Thyroid hormone is a “positive energy” hormone that promotes growth and development, thermogenesis and metabolism. If there is a lack of “positive energy”, the metabolism of other nutrients in the body will be “slowed down”.
In view of the characteristics of nutritional metabolism in patients with hypothyroidism, the following seven aspects of diet should be noted.
1. Iodine intake should be moderate
Iodine is an important raw material for the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Many patients take it for granted that hypothyroidism should be a high iodine diet.
In fact, it is not true that patients with hypothyroidism caused by iodine deficiency should strengthen iodine intake, but for patients with sufficient iodine, excessive iodine intake may lead to the aggravation of hypothyroidism.
If hypothyroidism is caused by simple iodine deficiency, such as that caused by endemic goiter, iodine supplementation may be appropriate, but remember that it needs to be done under medical supervision.
If the hypothyroidism is caused by Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, a low iodine diet is required, with restrictions on kelp, nori and various seafood. This is because a diet high in iodine increases the concentration of thyroid peroxidase antibodies (TPOAb), which can induce and aggravate autoimmune thyroiditis.
In addition, the urine iodine test is a way to know if your body is deficient in iodine. Simply put, urine is collected in the morning on an empty stomach or at 24 hours and sent for testing. For children and adults (not pregnant women), try to keep urine iodine levels between 100 and 199 μg/L. Pregnant women should maintain urine iodine levels between 150 and 249 μg/L.
How do I supplement iodine?
Patients with hypothyroidism who are iodine deficient can mainly supplement by consuming iodized salt and eating more iodine-containing foods such as sea cucumber, shrimp, seaweed, nori and other seafood.
2.Avoid foods that cause goiter
Avoid cabbage, cabbage, rape and other vegetables, cassava and walnuts.
Because these foods contain certain ingredients that can cause goiter, goiter will further affect the synthesis of thyroxine, so hypothyroid patients need to avoid the above-mentioned foods.
3.Supply sufficient amount of protein, calcium and vitamins
(1) Adequate supply of protein can improve thyroid function. The daily protein intake should be 1-1.2 g per kg of body weight per person, for example, a 60 kg adult should have a daily protein intake of 60-72 g. For example, a 60 kg adult should have a daily protein intake of 1-1.2 g per kg of body weight per person.
Protein can be supplemented with eggs, dairy, meat and fish, which also contain calcium and vitamin A. Plant protein is also available, such as various soy products and soybeans.
(2) Generally, a normal diet can be supplemented with 400 mg of calcium per day, but it is recommended that postmenopausal women and elderly patients take an additional 600 mg of calcium, which can be supplemented by calcium-containing preparations such as calcium carbonate. Note that calcium refers to the amount of calcium in a calcium supplement, not the weight of a single calcium supplement/capsule.
If osteoporosis is already present, treatment for existing osteoporosis is also required.
(3) Consume a variety of vegetables and fresh fruits daily to get enough vitamins, especially vitamin A.
(4) Limit the intake of cholesterol-rich and high-fat foods
Hypothyroidism is often accompanied by hyperlipidemia, so avoid foods rich in cholesterol, such as cream, animal brains and offal, etc.
Limit the use of high-fat foods, such as cooking oil should not exceed 20 g per day, peanut rice, walnuts, almonds, sesame paste, ham, pork, cheese, etc. should be eaten sparingly.
5.Prevent anemia
Those who have anemia should be supplemented with foods rich in iron and vitamin B12, such as animal liver (iron can be supplemented by other means if the blood fat is too high).
Pay attention to eat more lean meat, pig blood, etc., and if necessary, take drugs to correct anemia.
6.Low salt diet
Hypothyroidism patients often have swollen hands and feet and fat body due to mucus edema. Excessive salt intake can cause water and sodium retention and aggravate edema.
Although hypothyroidism patients are not as strict as kidney disease patients to limit salt intake, but also to eat less salty food.
7.Other
(1) Ensure sufficient dietary fiber
Thyroid hormone has a role in promoting gastrointestinal motility, hypothyroidism patients are prone to bloating and constipation due to insufficient thyroxine, so it is recommended to consume more food rich in dietary fiber, such as whole wheat flour, brown rice, oats, beans, potatoes, fruits and vegetables. Dietary fiber can promote the gastrointestinal tract peristalsis, and in the large intestine to absorb water, softening stool, so as to prevent constipation.
(2) Cooking methods
As the gastrointestinal function of patients with hypothyroidism is weakened, it is easy to have indigestion, bloating and other problems, so the cooking method is to choose steaming, stewing and less frying.