1 of 33

NUTRITION AND

HYPOTHYROIDISM

PRESENTED BY:

2 of 33

PROGRAM OVERVIEW

    • Introduction and group discussion

​

    • Nutrition lesson

​

    • Recipe demonstration and sampling

​

    • Q and A

​

    • Evaluations

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

2

3 of 33

OBJECTIVES

    • Evaluate hypothyroidism within the context of common conditions associated with thyroid function

​

    • Propose how nutrition affects thyroid health

​

    • Identify dietary considerations for taking thyroid medications

​

    • Prepare nutrient-dense meals and snacks that support thyroid health

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

3

4 of 33

INTRODUCTION TO THYROID CONDITIONS

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

4

Approximately 27 million Americans have thyroid-related disorder and more than half remain undiagnosed

Some people, like those with diabetes, are at a greater risk for thryoid disorders

5 of 33

The thyroid is involved in:

    • Metabolism
    • Breathing
    • Body temperature
    • Brain development
    • Blood cholesterol levels
    • Heart function
    • Nervous system function
    • Blood calcium levels
    • Menstrual cycles
    • Skin health

WHAT DOES THE THYROID DO?

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

5

The thyroid affects nearly every organ.

6 of 33

HOW DOES THE THYROID WORK?

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

6

7 of 33

    • Women
    • People over 60 years old
    • People with a family history of thyroid conditions

Hypothyroidism occurs when an underactive thyroid produces too little thyroid hormone.

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

7

THE MOST COMMON THYROID CONDITION

Hypothyroidism is more likely to affect:

Causes include inflammation and medical treatments

8 of 33

thyroid failure

CLASSIFICATIONS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

8

deficit in TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone)

deficit in TRH (thyrotropin releasing hormone)

Primary hypothyroidism accounts for 95% of cases.

9 of 33

HASHIMOTO’S DISEASE

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

9

Symptoms:

    • Weight gain
    • Fatigue
    • Dry skin and hair
    • Difficulty concentrating

Chronic attack from the body's own cells prevents the release of adequate T3 and T4, which play a critical role in metabolism.

10 of 33

OTHER AUTOIMMUNE CONDITIONS

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

10

People with autoimmune disorders are more likely to develop other autoimmune disorders.

Symptoms may appear when the body becomes stressed such as during an illness or after pregnancy.

11 of 33

SYMPTOMS OF HYPOTHYROIDISM

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

11

    • Fatigue and weakness 
    • Weight gain
    • Trouble tolerating cold
    • temperatures
    • Depression
    • Difficulty concentrating
    • Memory problems
    • Joint and muscle pain
    • Constipation
    • Puffy face
    • Dry or thinning skin, hair, and nails
    • Heavy or irregular menstrual cycle
    • Fertility problems
    • Slow heart rate

​

12 of 33

TESTING AND TREATMENT

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

12

Discussing treatment options is critical because untreated hypothyroidism increases the risks of high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

13 of 33

MANAGING THYROID CONDITIONS

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

13

Because thyroid hormones affect nearly every organ in the body, managing thyroid conditions can be complex.

Key areas to focus on:

​

    • Thyroid-healthy diet, with an emphasis on key nutrients
    • Weight management
    • Nutrition considerations for thyroid medications and pregnancy

14 of 33

DIET

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

14

A thyroid-healthy diet is similar to one that supports optimal health.

15 of 33

Key aspects of a thyroid-healthy diet include:

​

    • Fiber
    • Phytochemicals
    • Healthy fats
    • Probiotics and prebiotics
    • Vitamins and minerals

DIET

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

15

16 of 33

Sources of iodine include:

​

    • Iodized salt
    • Fish and shellfish
    • Dairy
    • Eggs
    • Soy products
    • Seaweed (kelp, dulse)

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

16

KEY NUTRIENT: IODINE

Because thyroid hormones contain iodine, we need to consume adequate iodine for thyroid hormone production.

