Diet to treat hypothyroidism: does it work? benefits and menu
The hypothyroidism diet is ideal for those who have thyroid problems and need to regulate hormones.
Our thyroid plays a huge role in metabolism.
Along with insulin and cortisol , thyroid hormones are a determining factor in metabolic rate and weight management.
As you would expect, many health problems arise if our thyroid stops working properly.
Studies show that at least 3.7% of American adults have an underactive thyroid, which is likely similar in other developed countries.
Rates are on the rise, as are those selling thyroid supplements and giving inaccurate dietary advice. Hypothyroidism can be a difficult condition to manage, and what you eat can interfere with your treatment. Some nutrients strongly influence thyroid gland function , and certain foods can inhibit your body’s ability to absorb the replacement hormones you may be taking as part of your thyroid treatment . But what is this Hypothyroidism Diet?
Hypothyroidism Diet:
Currently, the best feeding system for hypothyroidism starts with a modified Paleolithic diet, which is then modified for each patient. The Hypothyroidism Diet is rich in foods of high nutritional density (meat, fish, vegetables, fruits, nuts) and decreases the intake of processed foods. The carbohydrates in the Hypothyroidism Diet are complex and slowly absorbed in order to maintain more stable blood glucose levels.
Which foods are suitable?
The truth is that there is no Hypothyroidism Diet that is unique to these people, each case is special and has a different treatment according to the conditions and condition of the patient. In addition, one should always take into account the opinion of a doctor, who will know how to treat each case. Another important factor is that the Hypothyroidism Diet must be very healthy and balanced, allowing you to maintain a stable weight, providing energy.
Fiber-rich foods:
By consuming the foods of this hypothyroidism diet that offer abundant amounts of fiber to the body, we will be making a very good decision to keep the weight under control, in addition, we will keep the insulin levels in the blood controlled and improve digestion, allowing the sensation of satisfaction when we eat is prolonged, that is, we will not have too much appetite. Foods can be fruits, vegetables, gluten -free grains and vegetables.
Foods that provide selenium:
One of the properties of selenium in the Hypothyroidism Diet is to help improve hormonal development, some of the foods that offer selenium to our body are chicken, walnuts, salmon , onion and garlic , it can also be found in molasses.
Foods that have odor:
Among the foods that can help improve and keep diseases under control are those that contain iodine, as they regulate the hormone thyroxine and help the thyroid to function well. Therefore, it can be very beneficial to consume this hypothyroidism diet , as well as: seaweed, sea salt, shellfish and iodized salt.
Among these foods mentioned in this Hypothyroidism Diet that helps in the proper functioning of the thyroid, can also be highlighted:
- Foods with Copper: Oysters, mushrooms, beans, nuts, tomatoes, dark chocolate and meats of all kinds.
- Foods with Manganese: Pumpkin seeds , flaxseeds, chia, walnuts, dark chocolate, seafood, okra, chickpeas, hearts of palm and pineapple.
- Foods with B vitamins: Eggs, offal, dairy products, whole grain bread, yeast, brown rice, fish, chicken, bananas and beans.
- Foods with Vitamin A: Carrots, kale, squash , sweet potatoes, spinach , cantaloupe, papaya, mango , broccoli, lettuce and liver.
- Foods with Vitamin C: Citrus fruits in general, lemon, guava, broccoli, cauliflower, strawberry, peppers, dark leafy greens.
- Foods with Vitamin D: Seafood, mushrooms, dairy and eggs. (The best source of vitamin D is the sun, take at least 15 minutes a day).
- Foods with Vitamin E: Peanuts, palm oil, avocado , almonds, sunflower seeds, beans, leafy greens and asparagus.
- Foods with Tyrosine: Flaxseed, pumpkin seeds , sesame, seaweed, eggs, tofu, soy sauce, turkey, chicken, red meat, fish, almonds, cottage cheese, beans and leafy greens.
