What foods should you avoid with hypothyroidism?
There isn’t one universal hypothyroidism diet, and most people don’t need to eliminate specific foods simply because they have hypothyroidism. The most important dietary considerations are foods that can affect thyroid medication absorption, excessive iodine intake in some people, and individual conditions such as celiac disease or food sensitivities. Your ideal diet should be based on your thyroid condition, medications, nutritional needs, and individual health history.
| Food or beverage | What to know |
| Soy | May interfere with thyroid medication absorption when consumed close to medication |
| Raw cruciferous vegetables | Large amounts may be a concern, particularly with inadequate iodine intake; cooked cruciferous vegetables generally don’t need to be eliminated |
| Gluten | Not everyone with hypothyroidism needs to avoid it; more relevant with celiac disease or individual sensitivity |
| Highly processed foods | Limit as part of an overall healthy diet rather than because they directly “damage” the thyroid |
| Added sugars | Limit for overall metabolic health and weight management |
| Excessive fiber | Can interfere with medication absorption in some circumstances; timing matters |
| Excess iodine/iodine supplements | Avoid unnecessary supplementation unless medically recommended |
| Coffee | Timing matters because it can interfere with levothyroxine absorption |
| Alcohol | Best limited for overall health; don’t overstate a direct thyroid effect |
Balancing your diet to manage symptoms and improve your thyroid function can be overwhelming. Let’s take a closer look today at the key foods to avoid with hypothyroidism.
Understanding Hypothyroidism
Various possible toxicants are involved in thyroid dysfunction, both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism – particularly Hashimoto’s thyroiditis which is the most common cause of hypothyroidism – is an autoimmune condition where your body mistakenly attacks its thyroid gland. Improving your thyroid function involves diet, lifestyle changes, and medication where necessary. Both exercising well and bearing in mind the foods to avoid with hypothyroidism will contribute to your overall health.
Foods to Avoid with Hashimoto’s
The following are the foods we’ve identified has having unwanted effects when you have hypothyroidism – and especially if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis. We’ll explain why they affect you, rather than just tell you to avoid them. That’s because
- knowing the reason is a good motivator to keep an eye on what you eat and
- understanding will help you manage your condition.
So let’s dive in…
9 Foods to Avoid with Hypothyroidism
Incorporating these dietary changes can support your thyroid health and improve your quality of life.
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Soy: Does Soy Interfere With Thyroid Medication?
Soy products contain isoflavones that can interfere with thyroid hormone production. For individuals with hypothyroidism, consuming soy in large amounts might exacerbate thyroid dysfunction. It’s not just tofu and soy milk to watch out for. Many processed foods contain soy as a hidden ingredient. Watch out for these and read ingredient labels.
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Cruciferous Vegetables: Can You Eat Broccoli With Hypothyroidism?
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts contain goitrogens – substances that can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis. While these vegetables are healthy, moderation is key, especially if your iodine intake is low.
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Gluten: Should You Go Gluten-Free With Hashimoto’s?
Gluten can trigger inflammation and autoimmune responses, potentially worsening thyroid function. Gluten-free foods may therefore be beneficial in managing your symptoms and improving your overall wellbeing. We’ll talk more about gluten further down.
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Highly Processed Foods: What Should You Limit?
Highly processed foods often contain unhealthy fats, sugars, and sodium. These can contribute to weight gain and inflammation – which further complicates hypothyroidism management. Another reason processed foods are among the top foods to avoid with hypothyroidism is because they can contain soy and gluten, adding to the strain on your thyroid functioning.
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Added Sugar: Can Sugar Affect Hypothyroidism?
Excessive sugar intake often leads to weight gain, increases inflammation, and disrupts the delicate balance of your hormones. If you’re managing hypothyroidism, cutting back on sugary foods can help in controlling your weight and reducing your symptoms of fatigue and sluggishness.
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High-Fiber Foods: Can Fiber Affect Thyroid Medication Absorption?
While fiber is essential for digestive health, too much fiber can impair thyroid hormone absorption. If you’re on thyroid medication, monitoring fiber intake is crucial to ensure it doesn’t interfere with your medication and lower its effectiveness.
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High-Iodine Foods and Supplements: Can Too Much Iodine Be Harmful?
While essential for thyroid hormone production, too much iodine can exacerbate hypothyroidism in certain individuals. We advise you only to consume foods high in iodine in moderation – such as seaweed and fish.
