Hypothyroidism Diet

Hypothyroidism Diet and Weight Loss Facts

There is some debate about a hypothyroid diet and whether or not it is beneficial to those who suffer from hypothyroidism, or a thyroid that isn't producing the hormone necessary for normal metabolic function in the body.

Some opinions state that symptoms of hypothyroidism can be improved by a specialized diet, and other opinions are just the opposite. The truth is any improved eating habits will be beneficial to your health.

Anecdotal evidence suggests many people do indeed find relief from the symptoms of a low thyroid through diet in conjunction with either conventional or alternative medical treatments, sometimes a combination of both, depending on what is causing their thyroid disease.  

The symptoms of hypothyroidismcan include: fatigue weight gain hair loss dry brittle nails dry skin fluid retention sensation of feeling cold depression brain fog constipation

Some Good Hypothyroid Diet Suggestions

To combat the symptoms of this illness, a low thyroid diet can go a long way toward making you feel better. Even a few small changes can make a big difference. Most of the principles of a hypothyroid diet are quite simple and easy to implement.

Here are some suggestions for a hypothyroidism diet:

1. Increase your iodine intake, but only if your doctor determines that low iodine is actually causing your issue. Iodine is an essential ingredient to stimulating the thyroid gland. Iodine is found in salt, but too much salt is unhealthy. Look for food supplements containing kelp or seaweed, and add shell fish to your diet for extra iodine. Be careful with iodine though because too much iodine intake can damage your thyroid.

2. Add fiber to your diet. Since many people who have hypothyroidism suffer from constipation, adding fiber to the diet in the form of whole grains and vegetables is a great way to help this problem. Remember to increase your water consumption as well for the best benefit.

3. Lower your intake of foods such as cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, Brussel sprouts, kale, mustard greens, spinach, peaches, strawberries and pears. These fruits and vegetables are believed to cause goiter, or an enlargement of the thyroid gland, suppressing its function even more. You need to lower your intake of these foods but moderate intake still provides you with other valuable nutrients that your body needs to function so don't totaly eliminate them.

4. Take a good multivitamin to supplement what you may not get through your food intake. A healthy, low thyroid diet is not just beneficial if you are suffering from the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. This is also a great diet for the rest of your body. The body functions as a whole organism, so a healthy diet is good for all bodily systems that support each other. Making a few small and healthy changes can really make all the difference in health and energy levels. Doing so can lead to a better quality of life.