3 simple steps to lose weight as fast as possible. Read now

Hypothyroidism diet

Best diet for hypothyroidism: Guide and meal plan

A combination of the right nutrients and medications may help restore thyroid function and minimize symptoms of hypothyroidism. Here's all you need to know about the best diet for hypothyroidism.

Diets
Evidence-based
This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts, and fact-checked by experts.
We look at both sides of the argument and strive to be objective, unbiased, and honest.
Best diet for hypothyroidism: Guide and meal plan
Last updated on June 11, 2023, and last reviewed by an expert on January 19, 2022.

Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the body doesn’t make enough thyroid hormones.

Best diet for hypothyroidism: Guide and meal plan

Thyroid hormones help control growth, cell repair, and metabolism. As a result, people with hypothyroidism may experience tiredness, hair loss, weight gain, feeling cold, and feeling down, among many other symptoms.

Hypothyroidism affects 1–2% of people worldwide and is 10 times more likely to affect women than men.

Foods alone won’t cure hypothyroidism. However, a combination of the right nutrients and medication can help restore thyroid function and minimize your symptoms.

This article outlines the best diet for hypothyroidism, including which foods to eat and which to avoid — all based on research.

In this article

What is hypothyroidism?

The thyroid gland is a small, butterfly-shaped gland that sits near the base of your neck.

It makes and stores thyroid hormones that affect nearly every cell in your body.

When the thyroid gland receives a signal called thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), it releases thyroid hormones into the bloodstream. This signal is sent from the pituitary gland, a small gland found at the base of your brain when thyroid hormone levels are low.

Occasionally, the thyroid gland doesn’t release thyroid hormones, even when there is plenty of TSH. This is called primary hypothyroidism and the most common type of hypothyroidism.

Approximately 90% of primary hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune disease in which your immune system mistakenly attacks your thyroid gland.

Other causes of primary hypothyroidism are iodine deficiency, a genetic disorder, taking certain medications, and surgery that removes part of the thyroid.

Other times, the thyroid gland doesn’t receive enough TSH. This happens when the pituitary gland is not working properly and is called secondary hypothyroidism.

Thyroid hormones are very important. They help control growth, cell repair, and metabolism — the process by which your body converts what you eat into energy.

Your metabolism affects your body temperature and at what rate you burn calories. That is why people with hypothyroidism often feel cold and fatigued and may gain weight easily.

Best diet for gout: Guide and meal plan
Suggested read: Best diet for gout: Guide and meal plan

Summary: Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland doesn’t make enough thyroid hormone. The thyroid hormone is important for growth, repair, and metabolism. People with hypothyroidism may often feel cold and fatigued and may gain weight easily.

How does hypothyroidism affect your metabolism?

The thyroid hormone helps control the speed of your metabolism. The faster your metabolism, the more calories your body burns at rest.

People with hypothyroidism make less thyroid hormone. This means they have a slower metabolism and burn fewer calories at rest.

Having a slow metabolism comes with several health risks. It may leave you tired, increase your blood cholesterol levels, and make it harder for you to lose weight.

If you find it difficult to maintain your weight with hypothyroidism, try doing moderate or high-intensity cardio. This includes exercises like fast-paced walking, running, hiking, and rowing.

Research shows that moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise may help boost your thyroid hormone levels. In turn, this may help speed up your metabolism.

People with hypothyroidism might also benefit from increasing protein intake. Research shows that higher-protein diets help increase the rate of your metabolism.

Summary: People with hypothyroidism usually have a slower metabolism. Research shows that aerobic exercise can help boost your thyroid hormone levels. Additionally, eating more protein may help boost your metabolism.

Which nutrients are important?

Several nutrients are important for optimal thyroid health.

Suggested read: The gluten-free diet: A beginner's guide with meal plan

Iodine

Iodine is an essential mineral that is needed to make thyroid hormones. Thus, people with iodine deficiency might be at risk of hypothyroidism.

Iodine deficiency is very common and affects nearly one-third of the world’s population. However, it’s less common in people from developed countries like the United States, where iodized salt and iodine-rich seafood are widely available.

If you have an iodine deficiency, consider adding iodized table salt to your meals or eating more iodine-rich foods like seaweed, fish, dairy, and eggs.

Iodine supplements are unnecessary, as you can get plenty of iodine from your diet. Some studies have also shown that getting too much of this mineral may damage the thyroid gland.

Selenium

Selenium helps “activate” thyroid hormones so they can be used by the body.

This essential mineral also has antioxidant benefits, which means it may protect the thyroid gland from damage by molecules called free radicals.

