People with hypothyroidism (hypothyroidism) usually have to take hormone pills for life as a replacement for the missing thyroid hormones. However, it should not be taken with calcium-rich drinks or food such as milk, dairy products and fruit juices, as calcium blocks the intake of the drug. Here you read all important information about nutrition in hypothyroidism!
Why the thyroid needs iodine
The thyroid needs iodine for hormone production – in hypothyroidism as well as a healthy thyroid. Because with iodine deficiency can cause a goiter (iodine deficiency goiter) and just a hypothyroid function.
The body must absorb iodine through the diet. The daily requirement for adolescents and adults (under 50 years) is 200 micrograms – a tiny amount that is still not reached by many people. After all, Germany, like many other Central European countries, is a natural iodine deficiency area: the drinking water, the soil and therefore also the food plants grown on it are low in iodine.
In order to be able to cover the daily iodine requirement, special attention should be paid to a iodine-rich diet. In consultation with the doctor you may have to resort to Jodpreparate.
High-iodine diet for hypothyroidism
High-iodine foods are primarily sea fish (such as plaice, coalfish and cod), seafood (such as North Sea prawns and mussels) and algae. Milk, dairy products and eggs may also contain large amounts of iodine if the animals have received iodine-rich feed. Last but not least, the use of iodized table salt can help prevent iodine deficiency. Whether with or without hypothyroidism – Diet with iodine-rich foods is important in both cases.
Hypothyroidism: nutrition during pregnancy
In pregnancy, there is an increased need for iodine, because two thyroid glands (the maternal and the child) must be supplied with the trace element. The daily requirement for pregnant women is therefore 230 micrograms of iodine – with or without hypothyroidism. Diet with iodine-rich foods alone can not meet this need. In consultation with the gynecologist, pregnant women should also take iodine tablets to prevent a shortage. For such a woman could lead to goiter and the unborn child to impaired development of the brain and nervous system.
Thus, the following recommendations for a sufficient iodine supply apply to pregnant women:
- eat sea fish at least twice a week (haddock, saithe, cod, plaice)
- drink milk regularly
- Use only iodized table salt
- preferably eat foods that have been made with iodized table salt
- Take iodine tablets daily (after previous analysis of iodine intake via the diet and at the dosage determined by the physician)
Hypothyroidism: Nursing during lactation
Even during lactation, the need for iodine is increased because the trace element is passed on to the child with the mother’s milk. Breastfeeding women should consume 260 micrograms of iodine per day – through food and in the form of iodine tablets. This applies to both women with and without hypothyroidism. Diet and additional iodine intake should follow the same recommendations as for pregnant women.