9 foods to avoid with hypothyroidism

Jan 19, 2025

TOI Lifestyle Desk

Smart dietary choices for better thyroid health

Managing hypothyroidism involves more than medication, your diet plays a key role. Avoiding certain foods can help support thyroid health, improve hormone balance, and enhance overall well-being.

Soy and soy products

Soy contains isoflavones that may hinder thyroid hormone production or absorption. Examples include tofu, soy milk, and soy protein. Avoid excessive intake for better thyroid health.

Caffeinated beverages

Caffeine in coffee, tea, and energy drinks can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. For optimal effect, wait 30-60 minutes after taking medication before drinking caffeinated beverages.

Fatty foods

Fried foods, fatty meats, and full-fat dairy may inhibit the absorption of thyroid medication. Reducing fat intake ensures that medication is absorbed optimally and supports thyroid health.

Processed foods

High sodium content in processed foods like chips, canned soups, and frozen meals can lead to high blood pressure, which is often an issue in hypothyroidism. Use low-sodium options.

Refined sweets

Sweets, soda, and desserts are some of the sugary products that make weight issues related to hypothyroidism worse. Reduce the consumption of sugar for better metabolism and overall health.

You may also like

​10 dinner mistakes that compromise weig…

8 best before-meal workouts to reduce be…

Gluten

Gluten contains wheat, barley, and rye. The gluten can be a cause for autoimmune diseases for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis sufferers. A gluten-free diet would help support the thyroid.

Cruciferous vegetables

Broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and cabbage can lower iodine absorption, an important element for production of thyroid hormones. Cooking these vegetables minimizes their goitrogenic activity, making them safe to eat.

Excess Iodine-rich foods

Too much iodine from seaweed, iodized salt, or kelp can exacerbate thyroid conditions, especially in autoimmune disorders. Monitor iodine intake for balanced thyroid function.

Alcohol

Alcohol interferes with thyroid hormone levels and harms the liver, where hormones are activated. Alcohol should be avoided or taken in moderation for proper thyroid management and general well-being.

Thanks For Reading!

Next: ​10 dinner mistakes that compromise weight loss goals​