FAQ: What is a good diet for hypothyroidism?

Question: After having my TSH levels tested, I have been diagnosed with subclinical hypothyroidism.  I really do not like the idea of taking medicine, so I was thinking that if I altered my diet or started a special diet formulated for hypothyroidism then I could avoid having to take something with crazy side effects.  What is a good diet for hypothyroidism?  – Julie, Branson, MO.

Answer: To start with, there is no diet that will cure hypothyroidism.  None.  Zilch.  It’s what all of the doctors will tell you.  It’s a fact.

No matter what you eat, it will not change the TSH levels of your blood test.

However, with that being said, you can certainly alter your diet in such a way that you will lower the negative symptoms of hypothyroidism.

If you are just have borderline hypothyroidism, I would say that it’s safe enough to try the diet without starting any medication just yet.

First of all, start with a healthy base of fruits and vegetables.  I know that doctors always say that, but truth be told DOCTORS don’t even eat enough fruits and vegetables.  Try to add as many different colors to a meal as possible.  Here is an example.

1. Lean Meat – Brown
2. Red Bell Peppers – Red
3. Baby Carrots – Orange
4. Purple Cabbage – Purple
5. Broccoli – Green
6. Banana for Dessert – Yellow

If you do this, and drink at least 8 glasses of water per day (more is better… aim for a gallon per day) you should be able to boost your metabolism and not have to worry so much about weight gain as you will probably be eating healthier than you ever have.

Also, with constipation being one of the symptoms of hypothyroidism, it is absolutely vital to get enough fiber in your diet.  Eating vegetables and fresh fruits like apples (with the skins) on will provide enough fiber to keep things moving normally.

Another addition to your daily life should be coconut oil.

Yes, you heard me right… I said coconut oil.

No, it’s not a cure for hypothyroidism, either.

But, coconut oil has been shown to increase your metabolism and decrease many of the symptoms of hypothyroidism.

Coconut oil will increase your body temperature, give you softer and healthier-looking skin, help with constipation, help alleviate dry hair, and give you more energy.

There are numerous books that go into the amazing power of coconut oil.  If you start researching coconut oil, it will not take you very long to be absolutely amazed.

You can use coconut oil instead of butter or olive oil for most meals… but, you can also just take it by the spoonful.  It has a nice taste and goes down easy.  3 to 6 tablespoonfuls should be your goal per day.

My recommendation is to try this diet for a month and see how it goes.  If you see fewer symptoms, you should consider making this type of eating your new way of life.

However, if your body fails to respond to this new and healthier lifestyle, you should consider talking to your doctor about starting a low dosage of thyroid hormone supplementation to correct the deficiency.