Natural treatment for hypothyroidism: diet and lifestyle

What to eat if you have hypothyroidism

“There is no single food that will increase your thyroid hormone levels, but there are foods that a person with hypothyroidism should eat more of,” says Rizzo.

When you’re looking for the best foods for hypothyroidism, you probably won’t find many surprising selections. Most lists reflect an unprocessed, nutrient-dense diet that is generally recommended for most people. But certain vitamins and nutrients are particularly important for thyroid health.

Here are the main nutrients and vitamins for thyroid health:

Iodine

Although iodine deficiency is relatively rare in the United States due to mandatory salt iodization legislation, people in countries without iodine-fortified foods may need to increase their intake.

Megan Casper, RDN, a registered dietitian based in New York, points out that iodine deficiency is the leading cause of hypothyroidism worldwide. This mineral cannot be made by the body, so dietary sources like iodized salt, dairy, seafood, seaweed, and fortified grains are important.

“Iodine is an essential nutrient in the body, and thyroid hormones are made up of iodine,” says Rizzo. “Those who are deficient in thyroid hormones may also be deficient in iodine.”

Tyrosine

As with iodine, you’ll want to talk to a doctor to see if you would benefit from eating more foods containing tyrosine or taking a supplement. This is because this amino acid has the potential to interact with hypothyroidism medications.

Foods containing tyrosine include:

• Algae
• Türkiye
• Eggs
• Cottage cheese

Vitamin D

“Most people with hypothyroidism have a vitamin D deficiency, but the mechanism causing this deficiency is unknown,” says Rizzo.

Getting adequate vitamin D in your diet can help prevent diseases related to vitamin D deficiency, such as bone loss and deformities.

Foods rich in vitamin D include:

• Eggs
• Oily fish like wild salmon
• Dairy products like Greek yogurt

Antioxidants

To get your dose of antioxidants, look for:

• Berries
• Nut
• Seeds
• Dark green leafy vegetables, such as spinach and kale

Selenium

“The highest concentration of selenium is found in the thyroid gland, and it is vital for the enzymes that help the thyroid function,” explains Rizzo. “Many people with hypothyroidism may be deficient in this important nutrient, which has a significant effect on the immune system, cognitive function and fertility.”

Valuable sources of selenium include:

• Seafood
• Eggs
• Seeds
• Brazil nuts

Vitamin B12

“Many people with hypothyroidism have a vitamin B12 deficiency, but the mechanism of this deficiency is also unknown,” says Rizzo.

There are many ways to stock up on vitamin B12: