The Hashimoto Diet: Which Foods?

Your diet is important if you have Hashimoto’s disease, a condition characterized by a deficiency in thyroid hormone production that leads to chronic inflammation in the thyroid gland. Today’s article will give you some tips on diet that can help with this problem.

The Hashimoto diet is a treatment for the eponymous form of hypothyroidism. Its purpose is to prevent the development of a serious medical situation that could limit a person’s lifestyle. This condition has its origin in a hormonal imbalance. The complete treatment of this condition usually requires the use of medications.

Thyroid problems can be of two kinds and it is possible that the production of thyroid hormones increases, with all the associated inconveniences. It is also possible that there are deficiencies in their synthesis.

People with Hashimoto’s disease should watch their diet

Hashimoto ‘s disease is an inflammation of the thyroid gland that leads to a malfunction of this organ. It is important to pay attention to your diet in these situations to prevent the progression of the disease. This can lead to the gland being less and less able to perform its functions.

We must not forget that this organ is responsible for the production of a series of hormones that determine the metabolic function. In addition, if these are not synthesized in sufficient quantities, it can lead to weight gain. Even chronic inflammation of the thyroid gland can lead to the growth of a tumor in the area.

It is possible to provide nutrients through diet that improve thyroid function. It can also counteract the weight gain caused by Hashimoto’s disease. Being overweight is demonstrably harmful to health and increases the risk of various diseases.

A woman holds a tape measure around her waist

Foods to Avoid on a Hashimoto Diet

Today we will tell you which foods to avoid if you have Hashimoto’s disease, to slow the progression of the condition.

Vegetables of the cruciferous family

These vegetables are usually great as part of a balanced diet. It was always completely advised not to eat these vegetables in case of thyroid disease, but a lot of research has been done on this. It seems that just eating large amounts of raw vegetables of the cruciferous family is harmful.

These vegetables include:

Broccoli
Cauliflower

Brussels sprouts
Spinach
radishes
watercress

Nuts and peanuts

You should also eat these products in moderation, because they contain a large number of anti-nutrients that can reduce the absorption of iodine at the intestinal level.

Spinach and carrots

You should limit the consumption of the above products, but the rules are more flexible for spinach and carrots. You may eat them occasionally, but not every day.

These foods have many health benefits when consumed in moderation as part of the Hashimoto diet.

Foods You Should Eat More

One of the main features of the Hashimoto diet is the need to increase the presence of iodine in the diet. It is an essential nutrient for thyroid hormone production, according to a study published in Recent Patents on Endocrine, Metabolic & Immune Drug Discovery .

Fish

Fish contains a high amount of iodine. In addition, it also contains omega 3 fatty acids, which have been shown to be anti-inflammatory. Therefore, it has a dual effect in the fight against the progression of Hashimoto’s disease.

Seafood

As in the previous case, the iodine content is also important here. However, people with high uric acid levels should be careful with these products as they can lead to problems.

Dairy

These products contain high doses of iodine. In addition, the probiotics in their composition can colonize the digestive tract and exert a positive metabolic effect. So they are excellent foods in terms of weight management.

Other important nutrients to consider

In addition to the foods listed above, you should also increase your intake of the following nutrients, as they are also involved in thyroid hormone synthesis:

Zinc is present in red meat and nuts.
Iron can be obtained from foods of animal origin.
Manganese is found in nuts and grains.
Vitamin A is in green, red and orange vegetables.
Selenium is mainly present in nuts and grains, but also in dairy products.

The Hashimoto Diet Alone Isn’t Enough

Physical activity is essential for the stabilization of the metabolism and for good body composition. Otherwise, it could lead to obesity, which is a risk factor for the development of many other chronic diseases.

At the same time, it is essential to also take medication. These can improve the quality of life by reducing the feeling of constant fatigue. However, a specialist should prescribe the drugs and regularly review the dosage.

The Hashimoto Diet May Help Manage Hypothyroidism

Hashimoto’s disease is a condition that can lead to many problems in the medium term if not properly managed. Early detection is therefore essential, as is lifestyle and dietary adaptation to the condition.