Hypothyroidism And Diet

Underactive thyroid or hypothyroidism can lead to weight gain, but there is no established diet plan to treat this condition.

However, some micronutrients can play a role in thyroid function, for this, a person’s diet can have a big role in evaluating thyroid disease.

Some food might interfere with the absorption of thyroxine hormones, for this you should try to avoid large amount of it.

Vitamin D: low levels might have some effects on your thyroid function but it is still not clearly understood, for this try to keep an eye on your vitamin D levels.

Calcium: it is advisable to keep a 4 hours gap between calcium rich food or supplements and thyroxine absorption.

Iodine and seaweed: if someone is taking thyroxine supplements no need to take any iodine supplements.

Soya:  try to keep a long time interval between soy products and thyroxine supplements.

Iron: multivitamins contain also iron and it is advisable to keep 2 hours’ interval between iron tablets and thyroxine.

Brassicas: like cabbage and cauliflower can cause goiter if taken in high amounts, it is better to avoid these foods while taking thyroxine.

In most cases, hypothyroidism requires a lifelong thyroid hormone replacement with synthetic T4 and it should be taken on empty stomach.

Dietitians should instruct patients on diet-medication interactions, which will help them to get the best benefit from the thyroid supplements.