There are a number of pathologies arising from the influence of factors such as lifestyle, diet, the level of physical activity of a person, the ecological state of the environment in which he lives. These factors are adjustable. By eliminating the cause, a person often gets rid of the disease or greatly facilitates its course. These problems include, for example, hypothyroidism – a condition caused by a malfunction of the thyroid gland, and as a result, a deficiency of hormones – thyroxine and triiodothyronine . In iodine deficient    regions, the symptoms of hypothyroidism are quite common. Experts are of the opinion that hypothyroidism diet and lifestyle correction are very effective for both prevention and treatment of the disease.

What the diet is based on

Deficiency of thyroid hormones can be due to several reasons, on the basis of which a list of foods recommended for a given patient is compiled. A hypothyroidism diet is effective if the symptoms of the disease are caused by the following:

• insufficient intake of iodine into the body with food;
• insufficient protein intake;
• violation or difficulty in the assimilation of iodine by the body;
• insufficient functioning of the thyroid gland;
• resection of a part of the thyroid gland. 

The list of food products is developed by a doctor and may vary depending on the characteristics of metabolism, concomitant pathologies of the thyroid gland and other endocrine diseases. A diet for hypothyroidism involves the inclusion of some foods in the diet and the exclusion of others from the menu. With the right diet, the symptoms of the disease usually disappear.

Triiodothyronine and thyroxine (its precursor) are the most important thyroid hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism, growth and development. They are responsible for the metabolism of proteins, fats, vitamins, etc. Insufficient amounts of these hormones are detrimental to overall health. 

Proteins and iodine ions take part in the construction of hormone molecules. It is logical that for the normal synthesis of these biologically active compounds, a stable intake of protein, amino acids and iodine compounds into the body is necessary.

Nutrition for hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency

Many people, noticing the symptoms of hypothyroidism, try to make up for the lack of iodine in the body by taking specially formulated dietary supplements containing iodine and vitamins. However, such treatment must necessarily be agreed with the doctor, because uncontrolled and unreasonable intake of drugs can lead to problems of the opposite nature. 

A more natural way for the body to replenish the deficiency of essential substances is their intake with food. Iodine, which is part of food, is presented in organic form. In this form, it is better and more efficiently absorbed. Iodine is included in the following products: sea fish, molluscs, marine arthropods, seaweed (kelp), poultry, walnuts, sesame seeds, pumpkin, cherries, apples, cranberries, prunes, bananas, strawberries, grapes, apricots, feijoa, persimmons , chokeberry, beets, carrots, tomatoes, garlic, corn (including canned), green beans, buckwheat, potatoes (baked), Jerusalem artichoke, dairy products, some types of cheese, eggs. The use of foods rich in iodine rarely threatens the development of thyrotoxicosis or an overabundance of a trace element, because the amount of iodine in them is relatively small. You can also enrich your food with iodine by adding a small amount of iodized salt to it. 

Before including iodine-containing food in the diet, you should consult your doctor. The specialist will prescribe tests, conduct an examination and reveal the true level of hormones in the blood.

Diet for hypothyroidism caused by protein deficiency

Protein is the main building block of our body. Its lack is expressed in the occurrence of pathologies at all levels, from the cellular level to the systemic level. Human health largely depends on the way of his nutrition, there is a saying for good reason: “We are what we eat.” With a protein deficiency, hormonal regulation of the body’s activity suffers primarily.

Hypothyroidism caused by inadequate protein intake is easy to neutralize. It is enough to start eating right and then the hormonal background is normalized. Reduce consumption of carbohydrate, fatty foods and enrich the diet with animal and vegetable protein, as well as fiber. Animal protein is found in meat, fish, eggs, milk and dairy products. Rich in vegetable protein: legumes (beans, beans, lentils), cereals (buckwheat, barley, oatmeal), nuts.

Nutrition for hypothyroidism caused by impaired absorption of iodine

Most often, this phenomenon is due to the fact that our body receives elements that prevent or impair the absorption of iodine. Iodine is a halogen, in addition to it, bromine, chlorine, fluorine are among the halogens. So, the listed microelements are also necessary for our body, but getting into the body in an amount exceeding the norm, they compete with iodine in assimilation. These elements bind faster and easier to proteins and replace iodine in molecules.

Trace elements such as fluoride and chlorine are commonly found in drinking water. In some regions, the amount of one or another element is significantly overestimated. Bromine is found in some sedatives. Thus, in order to prevent the replacement of iodine in the body with other elements, it is necessary to drink purified or bottled water, and also not to abuse medications.

Diet food for hypothyroidism accompanied by pathological conditions of the thyroid gland

In the vast majority of cases, hypothyroidism is associated with thyroid disease. As a rule, there is a compensatory proliferation of thyroid tissues, and the appearance of neoplasms of a different nature is also possible . In this case, doctors designate a list of foods that must be excluded from the diet, or at least limit their consumption. These foods are called strumogens , and they cause overgrowth of thyroid tissue without directly affecting hormonal levels. These include: cauliflower, radish, turnip, radish, Jerusalem artichoke, spinach, beans, carrots, soybeans, peanuts, mangoes, peaches.    

In case of hypothyroidism caused by a decreased secretory activity of the thyroid gland, it is recommended to drink natural coffee. This product perfectly stimulates the activity of the gland. Naturally, you should not abuse the drink, and you also need to know if there are any diseases in which coffee is contraindicated.

If the functioning of the thyroid gland is reduced, then it is undesirable to consume milk, dairy products with a high fat content, foods high in fast carbohydrates, products made on the basis of soy protein, beer.

Health Tips

Basic dietary rules for hypothyroidism:

1. Limit the amount of fluid you drink, because hypothyroidism causes tissue swelling .  
2. Avoid weight loss diets. Restriction in nutrition will lead to an even greater slowdown in metabolic processes in the body.
3. Eat foods containing a variety of vitamins, macro- and micronutrients.
4. Monitor your cholesterol and blood sugar levels.
5. Limit your intake of salty foods, salt contributes to water retention in the body.

Diet therapy is a popular and quite effective method of treatment. A proper, balanced and varied diet is enough to strengthen your health and prevent the development of many diseases.