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Coffee and Alcohol: Do They Affect Thyroid Medication or Function?
Caffeine and alcohol can both affect thyroid production. Coffee, in particular, can interfere with the absorption of your thyroid medication if you consume it too closely to when you take your medication. Alcohol, on the other hand, can contribute to thyroid inflammation and exacerbate your symptoms of hypothyroidism.
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High-Fat Foods: What Should You Know About Fat and Thyroid Medication?
Fats can interfere with your body’s ability to produce thyroid hormones and can also affect your body’s ability to absorb thyroid medication. We advise you to limit intake of fried foods, butter, and high-fat meats.
So – those are the nine food types to avoid with hypothyroidism. It can seem limiting – but it’s a small sacrifice to help you feel better daily. However, at Nava Health, we do understand how everyone is unique – and we’re happy to discuss any aspect of nutrition and hypothyroidism with you. Call us if you’d like to consult.
In the meantime, we said we’d look into gluten and hypothyroidism more closely…
Foods You Don’t Need to Automatically Avoid With Hypothyroidism
Having hypothyroidism doesn’t mean you need to follow an overly restrictive diet or eliminate every food that has been linked to thyroid health. Many foods that are sometimes labeled as “bad for your thyroid”—including broccoli, cauliflower, soy and gluten-containing foods—may still have a place in a balanced diet, depending on your individual health needs.
The key is understanding why a particular food might matter, how much you’re consuming, and whether it interacts with your thyroid medication or another health condition. Rather than eliminating healthy foods unnecessarily, focus on a nutrient-dense, balanced diet and work with your healthcare provider or nutritionist to identify any foods that may be problematic for you specifically.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, kale and other cruciferous vegetables are rich in vitamins, minerals and fiber. Although they contain compounds called goitrogens that can affect thyroid hormone production under certain circumstances, this doesn’t mean people with hypothyroidism need to eliminate these vegetables.
For most people, cruciferous vegetables can be part of a healthy diet. If you have concerns about your thyroid function or iodine intake, talk with your healthcare provider about the amount and preparation of these foods that makes sense for you.
Soy
Soy foods such as tofu, tempeh, edamame and soy milk don’t necessarily need to be eliminated if you have hypothyroidism. However, soy can affect the absorption of thyroid hormone medication, so when you eat soy may be just as important as whether you eat it.
If you take thyroid medication, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist how to time soy-containing foods around your medication rather than removing soy from your diet altogether.
Gluten-Containing Foods
A gluten-free diet isn’t automatically necessary for everyone with hypothyroidism. Gluten may be an important consideration if you have celiac disease, a diagnosed gluten sensitivity, or another individual reason to avoid it, but eliminating gluten isn’t a universal treatment for hypothyroidism.
If you’re considering going gluten-free, discuss it with your healthcare provider—particularly if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or symptoms that make you suspect celiac disease. A personalized approach can help you determine whether removing gluten is appropriate for you while ensuring you continue to get the nutrients your body needs.
Dairy and Other Nutrient-Dense Foods
Foods such as dairy products, eggs, fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins don’t need to be automatically removed from your diet because you have hypothyroidism. In fact, building meals around a variety of minimally processed, nutrient-dense foods can provide the protein, vitamins, minerals, fiber and other nutrients that support overall health.
If a particular food consistently causes digestive symptoms or other problems, that’s worth discussing with a healthcare professional rather than assuming the food is universally harmful for people with hypothyroidism.
The Bottom Line
Hypothyroidism doesn’t have to mean a long list of forbidden foods. Instead of focusing only on what to eliminate, consider the quality and variety of your overall diet, your thyroid medication routine, and any individual conditions or food sensitivities that may affect your nutritional needs.
At Nava, our approach recognizes that nutrition isn’t one-size-fits-all. Functional nutrition counseling can help you develop a personalized approach based on your health goals, dietary needs and individual circumstances.
How Food Can Affect Thyroid Medication
If you take thyroid hormone replacement medication such as levothyroxine, what you eat and when you eat it can affect how much medication your body absorbs. Certain foods, beverages and supplements can interfere with absorption, which may make it harder to maintain consistent thyroid hormone levels.
That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to eliminate these foods. In many cases, the more practical approach is to pay attention to timing and take your medication consistently according to your healthcare provider’s instructions.
