
Eggs are full of selenium, iodine, and vitamin D which helps regulate thyroid hormones. While the egg white contains lots of protein, make sure you're consuming the full egg because the egg yolk is where you'll get all those hormone regulating nutrients. A cool breakfast idea to help improve hypothyroidism symptoms!
Drinking 1 cup of low-fat milk will meet about one-third of your daily iodine needs. Another good idea: Opt for a glass of milk fortified with vitamin D.
Oats have a low glycemic index. This means they get digested and absorbed slowly, therefore, they do not cause a spike in blood sugar levels. This makes oats a healthy choice for those with thyroid disorders as well as diabetes.
People with a gluten intolerance may find that sourdough is easier to digest, but people with celiac disease will likely still experience symptoms if they eat sourdough bread. If you have a gluten intolerance or celiac disease, consult with your physician before adding sourdough bread to your diet.
Fatty meats can increase inflammation, however, and worsen potential complications of an under-active thyroid gland, such as high blood pressure and cholesterol levels.
On the other hand, if you have an underactive thyroid, caffeine will likely provide temporary relief from symptoms. You should still keep your caffeine consumption at a reasonable level and avoid it late at night as it can cause sleep problems.
Superfoods for Thyroid Health. Blueberries, pumpkins, dark chocolate, and Brazil nuts are considered thyroid health-supporting superfoods.
Can I eat peanut butter if I have a thyroid? Peanut butter and peanuts can worsen hypothyroidism. It is generally advised to avoid these in case of hypothyroidism.
Bananas and dates are a great source of copper and iron (needed to help the thyroid function properly), as well as selenium (an important antioxidant that's essential for the conversion of t4 to t3 hormone, the active form of thyroid hormone your body needs.