What foods should be avoided:
Even when the treatment is being carried out, it is important that some foods are avoided, as they can compromise the effectiveness of the treatment. Here are the foods that should be avoided on this Hypothyroidism Diet:
1. Alcoholic beverages:
In practical terms, alcohol should be completely avoided on this hypothyroidism diet . Its consumption impairs both the absorption of hormone replacement and the thyroid function itself.
2. Military:
Excessive soy consumption has been proven to be the cause of hypothyroidism , as it interferes with the body’s ability to manage thyroid hormone .
3. Café:
Caffeine is proven to impair the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement . Therefore all hypothyroid medication should be taken with water and never coffee . If you still want to have coffee , it should be at an opposite and different time to the medication (for example: if the medication is in the morning, coffee should be taken in the afternoon and vice versa).
4. Processed foods:
Because they have a lot of sodium , processed foods should be avoided at all costs in the hypothyroidism diet . Sodium in this case will be responsible for the increase in blood pressure causing several problems to those who suffer from hypothyroidism . Here it is possible to replace these processed foods (generally steaks) with natural cooked or roasted foods.
5. Fatty foods:
In addition to fried foods such as French fries, hamburgers and breaded products, it is advisable for those who suffer from hypothyroidism to reduce the consumption of margarine, mayonnaise and any other excessively fatty food. That’s because fat decreases the thyroid ‘s ability to produce hormones for its maintenance.
6. Foods with a lot of sugar:
Ideally, according to health experts, sugar is completely removed from the hypothyroid diet . This recommendation is made precisely because sugar reduces metabolism and compromises thyroid functions .
Because it’s important?
Thyroid hormone helps control the speed of your metabolism. The faster your metabolism, the more calories your body will burn at rest. People who have hypothyroidism make less thyroid hormone . This means they have a slower metabolism and burn fewer calories at rest. Having a slow metabolism can cause several diseases to your health. It can make you tired, raise blood cholesterol levels and make it harder to lose weight .
If you have difficulty maintaining your weight with hypothyroidism , try doing high- or moderate-intensity cardio. This includes exercises like brisk walks, jogs, walks, and even cycling. Research has shown that moderate to high-intensity aerobic exercise can help increase your thyroid hormone levels . And it can help speed up your metabolism.
People with hypothyroidism may also benefit from increased protein intake. Research shows that higher protein diets help to increase the speed of your metabolism.
Complete 7-day menu to control your thyroid:
The following hypothyroidism diet menu is a suggestion! Each patient needs a different and specific treatment and it must be indicated by their doctor, nutritionist or endocrinologist. Consult the doctor first, do the necessary tests and then start the hypothyroidism diet . Do not prolong the consumption of this hypothyroidism diet for more than a week.
1 Menu option:
Domingo:
Breakfast:
- A glass (200ml) of tangerine juice mixed with a spoon (soup) of flaxseed , a cup (tea) of green tea (200ml) or a cup (coffee) of coffee (50ml);
- A slice of wholemeal bread with a tablespoon of cottage cheese;
- 6 quail eggs.
Morning snack:
- A pot (170ml) of natural yogurt blended in a blender with two plums.
Lunch:
- A large portion of iceberg lettuce salad, with cherry tomatoes, chopped chives and grated carrots;
- Two tablespoons of egg crumbs;
- Two slices of roasted or grilled turkey breast;
- Three tablespoons of steamed cauliflower.
Afternoon snack:
- 1 cup (200 ml) of pineapple juice, blended in a blender with a spoon (soup) of chia, a spoon (soup) of pumpkin seeds and mint leaves.
Dinner:
- 1 boiled egg;
- 1 toast of wholemeal bread;
- A plate of heart of palm soup with cauliflower and seaweed (hydrate the seaweed and cook the heart of palm and cauliflower with seasonings to taste, cream of rice, milk and egg yolks).
Supper:
- Meia manga .
2 Menu option:
Monday:
Breakfast:
- A glass (200ml) of orange juice mixed with acerola, a cup (tea) of black tea (200ml) or a cup (coffee) of coffee (50ml).
