Weight loss and low thyroid function
If you are managing a low thyroid condition and trying to lose weight it can be confusing to know what to eat and what not to eat. You have no doubt read all manner of foods to avoid, and may be wondering why so many seemingly good for you foods are out of bounds. Whilst it is important to be aware of the foods you eat I believe that total avoidance of many foods is unnecessary especially when many of these foods offer many beneficial nutrients. It is also important to note that many of the goitrogenic foods have their effects greatly reduced simply by cooking or fermenting them. This means with a little care and common sense you can continue eat most foods in moderation…like the rest of us should be doing!
My basic guide for people suffering low thyroid conditions is as follows…
• Avoid all processed and refined foods
• Drink filtered water
• Reduce sugars
• Reduce gluten containing grains and foods
• Avoid fluoride and chlorine
• Eat foods rich in selenium (meat, brazil nuts, salmon, tuna, garlic, onions)
• Eat small frequent meals
• Increase nuts and nut butters, eggs, free range meats, wild caught fish, quinoa, amaranth, and legumes for added protein
• Eat healthy fats (omega 3) with each meal
• Check food sensitivities
• Eat prebiotic and probiotic foods to repair gut health
• Reduce dairy
• Look after your adrenal system and inflammation with nutrient dense foods
• Eat plenty of fresh vegetables, seeds, and nuts
• Get ample vitamin D
• Eat plenty of good quality protein (tyrosine)
• Eat fibre rich foods
• Foods to be mindful of and always cook or ferment first are soya based foods, cruciferous vegetables, peanuts, peaches, radish, strawberries, spinach, and sweet potato.
A note on iodine: your practitioner will advise if you require supplemental iodine. Foods rich in iodine are kelp, baked potato with skin, cod, shrimp. Himalaya salt, dried prunes, navy beans, eggs, canned tuna, green beans, baked turkey breast. Kelp tablets may be also be advised.
This list is not meant to take the place of a personalised nutrition consult; it is a basic guide formula only!