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- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service (NEMDIS): Hypothyroidism
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Iodine
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Diet to Treat Low Thyroid Hormone Levels
If you have low thyroid hormone levels, you may be experiencing unpleasant side effects of fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, depression, feeling cold, headaches, menstrual irregularities, constipation, dry skin or muscle aches, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center 1. Making dietary changes may help improve your thyroid hormone levels. However, many people with hypothyroidism -- a condition that causes low thyroid hormone levels in your body -- require prescription synthetic thyroid hormone.
Causes of Hypothyroidism
Although getting too little iodine in your diet can lead to hypothyroidism, diet alone is unlikely to cause thyroid problems.
Dietary Sources of Iodine
How Much Kelp Should You Take for Hypothyroidism?
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To reduce your chances of getting hypothyroidism from too little dietary iodine, choose plenty of iodine-rich foods on a daily basis 2. These include:
- fish
- seafood
- seaweed
- dairy foods
- eggs
- iodized salt
- as well as enriched breads
- cereals
- macaroni
Iodized salt provides almost half of the iodine-recommended percentage of the daily value for adults, according to the Office of Dietary Supplements 2. Some, but not all, multivitamins are also sources of iodine.
Treating Hypothyroidism
If you’re getting plenty of iodine in your diet but still have low levels of thyroid hormone in your body, changing your diet likely won’t treat the hypothyroidism; likely, it’s time to chat with your doctor. NEMDIS reports that hypothyroidism is often corrected by taking synthetic thyroid hormone medication every day on a regular basis, as instructed. Your doctor will recommend proper dosing of this prescription medication, based on your thyroid levels, and will monitor you closely.
Other Dietary Considerations
Foods Rich in Potassium Iodide
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A balanced diet is recommended for people with hypothyroidism, according to NEMDIS. This includes eating a good balance of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts, seeds, legumes, low-fat dairy foods, plant-based oils, lean meats, seafood, poultry or soy products, eggs and legumes.include:
- This includes eating a good balance of fruits
- vegetables
- whole grains
- nuts
- seeds
- legumes
- low-fat dairy foods
- plant-based oils
- lean meats
- seafood
- poultry or soy products
- eggs
- legumes
You will likely obtain the recommend dietary allowance, or RDA, for iodine -- which is 150 micrograms daily for adult men and women, 220 micrograms during pregnancy and 290 micrograms per day while breastfeeding -- by eating a variety of iodine-rich foods 2. However, since iodine requirements are higher for pregnant and breastfeeding women, doctors may recommend a prenatal multivitamin that contains iodine.
- A balanced diet is recommended for people with hypothyroidism, according to NEMDIS.
Related Articles
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hypothyroidism
- Office of Dietary Supplements: Iodine
- Institute of Medicine: Dietary Reference Intakes (DRIs): Recommended Dietary Allowances and Adequate Intakes, Elements
- American Thyroid Association. Iodine Deficiency. 2020.
- Eastman CJ, Zimmermann MB. The iodine deficiency disorders. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext. South Dartmouth, MA: MDText.com, Inc. Updated February 6, 2018.
- Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2010;14(1):13-17.
- Kostoglou-athanassiou I, Ntalles K. Hypothyroidism - new aspects of an old disease. Hippokratia. 2010;14(2):82-87.
- American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism in Children and Adolescents. 2020.
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine. Updated July 9, 2019.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Congenital hypothyroidism. Updated February 11, 2020.
- Johnson LE. Iodine. Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated October 2018.
- Murthy MB, Krishnamurthy B. Severe irritant contact dermatitis induced by povidone iodine solution. Indian J Pharmacol. 2009;41(4):199-200. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.56069
- Puchalski AR, Chopra IJ. Radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer despite history of 'iodine allergy'. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2014;2014:130084. doi:10.1530/EDM-13-0084
- Schabelman E, Witting M. The relationship of radiocontrast, iodine, and seafood allergies: a medical myth exposed. J Emerg Med. 2010;39(5):701-707. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.10.014
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine. Updated July 9, 2019.
- American Cancer Society. Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine) Therapy for Thyroid Cancer. Updated March 14, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Potassium iodide (KI). Updated April 4, 2018.
- Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R. The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(1):1-3.doi:+10.4103/2230-8210.126517
Writer Bio
Erin Coleman is a registered and licensed dietitian. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in dietetics and has extensive experience working as a health writer and health educator. Her articles are published on various health, nutrition and fitness websites.