- A slice of wholemeal bread with a tablespoon of cottage cheese.
- Two boiled eggs.
Morning snack:
- Half an apple.
- Two Brazil nuts.
- Four almonds.
Lunch:
- Arugula, lettuce, tomato and onion salad at will;
- Two tablespoons of brown rice;
- A shell of black beans;
- One piece of mackerel (grilled);
- Three tablespoons of sautéed okra.
Afternoon snack:
- A mashed banana with a spoon (soup) of chia and a spoon (soup) of sesame.
Dinner:
- Three spoons (soup) of sautéed pumpkin and seasoned with garlic ;
- A grilled chicken breast fillet;
- Tomato salad with a spoon (soup) of heart of palm, a spoon (soup) of green corn and a spoon (soup) of chopped green pepper.
Supper:
- An orange .
3 Menu option:
Tuesday:
Breakfast:
- A glass (200ml) of orange juice , blended in a blender with a tablespoon of oatmeal and a piece of ginger.
- A slice of wholegrain bread with two slices of turkey breast.
Morning snack:
- A pot (170ml) of natural yogurt mixed with a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Lunch:
- Radish salad, with purple lettuce, hearts of palm and tomato at will;
- Three tablespoons of sautéed zucchini;
- A serving of whole-grain pasta with tomato sauce;
- A grilled chicken thigh and drumstick (skinless), seasoned with garlic , salt and ginger.
Afternoon snack:
- A cup (tea) of tea (flavor that you want);
- A wholemeal toast with a slice of Minas cheese.
Dinner:
- A tuna steak with tomato sauce, chopped olives and a tablespoon of chopped onion.
- A cherry tomato, chives, parsley and heart of palm salad at will.
- Three tablespoons of sauteed spinach .
- Two tablespoons of brown rice.
Supper:
- A glass (200ml) of warm milk mixed with cinnamon and a tablespoon of coconut flour.
4 Menu option:
Wednesday:
Breakfast:
- One cup (200ml) of avocado smoothie .
- A slice of wholemeal bread (with a spoon of coconut oil) and a slice of Minas cheese.
Morning snack:
- A tangerine.
Lunch:
- A serving of whole-grain pasta with tomato sauce and mushrooms;
- Four tablespoons of ground beef (lean) sautéed;
- Cherry tomato salad with cabbage and lettuce at will;
- Season to taste.
Afternoon snack:
- Six almonds;
- A bar of dark chocolate ;
- A cup (tea) of tea with the flavor you want.
Dinner:
- A grilled sardine;
- Three slices of boiled sweet potato ;
- A watercress, tomato and lettuce salad at will.
Supper:
- A pot (170ml) of natural yogurt blended in a blender with a spoon (soup) of coconut flour, half an apple and a spoon (soup) of avocado .
5 Menu option:
Thursday:
Breakfast:
- A glass (200ml) of grape juice, mixed in a blender with two Brazil nuts and a tablespoon of flaxseed flour .
- A tapioca stuffed with two boiled eggs and a slice of Minas cheese. (put a spoon of coconut oil in the filling).
Morning snack:
- Two pineapple slices.
Lunch:
- Grated carrot, heart of palm and green leaves salad;
- A grilled chicken breast fillet;
- Three tablespoons of sauteed cabbage;
- Three tablespoons of roasted potatoes and seasoned with rosemary and garlic .
Afternoon coffee:
Dinner:
- Cooked and seasoned chayote at will.
- Three tablespoons of a sautéed quinoa, seaweed, garlic , tomato and seasoned to taste.
- A grilled beef fillet (steak).
Supper:
- A kiwi.
6 Menu option:
Friday:
Breakfast.
- Half papaya, blended in a blender with a spoon (soup) of flaxseed and half a pot of natural yogurt;
- A wholemeal pita with a tablespoon of cottage cheese and two slices of turkey breast.
Morning snack:
- A cup (tea) of chopped strawberry .
