What Is the Best Hypothyroidism Diet?

Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) slows down the body’s metabolism rate. The condition can cause bloating and mild weight gain in the range of five to 10 pounds. The drug therapy levothyroxine can help regulate thyroid hormone levels and alleviate symptoms including weight gain.

When hormone levels are regulated, losing additional weight follows the same well-trodden formula of fewer calories taken in during meals, and more calories burned through activity.

The best diet for people with hypothyroidism will look a lot like a healthy diet for anyone, although there are some useful tips for maintaining key nutrients and avoiding drug interactions.

It’s important to eat a variety of fruits and vegetables, the best delivery system for nutrients. Enjoying at least five portions daily will maximize your intake of these essential vitamins and minerals. Never take any additional vitamin pills or supplements without the advice of a doctor.

Important Nutrients to Watch in Hypothyroidism

Calcium

Some foods that are high in calcium can inhibit the absorption of levothyroxine, a synthetic hormone commonly prescribed to treat hypothyroidism. Watch for calcium in unexpected places like chewable antacids. Because of the effects of calcium, doctors generally recommend taking levothyroxine on an empty stomach. If that causes stomach upset, the gel and liquid forms are known to reduce interactions with calcium and other nutrients.

Fiber

Excessive amounts of fiber have been known to inhibit the effectiveness of synthetic thyroid hormones including levothyroxine. If you maintain a healthy diet that includes fruit and vegetables, fiber supplements are generally not recommended.

Iodine

Iodine is essential for a functioning thyroid and the production of the hormone thyroxine. Iodine supplements are unnecessary for anyone with hypothyroidism taking levothyroxine, a synthetic version of thyroxine. But if you have an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism), taking iodine can make your symptoms worse. Those who have hypothyroidism as a result of iodine deficiency can benefit from an adequate intake of dietary iodine, which your doctor can help you determine.

Iron

Iron is another mineral that can lower the effectiveness of levothyroxine. Check with your doctor before boosting iron intake. It’s recommended to take the levothyroxine at least two hours before or after taking any iron supplements, including multivitamins with iron.

Seaweed/kelp

Kelp contains naturally high levels of iodine and should be avoided by anyone with hypothyroidism.

Selenium

Another nutrient that’s been credited with contributing to thyroid health is selenium—found in beans, Brazil nuts, eggs, sardines, and tuna. But too much selenium is not a good thing, and so supplements are not recommended.

Soy

Soy is another food product that can inhibit levothyroxine absorption. Again, it’s best to take the hormone a few hours before or after ingesting soy. Some brands of soy milk can contain iodine, so check labels.

Vitamin D

It has long been known that vitamin D helps regulate calcium and phosphorus to protect the health of your bones and teeth. But more recent studies have indicated that vitamin D can also be involved with endocrine conditions including diabetes as well as hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s disease.

Some research has found a mild link between people with hypothyroidism and low vitamin D levels, but it could be coincidental because the vitamin deficiency is so common.

Preliminary studies have pointed toward a potential benefit from vitamin D supplements for thyroid conditions, but more rigorous research is needed on safety and efficacy, according to the British Thyroid Foundation.

Zinc

Zinc is commonly found in legumes (beans), beef, chicken, and shellfish and is thought to be another helpful mineral for thyroid health.

Since it’s best to get vitamins and minerals through foods, always check with a doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements. Taking more than the recommended dose of vitamins can be harmful and lead to inaccurate thyroid blood tests. And if you are taking any medication for hypothyroidism, be sure to check the package insert for any contraindications.

Foods to Avoid While Taking Levothyroxine

People with hypothyroidism are commonly prescribed the synthetic hormone levothyroxine. There are several foods and drinks that can lower the effectiveness of the drug, although any unfavorable interactions can generally be avoided by timing and method of intake.

Some evidence shows a decrease in absorption of levothyroxine when taken with foods containing calcium, fiber and iron. If taking calcium, iron, or fiber supplements, do so at least four hours after taking levothyroxine, to avoid poor absorption.

It is generally recommended to take levothyroxine tablets on an empty stomach and 30 to 60 minutes before or after drinking coffee or other caffeinated beverages.

The interaction with food or drinks can also be lessened by taking the gel or liquid form of levothyroxine instead of in a tablet.

Sample Meal Plan

Here are some ideas from the National Institutes of Health for an approximately 1,600-calorie day of meals.

Breakfast

• One slice of whole wheat bread

• 2 teaspoons jam

• ½ cup shredded wheat cereal

• 1 cup low-fat milk

• Banana

• Coffee or apple juice

• MEAL TOTAL: Approximately 500 calories

Or:

• 2 pieces whole grain toast

• 2 teaspoons jam

• 2 scrambled eggs (using egg whites or egg substitute)

• Apple juice

• Banana

• MEAL TOTAL: Approximately 400 calories

Lunch

• Turkey (2 oz.) sandwich with:

  • 1 slice of cheese

  • 2 slices whole wheat bread

  • Lettuce

  • Tomato

  • 2 tsp. low-calorie mayonnaise

• 1 medium apple

• MEAL TOTAL: Approximately 400 calories

Dinner

• Salmon (3 oz.), cooked with 1 T. olive oil

• Baked potato with 1 tsp. margarine

• 1 cup green beans and carrots with margarine

• Whole wheat dinner roll

• Milk, iced tea, or water

• MEAL TOTAL: Approximately 700 calories

Snack

• 2 ½ cups popped popcorn

• 1 T. margarine

• TOTAL: Approximately 170 calories