Can Diet Help with Hypothyroidism?

A well-balanced diet is a powerful thing. Fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and even meats offer nutrients that can keep your body properly fueled and working optimally. Along the same vein, harmful or inferior foods, such as those that are heavily processed, can interfere with natural processes and gum up the system.

If you have an underactive thyroid, a condition called hypothyroidism, you may be wondering if changes to your diet could help. Learn more about this issue and how best to address it.

What Your Thyroid Does

Your thyroid gland is located in the lower half of your neck, and it has a major impact on your body in multiple ways. It sends out hormones that regulate energy and metabolism as well as help vital organs and muscles run smoothly, including the heart and brain.

Someone who has an underactive thyroid often struggles with the following:

• Low energy or fatigue during the day.
• Poor sleep.
• Depression.
• Staying warm.
• Dry skin and hair.
• Heavy menstrual periods.
• Joint pain.

If you notice any of these signs, you could have this condition and require medical support.

Why Diet Doesn’t Improve Thyroid Function

When treating certain conditions, changing or improving diet can drastically optimize bodily functions, and having a balanced diet does help a normally functioning thyroid. However, the case with hypothyroidism is more complicated.

In developed countries, most people obtain the necessary support from their normal diets for thyroid function. Iodine is an important mineral for this gland, which is why it is added to most table salt and other sodium sources. Plus, foods like soybeans contain loads of it. Given the amount of salt in modern diets, most people do not need to add iodine-rich foods or iodine supplements to their diet.

In fact, even those with hypothyroidism shouldn’t do this because getting too much iodine could lead to hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid gland. As a result, you cannot rely on diet improvements to make a difference in your thyroid performance.

What Helps Treat Hypothyroidism

If you suffer from this condition, the best and only option you should consider is working with your medical provider. After testing your blood, they can identify if you have hypothyroidism and can safely help you make sure your thyroid functions as it should and replace the hormones your body needs but isn’t producing on its own.

Ultimately, although supplements and drastic dietary changes won’t help with hypothyroidism, it is important that you keep up a healthy diet. By working with your medical provider, you can compensate for hormones your thyroid should be making and safely enjoy more optimum metabolism and functioning and feel like you again!

About the Practice

At Richardson Pain & Wellness, our team is focused on helping patients feel their best through anti-aging treatments, medical weight loss, pain management, and hormone replacement therapy. For hypothyroidism, we can provide the right amount of hormone to restore normal levels. If you think you may have a thyroid or other hormone problem, you may call our office at 972-907-1125 or visit our Contact Us page here.