8 Frequently Asked Questions about Hypothyroidism Diet

In previous articles, we have discussed some common dietary problems about hyperthyroidism. Now let’s look at the diet of hypothyroidism patients and pay attention to what.

1. Do hypothyroidism patients need iodine supplement

We already know that patients with hyperthyroidism need to avoid iodine. Is it necessary for hypothyroidism patients to supplement iodine? This is not the case.

There are many causes of hypothyroidism, some related to iodine deficiency, such as the commonly known macroneck disease, and some related to iodine excess, such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

Whether iodine supplement is needed or not, first of all, it is necessary to make clear whether the body is iodine deficient. It can be judged by measuring urine iodine. Low urine iodine indicates iodine deficiency in the body.

Iodine-deficient hypothyroidism patients can choose iodized salt and iodized soy sauce for seasoning, and can also eat more kelp, laver and other iodine supplements.

However, some hypothyroidism patients will find that doctors have given dietary advice without measuring urine iodine. This is mainly because urine iodine only reflects the iodine intake in recent days, and for a single patient, measuring urine iodine is of little significance.

However, it is very meaningful to measure the overall urine iodine situation in a certain area, which can reflect the iodine intake situation in the whole area. Doctors guide the diet of individual patients based on the overall iodine intake situation in the region.

2. Hypothyroidism patients have what dietary taboos,

Some foods have the effect of causing goiter, such as cabbage, cabbage, rape, cassava, walnut, etc. It should be avoided to eat raw.

Step 3 Separate your medication from your breakfast

Patients with hypothyroidism generally need thyroxine tablets, and the most commonly used drug is [euthyroxine]. Studies have found that grapefruit, soybeans, espresso, milk and high-fiber foods may affect the absorption of euthyroxine.

Therefore, the drug instructions are recommended to take Youjiale on an empty stomach in the morning. Eat breakfast after taking the medicine for half an hour to an hour, and be careful not to take the medicine with milk, soya-bean milk, etc.

Step 4 Ensure protein intake

The decline of gastrointestinal function in hypothyroidism patients will cause poor digestion and absorption of protein. However, insufficient protein intake will further aggravate hypothyroidism and form a vicious circle.

Therefore, hypothyroidism patients should try their best to ensure protein intake. You can eat more lean meat, eggs, peeled poultry meat, fish, etc.

Step 5 Limit fat and cholesterol

Hypothyroidism can lead to disorder of fat metabolism in the body and is prone to hypertriglyceridemia and hypercholesterolemia, so it is necessary to limit the intake of fat and cholesterol.

Foods rich in cholesterol include egg yolk, cream, animal brain, etc. High-fat foods include nuts, sesame paste, fat meat, pork belly, etc. It is best to control the edible oil within 20g per day, about 2 porcelain spoons.

STEP 6 Pay Attention to Iron Supplement

Hypothyroidism patients may suffer from erythrocyte synthesis disorder and anemia due to thyroid hormone deficiency. Moreover, the decrease of iron absorption capacity in hypothyroidism patients may further aggravate the tendency of anemia.

Therefore, hypothyroidism patients need to pay attention to the intake of iron-rich foods, such as lean meat, animal blood, etc. At the same time, pay attention to the supplement of folic acid, vitamin B12, vitamin C, in order to promote hemoglobin synthesis and iron absorption.

Step 7 Eat less salt

Hypothyroidism is often manifested as swelling of hands and feet and obesity of the body, which is related to the occurrence of mucous edema. Excessive salt intake will cause retention of water and sodium in the body and aggravate edema.

Therefore, the diet of hypothyroidism patients should not be too salty. In addition to salt, there are also some foods that contain more sodium, such as pickles, bacon, seasoning sauce, etc., which should also be eaten as little as possible.

8. Eat more foods rich in dietary fiber

Thyroid hormone can promote gastrointestinal peristalsis. Hypothyroidism patients are prone to constipation and abdominal distension due to low thyroid hormone levels and slow gastrointestinal peristalsis.

Therefore, hypothyroidism patients need to choose foods rich in dietary fiber, such as various coarse cereals, sweet potatoes, purple potatoes, fresh vegetables and fruits, etc. But don’t forget to avoid cabbage, rape, cabbage, cassava and other foods causing goiter.

In addition, food can be cooked soft and rotten to adapt to the digestive function of hypothyroidism and reduce the occurrence of abdominal distension.