Hypothyroidism, also known as underactive thyroid function, is an endocrine imbalance characterized by the thyroid gland not producing enough thyroid hormones to meet the body’s needs.
Lack of adequate thyroid hormones can impact various physiological processes, and following a hypothyroidism diet can improve thyroid health and help support hormonal balance.
Discover why Healthy Keto® is one of the best dietary patterns to promote a healthy thyroid gland and learn which foods negatively affect thyroid function.
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland, a small butterfly-shaped gland at the top of the neck, doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones.
The primary thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4), triiodothyronine (T3), and calcitonin are critical in regulating metabolic pathways, energy production, immune functions, brain growth, and various other essential processes.
Because the effects of these hormones are so widespread, even mild thyroid hormone imbalances can lead to a wide range of health issues, making hypothyroidism a significant concern.
While hypothyroidism can be caused by various factors, the most common cause of impaired thyroid function is an autoimmune thyroid disease known as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Hashimoto’s is characterized by the immune system mistakenly attacking the thyroid gland and the production of antibodies that damage thyroid tissue over time. This leads to inflammation and cellular damage, which impairs thyroid hormone production and results in hypothyroidism.
Common symptoms of hypothyroidism include:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Difficulty losing weight
- Sensitivity to cold
- Dry skin
- Hair loss
- Muscle weakness
- Depression
- Cognitive impairment
- Constipation
- Thin and brittle fingernails
Symptoms of hypothyroidism can vary in severity and typically develop gradually over years, making early detection difficult.
Additionally, mild hypothyroidism can cause subtle symptoms that are often mistakenly attributed to other conditions, such as chronic fatigue or depression.
Over time, symptoms of hypothyroidism can become more severe and potentially debilitating, especially when left unaddressed.
This makes early treatment crucial to help prevent long-term health complications associated with hypothyroidism, such as obesity, heart disease, cholesterol imbalances, peripheral neuropathy, infertility, and cognitive decline.
Watch the video below to learn about the best nutrients to support Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
What is the best hypothyroidism diet?
The best hypothyroidism diet focuses on nutrient-rich foods that support thyroid function, balanced inflammatory responses, and help promote hormonal balance while avoiding foods that can impair thyroid hormone production.
Healthy Keto, an optimized version of the traditional ketogenic diet, may help support these goals in addition to promoting overall health and wellness.
The ketogenic diet focuses on consuming high-quality fats and moderate amounts of protein while reducing carbohydrate intake to 50 grams or less daily.
This dietary pattern switches the body’s primary energy source from carbohydrates to fats, a metabolic state known as ketosis, characterized by the production of ketones.
Ketones are a highly efficient alternative fuel source and help support hormonal balance, promote normal insulin function, and contribute to metabolic health–all important for maintaining a healthy thyroid.
Healthy Keto offers additional benefits by emphasizing nutrient-dense foods and educating dieters about the dangers of consuming ultra-processed foods.
For individuals with hypothyroidism, following a Healthy Keto diet while avoiding processed foods is essential, as they lack nutritional value and may contribute to inflammation, weaken the immune system, and increase the risk of autoimmune responses.
By focusing on whole foods, including grass-fed dairy, pasture-raised eggs, organic vegetables, grass-fed meats, and fatty wild-caught fish, Healthy Keto provides essential nutrients that support thyroid health and may help manage hypothyroidism.
The best foods for hypothyroidism
Choosing the right foods is vital for supporting thyroid health, as they provide essential nutrients and compounds needed for hormone production and immune support.
However, information related to this specific medical condition should be discussed with a healthcare provider to determine suitability based on individual health needs.
Here are four of the best foods for hypothyroidism.
1. Sea vegetables
An iodine deficiency is a common cause of hypothyroidism, as this trace mineral plays an essential role in thyroid hormone production.
Sea vegetables such as sea kelp, nori, and dulse are rich and nutritious sources of iodine, making them excellent dietary additions for those looking to support their thyroid function.
2. Healthy fats
Incorporating healthy fats from sources such as avocados, olive oil, coconut oil, eggs, chia seeds, and wild-caught fatty fish, including salmon, mackerel, and sardines, can benefit thyroid health.
Fatty fish, in particular, are rich sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These fatty acids have potent anti-inflammatory properties and promote cellular health, which supports thyroid hormone production and helps promote balanced immune function.
Moreover, both pasture-raised eggs and wild-caught fatty fish are excellent sources of vitamin A, which is critical for cell growth and immune system modulation.
This is particularly relevant for thyroid health because adequate vitamin A levels support the synthesis of thyroid hormones and enhance the body’s ability to respond to thyroid-related disorders.
3. Brazil nuts
Brazil nuts are one of the richest dietary sources of selenium, a mineral critical for thyroid hormone conversion.
In fact, one Brazil nut can provide nearly 100 percent of the daily recommended selenium intake for most adults. This makes Brazil nuts an incredibly efficient and natural way to support thyroid health, as selenium plays an essential role in supporting thyroid hormone balance.
“Selenium is vital for those with hypothyroidism because it is necessary to convert T4 into the active form, T3,” explains Dr. Berg.
4. Bone broth
Bone broth is a nutritional powerhouse that offers amino acids such as glycine and proline.
These naturally occurring amino acids support gut health, contribute to tissue repair, and help maintain a balanced internal environment–all of which play a role in overall thyroid function.
Additionally, bone broth is rich in essential minerals such as magnesium, calcium, and potassium, which play vital roles in energy production, metabolism, immune support, and overall well-being.
The worst foods for hypothyroidism
Understanding which foods can interfere with thyroid function, disrupt hormone balance, and exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism is critical to understanding how to manage and support thyroid health effectively.
Here are four foods to limit or avoid to promote healthy thyroid function.
1. Processed foods
Processed foods, often high in inflammatory seed oils, added sugars, and artificial additives, can exacerbate hypothyroidism by promoting inflammation and metabolic imbalances.
These ingredients contribute to weight loss, increased heart rate, and anxiety, which are common symptoms of hypothyroidism.
In addition, processed foods are typically void of nutrients and engineered to be highly palatable and addictive, making it easy to overeat these junk foods without meeting the body’s nutrient requirements.
Research published in Nutrients highlights that diets high in processed foods, refined carbohydrates, and added sugars, with low vegetable and protein intake, can exacerbate nutrient deficiencies and metabolic issues.1
This may also increase the risk of deficiencies in thyroid health-promoting nutrients such as vitamin A, selenium, and iodine, underscoring the value of a nutrient-dense diet to support optimal thyroid function.
2. Grains
It’s recommended that those with hypothyroidism follow a gluten-free diet, especially in cases of autoimmune thyroid disorders such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
Gluten, a protein found in grains such as wheat, barley, and rye, breaks down into gliadin, which closely resembles the thyroid enzyme transglutaminase.
Through a process known as molecular mimicry, the body can mistakenly confuse thyroid tissue with gliadin, resulting in the immune system attacking the thyroid gland as if it were a foreign invader.
Additionally, research published in the Journal of Translational Gastroenterology highlights that gluten peptides can significantly increase gut permeability, enabling immunogenic gluten particles to enter the bloodstream, thereby worsening autoimmune responses.2
3. Caffeine and alcohol
For those with hypothyroidism, avoiding both caffeine and alcohol is vital.
Caffeine, while stimulating, can elevate cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, which may interfere with thyroid hormone production. It can also suppress thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), which may lead to adrenal fatigue and exacerbate symptoms of hypothyroidism.
Alcohol promotes systemic inflammation, depletes essential nutrients, and places significant strain on the liver, an organ critical for converting T4 into T3, the active thyroid hormone.
4. Goitrogenic foods
Goitrogenic foods contain compounds that inhibit the uptake of iodine, which is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones.
Foods high in goitrogens include soy-based products like tofu and tempeh, starchy plants such as cassava and millet, bamboo shoots, horseradish, and cruciferous vegetables.
However, lightly cooking cruciferous vegetables helps preserve their nutrients while significantly reducing their goitrogen content, which may adversely affect thyroid health. This preparation method allows you to enjoy the numerous health benefits of these vegetables without the potential drawbacks.
Key takeaways
Hypothyroidism is a common endocrine disorder characterized by insufficient production of thyroid hormones, which impacts energy production, metabolic balance, and overall health.
A targeted hypothyroidism diet, such as Healthy Keto, may help support thyroid health by emphasizing nutrient-dense foods rich in vitamin A, iodine, and selenium, vital for healthy thyroid hormone production and metabolism.
FAQ
1. What is the best hypothyroidism diet?
The best hypothyroidism diet is a nutrient-dense, whole-food approach, such as Healthy Keto®. This diet supports thyroid health by promoting healthy immune and inflammatory responses and supporting hormonal balance.
It’s also critical to prioritize nutrients such as iodine, selenium, and zinc, which aid in thyroid hormone production, and avoid processed foods that can trigger inflammation and contribute to nutritional deficiencies.
2. What foods should I avoid with hypothyroidism?
Avoid consuming processed foods, gluten-containing grains, sugar, caffeine, and alcohol, as they may promote inflammatory responses and affect immune balance in sensitive individuals.
Additionally, limit the consumption of goitrogenic foods such as raw cruciferous vegetables and soy products, which can interfere with iodine metabolism and disrupt thyroid function.
3. How do I lose weight with hypothyroidism?
Weight loss may be challenging with hypothyroidism, as a lack of adequate thyroid hormones can slow metabolic processes.
To encourage healthy weight loss, focus on a balanced diet rich in nutrients, avoid processed foods, and engage in regular physical activity. It’s recommended to consult with a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
4. Can I reverse hypothyroidism with diet?
Diet alone may not reverse hypothyroidism. However, proper nutrition can help manage symptoms and may significantly improve your quality of life by providing essential nutrients that promote balanced immune responses and support normal thyroid function.
5. Are eggs bad for hypothyroidism?
No, eggs aren’t bad for hypothyroidism. In fact, eggs are rich sources of iodine, selenium, and vitamin A, which support balanced thyroid hormone production.
6. Can I have cruciferous vegetables with hypothyroidism?
Yes, consuming moderate amounts of lightly cooked cruciferous vegetables is safe for those with hypothyroidism. Cooking reduces concentrations of goitrogenic compounds that can prevent iodine uptake, which is linked to impaired thyroid function.
7. Can I do keto and fasting with hypothyroidism?
Yes, intermittent fasting in combination with a Healthy Keto diet can benefit people with hypothyroidism by promoting insulin sensitivity and hormonal balance while supporting a balanced immune response.
However, it’s essential to approach fasting carefully and under the guidance of a healthcare professional, as individual needs may vary.
