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Diet in hypothyroidism is aimed at improving the functioning of this gland, i.e. providing the body with food with ingredients that will support its proper functioning. Hypothyroidism also causes metabolic disorders, which is why the use of an appropriate diet is of key importance in this disease. The most important thing is to provide the right amount of iodine with food and supplements that stimulate the production of thyroid hormones.
The causes of hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism (reduction in the production of T3 and T4 hormones) is most often caused by Hashimoto’s disease (chronic lymphocytic thyroiditis), a thyroidectomy or a severe iodine deficiency. It can also appear as a result of treating an overactive thyroid gland. In all these cases, it is important to use an appropriate diet that supports treatment and accelerates metabolism and metabolic processes in the body.
What should I consider in the diet for hypothyroidism?
The most important dietary concerns in hypothyroidism are increasing the amount of iodine supplied with food and increasing the amount of protein consumed. Hypothyroidism is a metabolic problem that causes patients with this condition to gain weight quickly, have pale and dry skin, problems with concentration, and a feeling of constant cold and heaviness. These symptoms may be associated with depression, muscle and joint pain, and high cholesterol.
Iodine is essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the entire body. This element should be supplied (in food or through the respiratory tract) at a dose of 160 μg per day. The dose is increased in pregnant and lactating women. In people with hypothyroidism, the need for iodine increases. The diet for hypothyroidism should include foods rich in this element, especially sea fish and seafood. There is relatively little iodine in other foods, although it may be found in some vegetables and dairy products.
In many countries, including Poland, in order to supplement and prevent iodine deficiency, salt and fodder for farm animals are iodized (saturated with this element).
Iodine is also found in some mineral waters.
In the diet with hypothyroidism, remember to consume a large amount of protein, which increases the rate of metabolic processes and stimulates the production of growth hormone, which causes fat burning. In the diet for hypothyroidism, the daily amount of protein should be increased to 80-100 grams. With this amount of protein, however, you must remember to drink enough fluids (preferably mineral water), otherwise the kidneys will be overburdened.
To support the thyroid gland, try herbs such as fucus, hibiscus, chokeberry and lemon balm. You will find them in a special composition For the thyroid – herbal and fruit tea with fucus, which you can buy at Medonet Market.
The menu in the diet for hypothyroidism should contain products rich in iodine and fiber. Examples of products that provide the right dose of iodine daily are: multigrain muesli with nuts, mandarin and natural yoghurt and orange juice for breakfast, sandwiches made of whole grain bread with cold cuts and cheese and vegetables for lunch, chicken breast, potatoes, carrots with vegetables for lunch. peas or other salad, banana or apple for afternoon tea, broccoli salad and sandwiches with sea fish for dinner. In addition, at least 1,5 liters of mineral water a day.
Not all diets are healthy and safe for our body. It is recommended that you consult your doctor before starting any diet, even if you do not have any health concerns.
When choosing a diet, never follow the current fashion. Remember that some diets, incl. low in particular nutrients or strongly limiting calories, and mono-diets can be debilitating for the body, carry a risk of eating disorders, and can also increase appetite, contributing to a quick return to the former weight.
Products that should be excluded from the diet in hypothyroidism
Some foods limit the absorption of iodine and therefore should be limited or eliminated from the diet for hypothyroidism. Such products include: cabbage, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, soybeans, turnips and swedes. These vegetables should not be eaten in the diet for hypothyroidism, especially in their raw form. You should also limit the consumption of mustard (including mustard) and peanuts.
When the thyroid has problems, the metabolism reacts badly to eating sweets and a vegetarian diet. In the diet with hypothyroidism, you should also avoid any sweetened cottage cheese, yoghurt and sweetened milk drinks. They slow down the metabolism and cause the calories eaten to accumulate in the tissues in the form of fat. Also, high consumption of soy can cause malabsorption of the thyroid hormones used to treat hypothyroidism.
If you have problems with hypothyroidism, try Hypothyroidism – a mixture of herbs whose ingredients regulate the work of the thyroid gland and support the treatment of goiter.