If you have hypothyroidism, what you eat and drink can influence how your thyroid gland works. While some foods and beverages can help relieve symptoms, others can inhibit your body’s ability to absorb replacement hormones as part of your treatment.
Research on what's safe (or not) to have when you’re taking medication for hypothyroidism is mixed. It's generally a good idea for all people to limit fried foods, salty processed foods, and foods with added sugars, but people with hypothyroidism may also need to monitor their intake of some standard "healthy" fare. See how the following six foods and drinks stack up, and when it may be okay to indulge.
Cruciferous Vegetables, Like Broccoli and Cauliflower
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Fatty Foods, Such as Butter, Meat, and All Things Fried
Fats have been found to disrupt the body’s ability to absorb thyroid hormone replacement medicines, says Stephanie Lee, MD, PhD, director of the Thyroid Health Center at Boston Medical Center and a professor at the Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts.
Foods With Added Sugar
Untreated or undertreated hypothyroidism can cause the body’s metabolism to slow down, says Ruth Frechman, RDN, a dietitian in the Los Angeles area, which means it’s easier to gain weight. One ingredient that quickly contributes to weight gain? Added sugar.
“You want to avoid foods with excess amounts of sugar because it’s a lot of calories with no nutrients,” Frechman says. It’s best to reduce the amount of sugar you eat or try to eliminate it from your diet.
Ultra-Processed Foods With Added Sodium
Coffee
You don’t have to avoid coffee altogether, but drinking it with your thyroid medication may potentially reduce its absorption and effectiveness.
“I now have to be very careful to tell people, ‘Only take your medication with water,’” says Lee.
Alcoholic Beverages
Ideally, people with hypothyroidism should cut out alcohol completely or drink in moderation.
Foods That Are Good for the Thyroid
- A variety of fruits and vegetables
- Higher-fiber, starchy carbohydrates, like potatoes or rice
- Dairy or dairy alternatives, like oat or almond milk
- Lean protein, like fish, eggs, or beans, in moderation
- Unsaturated oils and spreads, such as olive or avocado oil
- Plenty of fluids (at least 6 to 8 glasses per day)
The Takeaway
- There’s no official “hypothyroidism diet,” but you should adjust the time you eat, as certain foods can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medications.
- Research has found that for some people, limiting added sugars, ultra-processed foods, excess fiber, and alcohol can be beneficial when taking thyroid hormone replacement drugs.
- Timing coffee or caffeine consumption at least 30 to 60 minutes after taking thyroid medication can help your body better absorb the hormone replacement.
- If in doubt about what to eat with hypothyroidism, talk to your doctor or a registered dietitian who specializes in thyroid function. They can provide you with a personalized meal plan and other nutrition advice.
Lynn Grieger, RDN, CDCES
Medical Reviewer
Lynn Grieger is a registered dietitian-nutritionist, certified diabetes care and education specialist, certified personal trainer, and certified health and wellness coach. She completed requirements to become a registered dietitian at Valparaiso University in 1987 and completed a dietetic internship at Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey, Illinois, in 1988.
Lynn brings her expertise in nutrition, exercise, and behavior change to her work in helping people reach their individual health and fitness goals. In addition to writing for Everyday Health, she has also written for websites and publications like Food and Health Communications, Today's Dietitian, iVillage.com, and Rodale Press. She has a passion for healthy, nutrient-dense, great-tasting food and for being outdoors as much as possible — she can often be found running or hiking, and has completed a marathon in every state.
Dennis Thompson Jr
Author
Dennis Thompson is a career journalist with 30 years of experience, writing for newspapers in Virginia, West Virginia, Florida, Delaware, and Oregon. He is a senior reporter for HealthDay and covers health news from a consumer angle, taking the latest medical advances and explaining their importance in an approachable way. Thompson holds a bachelor of arts degree in communication studies from Virginia Tech and a master of arts degree in mass communication from the University of Florida. He is an avid cyclist, geek culture enthusiast, and avowed foodie.