Recommended amount for

adults: 150 mcg iodine per day

17 of 33

Sources of vitamin D include:

​

    • Wild-caught fish like salmon
    • Eggs
    • Mushrooms
    • Fortified dairy products
    • Supplements
    • Sunlight

KEY NUTRIENT: VITAMIN D

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

17

Research indicates that vitamin D deficiency is associated with Hashimoto’s disease.

Recommended amount for

adults: 15 mcg vitamin D per day

18 of 33

Sources of selenium include:

​

    • Brazil nuts
    • Meat and poultry
    • Dairy
    • Mushrooms
    • Tuna
    • Spinach
    • Cashews

KEY NUTRIENT: SELENIUM

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

18

The thyroid contains the highest concentration of selenium, a necessary component of enzymes important for thyroid function.

Recommended amount for

adults: 55 mcg selenium per day

19 of 33

THYROID AND WEIGHT MANAGEMENT

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

19

Hypothyroidism can directly impact weight because the body is not using energy from food and drinks as well as it should be.

Weight gain associated with hypothyroidism is about

5-10 pounds.

20 of 33

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEDICATION

    • Talk to your doctor
    • Take in the morning on an empty stomach
    • Wait an hour before eating

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

20

21 of 33

    • Brassica vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts.)
    • Dark greens (bok choy, collard greens, mustard greens)
    • Peanuts
    • Turnips

Goitrogens are compounds in certain foods that may interfere with thyroid medication. While cooking may reduce this effect, it is recommended not to eat these foods together with medication.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEDICATION

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

21

Food sources include:

22 of 33

CONSIDERATIONS FOR MEDICATION

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

22

    • Soy (edamame, tofu, tempeh, miso)
    • Grapefruit and grapefruit juice
    • Millet

Additional nutrition considerations include:

Other foods may interact with thyroid medication. Speak to your doctor and registered dietitian about concerns.

23 of 33

Hypothyroidism from autoimmune disease or suboptimal iodine intake occurs in 2.5% of pregnant women.

The need for iodine increases up to 220-290 mcg per day in pregnant women.

CONSIDERATIONS FOR PREGNANCY

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

23

Iodine is important during pregnancy because of its role in brain development and other body functions.

24 of 33

LIFESTYLE PRACTICES

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

24

STRESS MANAGEMENT

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

TOXIN EXPOSURE

25 of 33

Manage stress by:

​

    • Walking 
    • Exercise including yoga
    • Reading 
    • Listening to music
    • Watching television
    • Talking to family
    • Engaging in self-care

STRESS MANAGEMENT

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

25

Studies have reported that stress impacts thyroid function.

26 of 33

Physical activity helps

manage:

​

​

    • Fatigue
    • Weight gain
    • Mood disorders

PHYSICAL ACTIVITY

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

26

Studies support the role of physical activity in thyroid condition management.

27 of 33

Avoid toxins from:

​

    • Cosmetics 
    • Personal care products
    • Food
    • Pesticides
    • Antibiotics
    • Heavy metals
    • Food additives
    • BPA

​

TOXIN EXPOSURE MANAGEMENT

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

27

Many toxins are endocrine-disrupting and should be avoided as much as possible.

28 of 33

THYROID-SUPPORTING PLATE

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

28

29 of 33

LET'S PRACTICE

COOKING DEMONSTRATION

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

29

30 of 33

LET'S REVIEW

EVALUATION

    • Name at least one body system that is affected by hypothyroidism

​

    • Name one nutrient of concern for those with hypothyroidism, including at least one food source

​

    • Name a lifestyle practice, not including diet, that may be part of a treatment plan for hypothyroidism

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

30

31 of 33

S.M.A.R.T. GOALS

GOAL SETTING

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

31

32 of 33

LET'S WORK TOGETHER

SERVICES:

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

32

33 of 33

LET'S CONNECT

Nutrition for Hypothyroidism

33