Adding selenium-rich foods to your diet is a great way to boost your selenium levels. This includes Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes.

However, avoid taking a selenium supplement unless advised by a healthcare professional. Supplements provide large doses, and selenium may be toxic in large amounts.

Zinc

Like selenium, zinc helps the body “activate” thyroid hormones.

Studies also show that zinc may help the body regulate TSH, the hormone that tells the thyroid gland to release thyroid hormones.

Zinc deficiencies are rare in developed countries, as zinc is abundant in the food supply.

Nonetheless, if you have hypothyroidism, aim to eat more zinc-rich foods like oysters and other shellfish, beef, and chicken.

Summary: Research shows that iodine, selenium, and zinc are especially beneficial for those with hypothyroidism. However, it’s best to avoid iodine and selenium supplements unless a healthcare professional advises you to take them.

Which nutrients are harmful?

Several nutrients may harm the health of those with hypothyroidism.

Suggested read: Mediterranean diet: Beginner's guide and meal plan

Goitrogens

Goitrogens are compounds that may interfere with the normal function of the thyroid gland.

They get their name from the term goiter, which is an enlarged thyroid gland that may occur with hypothyroidism.

Surprisingly, many common foods contain goitrogens, including:

In theory, people with hypothyroidism should avoid goitrogens. However, this only seems to be an issue for people who have an iodine deficiency or eat large amounts of goitrogens.

Also, cooking foods with goitrogens may inactivate these compounds.

One exception to the above foods is pearl millet. Some studies have found that pearl millet might interfere with thyroid function, even if you don’t have an iodine deficiency.

Summary: Goitrogens are dietary substances that may affect thyroid function.

Foods to avoid

Fortunately, you don’t have to avoid many foods if you have hypothyroidism.

However, foods that contain goitrogens should be eaten in moderation and ideally cooked.

You may want to avoid eating highly processed foods, as they usually contain a lot of calories. This can be a problem if you have hypothyroidism, as you may gain weight easily.

Here is a list of foods and supplements you may want to avoid:

Here is a list of foods you can eat in moderation. These foods contain goitrogens or are known irritants if consumed in large amounts:

Summary: People with hypothyroidism should avoid millet, processed foods, and supplements like selenium and zinc unless a healthcare professional has advised otherwise. Foods that contain goitrogens may be fine in moderate amounts.

Foods to eat

There are plenty of food options if you have hypothyroidism, including:

Suggested read: Vegetarian keto diet plan: Benefits, risks, food lists, and more

People with hypothyroidism should aim to eat a diet based on vegetables, fruits, and lean meats. These are low in calories and very filling, which may help prevent weight gain.

Summary: There are plenty of healthy food options for people with hypothyroidism, including eggs, meat, fish, most fruits and vegetables, gluten-free grains and seeds, all dairy products, and non-caffeinated beverages.

Sample meal plan

Here is a 7-day meal plan for hypothyroidism.

It provides a healthy amount of protein, has a low to moderate amount of carbs, and can help you manage your weight.

Make sure to take your thyroid medication at least 1–2 hours before your first meal, or as a healthcare professional advises. Nutrients like fiber, calcium, and iron may stop your body from absorbing thyroid medication properly.

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Summary: This sample week-long meal plan is suitable for people with hypothyroidism. It provides plenty of options for a delicious and healthy menu.

Tips for managing your weight

It’s very easy to gain weight with hypothyroidism due to a slow metabolism.

A low-carb meal plan and menu to improve your health
Suggested read: A low-carb meal plan and menu to improve your health

Here are a few tips to help you maintain a weight that is healthy for your body:

Summary: While it’s easy to gain weight when you have hypothyroidism, plenty of strategies can help you manage your weight. For example, you can try getting plenty of rest, eating a good amount of protein, and practicing mindful eating.

Summary

Hypothyroidism, or an underactive thyroid, is a health condition that affects 1–2% of people worldwide.

It can cause symptoms like tiredness, weight gain, and feeling cold, among many others.

Fortunately, eating the right nutrients and taking medications may help reduce your symptoms and improve your thyroid function.

Nutrients that are great for your thyroid are iodine, selenium, and zinc.

Following a thyroid-friendly diet can minimize your symptoms and help you manage your weight. It encourages eating whole, unprocessed foods, and lean protein.

Share this article: Facebook Pinterest WhatsApp Twitter / X Email
Share

More articles you might like

People who are reading “Best diet for hypothyroidism: Guide and meal plan” also love these articles:

Topics

Browse all articles