Diet for Hypothyroidism
Support your thyroid through diet. Iodine, selenium and key foods.
Calorie calculation examples by profile
Sedentary woman, 30 years old, 143 lbs (slower metabolism)
Active woman, 30 years old, 143 lbs (slower metabolism)
Sedentary man, 30 years old, 176 lbs (slower metabolism)
Active man, 30 years old, 176 lbs (slower metabolism)
Hypothyroidism and metabolism
Hypothyroidism slows down metabolism, which can lead to weight gain, fatigue, and cold sensitivity. Your thyroid needs certain nutrients to function properly. However, diet does not replace the medication prescribed by your doctor.
Essential nutrients for thyroid health
Iodine is crucial but in moderate amounts (150 mcg/day for adults). Selenium (55-70 mcg/day) helps convert T4 to T3. Zinc and iron are also important. Caution: too much iodine can worsen some forms of hypothyroidism, especially Hashimoto's thyroiditis.
Goitrogens: limit, don't eliminate
Certain foods can interfere with thyroid function: cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage), soy, cassava. However, cooking significantly reduces their goitrogenic effect. You don't need to eliminate them, just consume them cooked and in moderation.
Medication and food interactions
Levothyroxine should be taken on an empty stomach, at least 30-60 minutes before breakfast. Coffee, calcium, iron, and soy can reduce its absorption. Wait 4 hours between taking your medication and these foods or supplements.
Important
Never go below 1200 kcal/day (women) or 1500 kcal/day (men) without medical supervision. Too aggressive a deficit can be dangerous for your health and counterproductive for weight loss.
Dietary Guide for Hypothyroidism
Important: This information does not replace medical advice. Hypothyroidism requires medical monitoring and usually medication. Diet is a complement, not a substitute for treatment.
Diet can support thyroid function and optimize the effectiveness of your treatment.
Key Nutrients for Thyroid Health
Iodine
- Role: essential component of thyroid hormones
- Needs: 150 mcg/day (adults)
- Sources: iodized salt, sea fish, seaweed (in moderation), dairy products
- Caution: excess iodine can worsen Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
Selenium
- Role: conversion of T4 to T3, antioxidant protection
- Needs: 55-70 mcg/day
- Sources: Brazil nuts (1-2/day), fish, eggs, meat
- Caution: do not exceed 400 mcg/day
Zinc
- Role: thyroid hormone synthesis
- Needs: 8-11 mg/day
- Sources: oysters, red meat, legumes, pumpkin seeds
Iron
- Role: necessary for T4 synthesis
- Sources: red meat, legumes, spinach
- Note: take iron away from levothyroxine (4-hour gap)
Goitrogenic Foods
These foods can interfere with iodine and thyroid function:
| Food | Effect | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Cruciferous (broccoli, cabbage) | Goitrogenic | Cook before eating |
| Soy | Interferes with medication absorption | Space 4h from medication |
| Cassava | Goitrogenic | Always cook |
| Sweet potato | Mildly goitrogenic | Moderate consumption |
Medication and Meal Timing
- Levothyroxine: on empty stomach, 30-60 min before breakfast
- Coffee: wait 1 hour after medication
- Calcium/iron supplements: wait 4 hours
- Dairy products: ideally not at breakfast
Mistakes to Avoid
- Completely eliminating cruciferous vegetables: unnecessary and deprives you of valuable nutrients
- Iodine supplementation without medical advice: can worsen some thyroiditis
- Taking medication with breakfast: reduces absorption
- Expecting diet to “cure” the thyroid: it supports but doesn’t replace treatment
Why Voical Can Help You
With hypothyroidism, tracking your calorie intake with Voical is particularly useful because your metabolism may be slower. The app helps you maintain a controlled deficit and monitor your intake of key nutrients like selenium and iodine.