Hypothyroidism is a condition where the body produces less than the required amount of the thyroid hormone. This hormone plays an important role in regulating metabolism and growth. A change in diet alone is not enough to treat hypothyroidism but paying attention to what you eat and what you do not eat can help minimize symptoms and improve thyroid functioning to a certain extent.

Foods to avoid
Thankfully, there are not a lot of foods that should be avoided when one is diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Some of these foods are as follows:

• Processed foods including cakes, hot dogs, cookies, and pasta as they can make the person gain weight easily
• All types of millet, Iodine, and selenium supplements should be taken only if prescribed by the doctor; they should be avoided otherwise.

Some foods need not be completely avoided but they can be consumed only in moderation; they are as follows:

• Food that contains gluten such as cereals, bread and beer
• Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower, broccoli, kale, and spinach.
• Certain fruits such as strawberries, peaches, and pears
• Caffeinated beverages such as tea, coffee, and alcohol. Excessive consumption of these beverages could irritate the thyroid gland

Foods that contain goitrogens should also be eaten in moderation and preferably cooked before they are eaten. Patients who also have an iodine deficiency should avoid peanuts and pine nuts as they are rich sources of goitrogens.

Hypothyroidism patients who also have celiac disease may feel uncomfortable when eating foods with gluten. In such cases, food that contains gluten should be avoided completely.

Foods to eat
Nutrients such as iodine, selenium and zinc are important for thyroid functioning. These nutrients are easily available in food. Foods that are good for patients of hypothyroidism are as follows:

• While egg whites are rich in protein, the yolk is a good source of selenium and iodine. Thus, it is best to eat whole eggs.
• All types of meat including chicken and lamb
• All types of seafood such as fresh salmon, halibut, tuna and shrimp
• All types of vegetables. Cruciferous vegetables such as cauliflower and broccoli should be eaten in moderation. The best way to cook vegetables so as to retain their nutritional value is to steam or bake them.
• All other fruits including oranges, bananas, tomatoes and berries.
• Milk and all types of dairy products including cheese and yogurt.
• Gluten-free seeds and grains such as rice, chia seeds, buckwheat, flaxseed, and quinoa

The diet should be centered on vegetables and lean meats. This type of diet has a low calorific value while giving the person all the necessary nutrients and thus helps prevent weight gain. However, ketogenic diets should be avoided as not eating enough carbs may hamper thyroid functioning. In addition, the patient must drink plenty of water and non-caffeinated drinks.

Thyroid medication should ideally be taken at least 1 to 2 hours before meals. This is because fiber and nutrients such as iron and calcium in the food being eaten may prevent the medication from being absorbed by the body.