If you run a search for the best diet in hypothyroidism, you may see a lot of unfamiliar names. Many of these are vegetables and grains common in the West, but not found in India.
However, making a diet plan for thyroid patients in India is easier than you think. This is because you find fresh greens, delicious fruit, and healthy grains all over the country. All you need to know is how to fit them into your daily routine.
If you’ve been struggling to find the perfect Indian diet for hypothyroidism, you’re in the right place.
What is the best Indian diet chart for a hypothyroid patient?
The good news is that many of the foods we commonly find around us can be used to prepare a vegetarian diet chart for thyroid patients. Some examples are:
Fresh fruits and vegetables:
It’s no longer just as an apple a day keeps the doctor away. Berries, oranges, pineapple, kiwi, and a whole load of other fruits can help as well!
Markets are loaded with fresh fruits and veggies that change up every season so you’ll never be bored. Many vegetables such as broccoli, parsley, celery, zucchini, Chinese cabbage, and pak choy are not native to India but are now commonly available.
Incorporating new ingredients along with staples such as spinach and fenugreek (methi) can ensure your Indian diet for hypothyroidism stays interesting.
Nuts and seeds
These are the best option to add that bit of crunch to your food. Nuts (especially Brazil nuts) are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and selenium, both of which boost thyroid health. Selenium is also an excellent antioxidant.
Chia seeds are a superfood that help balance hormone levels and support weight loss. These nutritional powerhouses are filled with antioxidants and fiber.. The best part is they are so easy to incorporate into any Indian diet for hypothyroidism. Simply soak in water for at least 30 minutes, mix in water and drink up!
One special ingredient
This common food when added to an Indian hypothyroidism diet can reduce inflammation and thyroid antibody levels. It is Nigella sativa, commonly called kalonji or black cumin. It has also been found to help in weight loss.
If you are trying to make an Indian diet chart for hypothyroidism, adding a few kalonji seeds daily can work wonders. Here are 3 ways to do so:
- Directly crush the seeds and add them in your salad.
- Soak the seeds overnight and drink the water in the morning.
- Soak the seeds for some time and directly consume a few seeds with warm water.
What are the Indian foods to avoid in hypothyroidism?
To regulate thyroid function, make sure to give these products a miss while preparing your Indian diet for hypothyroidism control.
The list is fairly simple:
- Foods rich in gluten such as bread, pasta, pizza, etc.
- Processed sugar in any form. This includes desserts like cakes, cookies, ice cream, chocolate, candy, and most packaged drinks.
- Dairy products such as cheese, butter, milk, yogurt, etc.
- Oily and fried foods
- Soy products
- Caffeine
Here is a simple test you can do. If you were given a choice between a glass of fresh coconut water and an aerated drink, which would make you feel more refreshed? More often than not, fresh fruits and veggies cause increased energy levels. So make sure to add more of these in your vegetarian diet chart for hypothyroidism. Heavy and sugary foods can make you feel lethargic and bloated.
Gluten and dairy have also been directly linked to thyroid dysfunction, especially with autoimmune thyroid disease. So if you want to know which Indian foods to avoid in hypothyroidism, these should be at the top of the list.
If you want to make your own diet plan being a hypothyroid patient in India, it is best to consult a nutritionist. This can improve your relationship with food and help in thyroid treatment.
Quick recipes to include in a vegetarian diet chart for hypothyroid patients
Recipe 1: Green and healthy Kiwi Smoothie
- ½ cup spinach (blanched)
- 1 celery stick (you can also add cucumber instead)
- 1 kiwi fruit
- 8 almonds (soaked and peeled)
- 5 ml flax oil
- Cumin powder
- A pinch of salt and dash of lemon juice
Simply blend and enjoy!
Recipe 2: Healthy Pink Sandwich
- 2 slices ragi bread
- Vegan yogurt
- 2 tomato slices
- Grated beetroot (steamed)
- Few pomegranate seeds.
Spread the yogurt on the bread slices. Layer the tomato, beetroot, and pomegranate and dig in!
The bottom line
Making a diet plan for hypothyroid patients in India means getting to experiment with a wide range of grains and fresh produce. While knowing what to eat is important, being aware of which Indian foods to avoid in hypothyroidism is even more important.
The right diet will help you combat bloating, improve your digestion, and aid in weight loss. However, for complete thyroid control, you need a more comprehensive plan.
The experts at Jeeva Health have got your back. Simply contact our team today to get started on your thyroid journey.