Soy and Thyroid Medication
Soy foods—including tofu, tempeh, edamame and soy milk—can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone medication when consumed too close to the time you take your medication.
If you regularly eat soy, you may not need to eliminate it from your diet. Instead, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist how much time you should leave between taking your medication and consuming soy-containing foods.
Coffee and Other Caffeinated Beverages
Coffee can also interfere with the absorption of levothyroxine when consumed too soon after taking the medication. If you take your thyroid medication in the morning, it’s important to follow your prescribed instructions about how long to wait before drinking coffee or eating breakfast.
If separating your medication from your morning coffee is difficult, ask your healthcare provider whether a different medication schedule or formulation may be appropriate for you.
High-Fiber Foods
Fiber is an important part of a healthy diet, but a very high-fiber diet can affect thyroid medication absorption in some people.
You don’t need to avoid vegetables, fruits, whole grains or other high-fiber foods simply because you have hypothyroidism. Instead, let your healthcare provider know if you’ve significantly increased your fiber intake so they can determine whether your medication timing or dose needs to be monitored.
Calcium and Iron
Calcium and iron can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone medication. This is particularly important to remember if you take calcium or iron supplements, multivitamins containing these minerals, or medications that contain calcium or iron.
Don’t stop taking a medically recommended supplement without talking with your healthcare provider. Instead, ask about the appropriate timing between your thyroid medication and supplements.
Consistency Matters
One of the most important things you can do when taking thyroid medication is to take it consistently. Changing when you take your medication, what you eat with it, or how you space it from supplements can change medication absorption.
If your thyroid blood tests change unexpectedly, tell your healthcare provider about any changes to your diet, supplements, medications or medication routine. Your provider can determine whether those changes could be affecting your thyroid hormone levels.
A Simple Way to Think About Thyroid Medication and Food
Rather than memorizing a long list of foods to avoid, remember three principles:
- Take your thyroid medication exactly as prescribed.
- Be consistent about when and how you take it.
- Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about timing if you regularly consume soy, coffee, high-fiber foods, calcium or iron supplements.
The goal isn’t to create an unnecessarily restrictive diet. It’s to make sure your thyroid medication can work as intended while you continue eating a varied, nutrient-dense diet.
Important: Medication instructions can vary by thyroid medication and formulation. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare professional or pharmacist rather than changing your medication schedule on your own.
What Should You Eat With Hypothyroidism?
A healthy diet for hypothyroidism doesn’t need to be complicated or overly restrictive. Instead of focusing exclusively on foods to eliminate, build meals around a variety of whole, minimally processed foods, including vegetables and fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats and nutrient-dense carbohydrates that fit your individual needs.
There is no single food or diet that works for everyone with hypothyroidism. Your nutritional needs may depend on your thyroid condition, medications, other health conditions, dietary preferences and any diagnosed food sensitivities.
Prioritize Whole, Nutrient-Dense Foods
When planning meals, emphasize foods that provide a variety of vitamins, minerals, protein, fiber and healthy fats. Some options include:
- Vegetables such as leafy greens, broccoli, cauliflower, peppers and carrots
- Fruits such as berries, apples, citrus and bananas
- Lean proteins such as poultry, fish, eggs and beans
- Healthy fats from foods such as avocados, nuts, seeds and olive oil
- Whole grains and other minimally processed carbohydrate sources, when appropriate for you
- Dairy or dairy alternatives that fit your nutritional needs
Nava’s nutrition philosophy emphasizes whole foods and personalized dietary choices rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Don’t Overlook Key Nutrients
The thyroid relies on several nutrients to function normally, including iodine and selenium. However, more isn’t necessarily better. Taking high-dose supplements or dramatically changing your intake of a particular nutrient without knowing whether you need it can be counterproductive.
If you’re concerned about a nutrient deficiency or excess, talk with your healthcare provider about whether testing or dietary changes are appropriate for you.
Focus on Your Overall Eating Pattern
Rather than looking for a single “best food for hypothyroidism,” aim for a balanced eating pattern that you can maintain over time. Choosing mostly whole foods, limiting highly processed foods and added sugars, eating adequate protein and including a variety of plant foods can support overall health while you manage your thyroid condition.
And remember: having hypothyroidism does not automatically mean you need to avoid broccoli, soy, gluten or other foods that are sometimes placed on thyroid “do not eat” lists. Whether a food belongs in your diet depends on your individual circumstances.
