The butterfly-shaped organ at the base of your neck plays a pivotal role in your body's metabolism. It regulates thyroid hormone production. When thyroid production drops, it slows down the body's metabolism and leads to several health complications.
A recent survey conducted by our team revealed that traditional medicine cannot cure hypothyroidism. Thankfully, it doesn't mean there is no solution. You just need the right approach to treat hypothyroidism.
Diet is an essential factor when it comes to treating hypothyroidism. So, following a nutritious diet is not enough. You must also learn about inflammatory foods to avoid with hypothyroidism. The best food for hypothyroidism can regulate thyroid hormone secretion to a certain extent.
Do you want to learn about which foods to eat and which foods to avoid for hypothyroidism? Let’s dive right in.
Proper Diet: Inflammatory Foods to Avoid For Hypothyroidism
You must have searched "how to cure thyroid with diet" or “foods to avoid for hypothyroidism” on Google. And we understand. The results can be confusing. Every dietician has their own take on thyroid diets. However, most do not include inflammatory foods to avoid with hypothyroidism.
Undoubtedly, diet plays a vital role in treating hypothyroidism. Inflammatory foods can worsen hypothyroidism symptoms.
You must remember, diet alone cannot completely cure thyroid disease. However, diets for hypothyroidism along with lifestyle changes can address mild cases of thyroid dysfunction. Nonetheless, you will need medication to readjust the thyroid hormone levels in the case of a severe thyroid disorder.
A strict gluten-free diet with rich protein sources can help in toxin elimination and regulate your thyroid hormone levels.
Here is a list of foods to avoid for hypothyroidism:
- Gluten
- Sugar
- Dairy products
- Refined oil
- Cruciferous vegetables
- Processed foods
- Soy Products
- Fried and oily foods
- Caffeine and Alcohol
Why Is Anti-Inflammatory Food Considered Healthy Food For Thyroid Patients?
Inflammation is closely related to thyroid disorders. A majority of all hypothyroidism cases are due to Hashimoto's thyroiditis. It is an autoimmune condition that can cause localized and systemic inflammation.
Thus, removing all inflammation-causing foods from your diet can help you feel healthier. They can reduce digestive problems including bloating and constipation, joint swelling, and muscle pain.
Which Foods Help Manage Hypothyroidism?
"But, if a diet eliminates more than half of my food. What will I even eat?" Is this your reaction?
So, here are all the diets you can try and all the foods you should definitely include in your diet to reverse your hypothyroidism symptoms.
Fresh fruits and vegetables:
Fresh fruits and vegetables are rich sources of antioxidants and nutrients. You can add cherries, blueberries, sweet potatoes, bananas, oranges, tomatoes, and green pepper.
Many doctors ask not to consume cruciferous vegetables, like cauliflower, cabbage and broccoli. But we have good news for you. You can add them to your diet in moderate amounts but always in cooked form.
Gluten-free grains and seeds:
Gluten is a common ingredient that patients with hypothyroidism are advised to avoid. If you are tempted to try some gluten-free grains and seeds, here are your options:
- Rice
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Chia seeds
- Flax seeds
- Amaranth
- Millet
- Buckwheat
- Nuts for vital nutrients:
- Consumption of nuts fulfills your essential nutrient requirement like selenium, zinc, iron, and vitamins. You can have:
- Almonds
- Cashews
- Brazil nuts
- Macadamia nuts
- Hazelnuts
Foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids:
Omega-3 fatty acids are one of the healthiest nutrients for thyroid patients. They are essential fats to fight inflammation. You can get it from the following sources –
- Salmon
- Algal oil
- Walnuts
- Chia seeds
- Flaxseed
- Kidney beans
- Hemp seed
- Brussels sprouts
- Tuna
- Non-dairy drinks
- Thyroid experts always suggest having non-dairy products like:
- Coconut milk
- Almond milk
- Apple Cider Vinegar
- Kombucha
- Kefir
Is There A Perfect Diet For A Hypothyroidism Cure?
Every human being is different and has varying requirements. A diet that works for one might not be the perfect diet for someone else. There is no “one diet fits all” formula for hypothyroidism.
Your proper diet will depend upon your individual needs, including thyroid symptoms, nutritional deficiencies, diet preferences, lifestyle, and existing conditions.
A diet tailored to your nutritional demands and sensitivities can work wonders. However, you should eliminate all foods that cause inflammation irrespective of your dietary preferences and lifestyle.
The Bottom Line
Diet alone cannot cure hypothyroidism unless combined with proper medication and supplements. It’s especially true if your thyroid condition is chronic.
To yield the best results, we must first find the root of the problem and cure it.
Jeevam health focuses on finding the 'why' to tailor the treatment for thyroid disorders.
We are a team of experts who work on curing hypothyroidism by combining the right medications with a proper, nourishing diet and supplements. We aim to help you build a healthy life.