Lunch:
- Two slices of lean roast beef;
- Two tablespoons of brown rice;
- Two tablespoons of sauteed cabbage;
- A shell of black beans;
- Watercress, carrot , beetroot and lettuce salad at will.
Afternoon snack:
- A slice of wholemeal bread with a tablespoon of cottage cheese;
- A cup (coffee) of coffee.
Dinner:
- Zucchini seasoned and braised at will;
- Two grilled sardines;
- Three tablespoons of mashed potatoes (can be sweet potatoes ).
Supper:
- Meia branch ;
- Three walnuts.
7 Menu option:
Saturday:
Breakfast:
- A glass (200ml) of orange juice blended in a blender with a carrot and two Brazil nuts;
- Two boiled eggs;
- Wholemeal toast with coconut oil.
Morning snack:
- A pot (170ml) of natural yogurt blended in a blender with a spoon (soup) of chia and four units of raisins (seedless).
Lunch:
- Two slices of roasted turkey breast:
- A ladle of cooked chickpeas;
- Cherry tomato salad , yellow peppers and green leaves at will;
- Three tablespoons of sautéed broccoli.
Afternoon snack:
- A glass (200ml) of acerola juice, shaken with banana (half a unit) and five almonds.
Dinner:
- A deep dish of green broth (check the recipe);
- A slice of buffalo mozzarella;
- A small portion of sliced tomato , oregano and basil.
Supper:
- A cup (tea) of chamomile with whole milk;
- A wholemeal toast with cottage cheese.
Recipes to complement:
Strawberry and citrus:
This juice will help you as it has many sources of vitamin C, which as mentioned above, helps in the formation of the T4 hormone by the thyroid .
INGREDIENTS :
- 1 cup strawberry tea;
- 2 dried apricots;
- 1 orange;
- ½ Sicilian lemon.
PREPARATION MODE:
- Beat everything in the blender, it is not necessary to strain, only if you prefer to
sweeten it with xylitol.
2. Orange yogurt:
In addition to having sources of vitamin C, it also contains a source of vitamin A and iodine (yogurt). Vitamin A will regulate the thyroid hormones that are altered, especially TSH. And Iodine will help in the formation of hormones.
INGREDIENTS:
- 2 oranges;
- 2 dried apricots ;
- 1 cup of plain yogurt.
PREPARATION MODE:
- Beat everything in the blender, it is not necessary to strain, only if you prefer to
sweeten it with xylitol.
3. Hormonal health:
Hormonal Health Juice will strengthen your endocrine system, due to its antioxidant and hormone-forming stimulant ingredients. Seaweed powder will support immune function, also helping to reduce destructive thyroid antibodies , and has a lesser aftertaste than dry seaweed.
INGREDIENTS:
- 1 cup fresh spinach ;
- 3 stalks of celery;
- 3 carrots;
- ½ red pepper;
- 1 teaspoon kelp powder.
PREPARATION MODE:
- Beat everything in the blender, it is not necessary to strain, only if you prefer to
sweeten it with xylitol.
Hypothyroidism Diet to Maintain a Healthy Weight:
Tips:
It is very easy to gain weight with hypothyroidism due to a slow metabolism. Here are some tips to help you maintain a healthy weight with this hypothyroid diet .
Rest well:
Aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep every night. Getting less sleep is linked to fat gain, especially around the belly area.
Have Mindful Eating:
Paying attention to what you’re eating on the hypothyroid diet , why you’re eating it, and how quickly you’re eating it can help you develop a better relationship with food. Studies also show that it can help you lose weight .
Do Yoga or Meditation:
Yoga and meditation can help you decrease stress and improve your overall health on the hypothyroidism diet . Research also shows that they are effective in helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Try a Low Carb Diet:
Eating a low or moderate amount of carbohydrates is very effective in maintaining a healthy weight. However, avoid trying a ketogenic diet, as eating too few carbs can lower thyroid hormone levels .
While it’s easy to gain weight with hypothyroidism , there are many things you can do to help maintain a healthy weight. For example, you can try to get plenty of rest, eat a good amount of protein, and practice mindful eating.