Sample Day of Eating With Hypothyroidism
Wondering what a balanced day of eating might look like? Here’s one example. This is not a prescribed hypothyroidism meal plan; it’s simply a framework for building meals around whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Breakfast
Egg and vegetable scramble with fruit
- Eggs
- Spinach, peppers or other vegetables
- Whole-grain toast, if appropriate for you
- Berries or another piece of fruit
If you take thyroid medication in the morning, follow your medication’s specific instructions regarding food, coffee and supplements rather than automatically eating breakfast immediately after taking it.
Lunch
Grilled chicken or salmon salad
- Mixed greens and colorful vegetables
- Grilled chicken or salmon
- Avocado or olive oil-based dressing
- A serving of whole grains or another carbohydrate source, if desired
Snack
Fruit with nuts or seeds
Choose a piece of fruit paired with a small serving of nuts or seeds for a combination of carbohydrates, healthy fats and protein.
Dinner
Fish or lean protein with vegetables and a whole-food carbohydrate
For example:
- Baked salmon or another lean protein
- Roasted vegetables
- Brown rice, quinoa, potatoes or another carbohydrate that works for you
The Bigger Picture
You don’t need to follow this exact menu—or eliminate entire food groups—to eat well with hypothyroidism. The goal is to create a sustainable eating pattern that provides the nutrients you need while accounting for your thyroid medication, diagnosis and individual dietary needs.
The Connection between Gluten and Thyroid
The relationship between gluten and thyroid function, particularly in individuals with autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, is an area of increasing interest and scrutiny within the medical and nutritional sciences.
Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, can trigger an inflammatory response in susceptible individuals. Research has revealed, however, that a gluten-free diet group had reduced thyroid antibody titers. This could mean that consuming gluten may trigger or exacerbate autoimmune thyroid conditions.
Why avoid gluten? The symptoms of non-celiac gluten sensitivity can range from gastrointestinal discomfort to fatigue and joint pain – mirroring those of hypothyroidism and complicating your hypothyroidism symptom management. So, avoiding gluten makes sense.
Gluten-Free Foods for Hypothyroidism
Eliminating gluten can lead to an improvement in your thyroid function and a reduction in symptoms. This points to a direct impact of “gluten-free” on thyroid health:
- Reduced autoimmune flare-ups: By eliminating gluten, the potential trigger for autoimmune attacks on the thyroid gland can be minimized, reducing the frequency and severity of flare-ups.
- Decreased Inflammation: A gluten-free diet can help lower systemic inflammation, a key factor in thyroid dysfunction, thus potentially improving thyroid function and overall wellbeing.
- Improved nutrient absorption: Gluten sensitivity can lead to gut inflammation and damage, which impairs nutrient absorption. A gluten-free diet can aid in gut healing, improving the absorption of vital nutrients necessary for thyroid health.
Hashimoto’s and Celiac Disease
Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and celiac disease are both autoimmune conditions, and they can occur together. If you have symptoms that make you suspect celiac disease, talk with your healthcare provider before eliminating gluten from your diet.
A healthcare professional can help determine whether testing is appropriate and whether a gluten-free diet makes sense for you.
Should Everyone With Hashimoto’s Avoid Gluten?
No. A gluten-free diet may be appropriate for someone with celiac disease or another medically identified reason to avoid gluten, but it isn’t a universal requirement for everyone with Hashimoto’s.
If you’re considering eliminating gluten because of thyroid symptoms, work with a qualified healthcare professional or nutritionist to determine whether it is appropriate for you—and how to maintain a nutritionally balanced diet if you do eliminate it.
Don’t Confuse “Gluten-Free” With “Healthy”
If you do need to avoid gluten, remember that a gluten-free label doesn’t automatically make a product nutritious. Many highly processed gluten-free foods can still be high in added sugars, sodium or refined ingredients.
Instead, build your diet around naturally gluten-free whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, proteins, nuts, seeds and appropriate gluten-free grains.
Creating a Hypothyroidism Diet Plan
Creating a gluten-free hypothyroidism diet plan doesn’t have to be overly complicated. It should focus on whole, unprocessed foods rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, gluten-free grains, and healthy fats. Consulting with a nutritionist will help you find a diet plan suited to your needs, ensuring you receive all necessary nutrients while managing your thyroid health.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hypothyroidism and Food
What foods should you avoid with hypothyroidism?
