What Can I Eat With Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is a condition where your production of thyroid hormone decreases below what your body requires. Among many side effects, your metabolism slows down, which often leads to weight gain. If you are living with hypothyroidism, you should see a doctor or an endocrinologist.
Hypothyroidism is a condition where your production of thyroid hormone decreases below what your body requires. Among many side effects, your metabolism slows down, which often leads to weight gain. If you are living with hypothyroidism, you should see a doctor or an endocrinologist. You can live normally with hypothroidism and it is treatable, but while are suffering with it, there are foods that you should eat and foods that you should avoid.
Foods High in B-Vitamins and Iron
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, if you have hypothyroidism you should eat foods that are high in the B vitamins and iron. Lower-calorie foods are always preferable since your metabolism and calorie expenditure are decreased. The University of Rochester School of Medicine lists the following low-calorie foods that are rich in iron: skinless chicken, egg whites, seafood and dried fruits such as raisins, prunes and dates. Utah State University lists groundnuts, beans, peas, cereals and fish as food sources that are rich in the B vitamins.
Fresh Vegetables
The University of Maryland Medical Center recommends that you eat fresh vegetables and sea vegetables if you have hypothyroidism. Although under normal circumstances, just about every vegetable will be healthy for you, there are several ones that you will want to avoid if you have hypothyroidism. Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, kale and spinach all will further decrease your thyroid function. Stick to yellow vegetables such as squash, carrots, bell peppers, seaweed and lettuce. Seaweed and other sea vegetables are especially good because they contain iodine that supports optimal thyroid function.
Whole Grains
The University of Maryland Medical Center also recommends that you eat whole grains if your have hypothyroidism. Whole grain bread, bagels, pitas, oatmeal, barley, brown rice and whole wheat pasta are all excellent choices. Whole grains are almost always preferable to foods or beverages with simple sugars such as soda, candy, desserts and fruit drinks. You should avoid foods that have high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS). HFCS promotes fat gain significantly more than regular sugar or other sweeteners do. Beware of HFCS corn syrup in cereals and even some whole grain breads.
Fresh Fruit
Fresh fruit is also recommended by the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fruit is packed with antioxidants, which are particularly important if you have hypothyroidism. Blueberries, cherries and tomatoes are all low-calorie options. Try to eat whole fruit instead of drinking fruit juice. Even if you are drinking 100 percent fruit juice that does not have HFCS, it is significantly lower in fiber than whole fruit. Fiber is important because it can stabilize your blood sugar and satisfy your appetite. Hypothyroidism is a serious illness, but it is often easily treatable, if you have a thyroid condition it is necessary to establish an ongoing rapport with your doctor and get blood test several times a year.