Hypothyroidism causes metabolic disorders and this is why diet is so important in the treatment process. To improve metabolism you should mainly increase iodine consumption. How should a hypothyroidism diet be composed?
Diet in hypothyroidism
The diet in hypothyroidism should contain a lot of iodine and an increased amount of protein. If you gain weight quickly, you have pale and dry skin, problems with concentration, you often experience coldness and heaviness, go to an endocrinologist and check your thyroid hormone levels. These symptoms indicate hypothyroidism (a small gland located at the height of the larynx). Treatment of this disease base mainly on increasing the supply of iodine and thyroid hormones.
Check what a proper diet looks like for hypothyroidism, what nutrients are important and what to avoid!
Hypothyroidism diet and iodine
This microelement is necessary for the proper functioning of the body. It is involved in the production of thyroid hormones thyroxine and triiodothyronine, which have a multidirectional effect on the growth and development of the organism, as well as on its metabolism.
The body needs about 160 mcg iodine a day (if you are pregnant or a feeding mom - 180-200 mcg). It should be provided mainly with food. Its best sources are undoubtedly sea fishes and seafood -average content of this element in fish is (per 100 g of the product):
- cod - 110 mcg
- salmon - 44 mcg
- flatfish - 52 mcg
- smoked mackerel - 40 mcg
- herring - 30 mcg
This is the only natural certain source of iodine in food because the content of this element in vegetables, fruits, cereal and dairy products highly varies and largely depends on the place of its origin and cultivation. When the soil is poor in iodine, plants growing on it will also contain little of it. In turn, the iodine content of milk and dairy products depends on their presence in the feed that the cows are fed.
To provide this deficit ingredient, salt is iodized in many countries or it is added to the final products. Supplementation with iodine supplements is also recommended sometimes. Mineral water can also be a source of iodine in the diet and that is why it is worth checking on the label whether given mineral water contains iodine and if so, how much of it can be found.
Hypothyroidism diet - banned products
Some food products contain substances which may limit the absorption of iodine from food.
This applies primarily to raw vegetables. Cooking reduces the content of these harmful substances by more than 30%. People who have a deficiency of iodine should significantly reduce the consumption of these vegetables, as well as peanuts and mustard (they are also rich in volatile substances).
Hypothyroidism diet at its basis
Protein should make up 15% of all your caloric needs. Such a level of it will guarantee a high metabolic rate. Also, the protein stimulates the production of growth hormone responsible for fat burning. The basis of the diet with hypothyroidism is, therefore, to increase the daily supply of protein to 80-100 g of it per day. With this amount, however, you must remember to drink at least 1.5 litres of mineral water (for kidney protection).
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