There isn’t one universal list of foods that everyone with hypothyroidism needs to avoid. The most important considerations include foods or supplements that can interfere with thyroid medication absorption, excessive iodine intake in certain circumstances, and foods that need to be avoided because of an individual condition such as celiac disease or a food sensitivity.
Can I eat broccoli if I have hypothyroidism?
For most people, broccoli and other cruciferous vegetables don’t need to be completely eliminated from the diet. They can provide valuable nutrients and fiber. If you have concerns about very large amounts of cruciferous vegetables, iodine intake or your individual thyroid condition, discuss your diet with your healthcare provider.
Should I avoid soy if I have hypothyroidism?
You don’t necessarily need to eliminate soy. However, soy can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone medication when consumed too close to the medication, so medication timing may be important. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the appropriate timing for your medication.
Should people with Hashimoto’s avoid gluten?
Not automatically. A gluten-free diet is essential for people with celiac disease, and some individuals may have another medically identified reason to avoid gluten. But Hashimoto’s alone does not mean that everyone needs to eliminate gluten.
Can I drink coffee if I have hypothyroidism?
Coffee doesn’t necessarily need to be eliminated, but it can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication when consumed too soon after taking it. Follow your medication instructions and ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist about the appropriate timing.
Can fiber interfere with thyroid medication?
A very high-fiber diet can affect thyroid medication absorption in some circumstances. Fiber is still an important part of a healthy diet, so the goal isn’t necessarily to avoid it. If you’ve substantially increased your fiber intake, discuss it with your healthcare provider.
Can too much iodine make hypothyroidism worse?
In some people, excessive iodine intake can contribute to or worsen thyroid dysfunction. This is particularly relevant to high-dose iodine supplements and very iodine-rich products. Don’t take iodine supplements unless your healthcare provider recommends them for you.
What foods are good for hypothyroidism?
Rather than relying on a handful of “thyroid superfoods,” focus on a varied diet built around whole, minimally processed foods. Vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, healthy fats and appropriate whole-food carbohydrate sources can all have a place in a balanced diet.
Is there a special diet for Hashimoto’s disease?
There isn’t one universal diet for Hashimoto’s. Your ideal eating pattern depends on factors such as your nutritional needs, medications, other health conditions and food sensitivities. If you have Hashimoto’s and are considering major dietary changes, personalized guidance can help you avoid unnecessary restrictions.
Can diet cure hypothyroidism?
Diet should not be presented as a cure for hypothyroidism. Nutrition can support overall health and may be particularly important for medication absorption and addressing individual nutritional needs, but people with hypothyroidism should follow their healthcare provider’s treatment plan.
What is the best diet for hypothyroidism?
There isn’t one diet that is best for everyone with hypothyroidism. A sustainable, nutrient-dense eating pattern tailored to your thyroid condition, medication, health history and individual dietary needs is a more useful goal than following a rigid list of “good” and “bad” foods.
When Should You Talk With a Healthcare Professional?
If you’re struggling with fatigue, unexplained weight changes, constipation, feeling unusually cold, changes in your mood or other symptoms associated with hypothyroidism, talk with a healthcare professional rather than trying to manage the symptoms through diet alone.
You should also seek professional guidance before making major dietary changes if:
- You have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.
- You take thyroid hormone replacement medication.
- You are considering starting a gluten-free or elimination diet.
- You suspect you may have celiac disease or a food sensitivity.
- You’re considering iodine, selenium or other thyroid-related supplements.
- Your thyroid blood-test results have changed unexpectedly.
- Your symptoms persist despite following your treatment plan.
- You’re making substantial changes to your fiber, soy or other dietary intake.
Your healthcare provider can help determine whether your symptoms are related to your thyroid, medication, nutrition or another underlying issue. A qualified nutrition professional can then help translate that information into practical dietary choices.
How to Improve Thyroid Function with Nava’s Nutritionists
Navigating your diet with hypothyroidism can be challenging, but understanding the foods to avoid with hypothyroidism is a significant first step. Moreover, incorporating the dietary changes we’ve outlined above can support your thyroid health and improve your quality of life. But if you’re stuck for ideas on how to do this, nutrition counseling can help make it easier.
At Nava, we work with each person uniquely. We test for thyroid issues, and our Functional Nutritionists can help you create a comprehensive and personalized approach to managing your condition. Schedule an appointment and let’s talk!
