Can Thyroid Patients Lose Weight? Thyroid and Nutrition
Due to the role of thyroid hormones in the regulation of metabolism, with decreased thyroid function, the metabolic rate decreases in patients, so there may be an increase in body weight. Therefore, it should not be forgotten that diet therapy is important for thyroid patients.
Protein should be increased to 15-20% of the daily energy intake, even 25% if possible. Oily fish, organic farm chicken eggs and organic cow meat are both good sources of protein, iodine, iron, zinc and omega-3 acids.
Preferred sources of fat should be olive oil, avocado and oil, walnut oil or walnuts, oily fish and seafood.
Whole grains should be consumed as a source of carbohydrates. Increasing soluble fiber intake supports the gut microbiota and may improve constipation and bowel function, a common problem in hypothyroidism.
Iodine deficiency is a known factor in causing thyroid goiter, but its excessive intake can cause weakening of thyroid function, even at more than 1 mg per day (5 grams of salt per day, i.e. 1 teaspoon of salt).
Thyroid disorders may worsen if individuals with thyroid disorders consume high amounts of goitrogenic foods. Goitrogens inhibit the use of iodine, which is necessary for the production of thyroid hormone from the thyroid gland. Iodine deficiency causes important disorders such as goiter and hypothyroidism. In the consumption of goitrogenic food, iodine uptake into the thyroid gland becomes difficult, and the production of T3 and T4 hormones secreted from the thyroid gland does not occur. Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, collard greens, Brussels sprouts, radishes, spinach, turnips, corn, peaches, pears, peanuts, strawberries, sweet potatoes, almonds, blackberries, soybeans and milk are examples of goitrogenous foods. Their consumption should be limited to 1 scoop 1-2 times a week. Goitrogens are inactivated by heating and cooking. Heat treatment deactivates about 30% of goitrogens.
The thyroid gland is the largest store of selenium in the entire body. Low selenium levels (40 mcg/day) are considered a risk factor for developing thyroid disease. Fish, meat, sunflower seeds, tofu, baked beans and cheese are examples of foods high in selenium.
Iron deficiency often accompanies Hashimoto’s disease and anemia is not caused by the disease itself, but is mostly caused by co-occurring celiac disease, autoimmune gastritis that impairs iron absorption, and anemia that also causes malabsorption of other minerals.
Zinc plays a role in the production of thyroid hormones. It is seen in those with Hashimoto’s disease that this mineral improves nutritional status and restores normal thyroid function caused by its deficiency.
The effect of goitrogens can be prevented by increasing iodine intake. Also, increasing your selenium intake helps prevent thyroid diseases.
