The best diet for people with a thyroid condition

I recently read a response from a doctor to this exact question on one of the many forums for which people go for advice, support and to help them realize that they’re not alone with their thyroid problems.Well, this female correspondent asked the doctor if it was still possible for her to enjoy foods that were rich in iodine - seaweeds, for example – even though she was taking thyroxine regularly to correct her underactive thyroid. And the answer?   Well, it was short, succinct and definitely to the point.   Of course she could.   The whole point of taking medication for any thyroid problem is that it corrects the metabolic rate so that you can behave, live and, especially relevant in this case, eat – just like everybody else who isn’t taking the medication.So I suppose I could finish there.   You’re taking the medication, so get on with your life and live it to the full.Except that the previous statement implies that two things have been taken for granted: that the patient is taking medication and, secondly, that the medication is at the correct dosage.  Neither of these facts can also be assumed.So, are there any general rules about eating that might apply specifically to people with thyroid problems? Of course there are.Let’s look at hyperthyroidism first of all, when the thyroid is overactive.   One of the risks associated with hyperthyroidism is the development of osteoporosis or bone thinning, which can occur because the calcium needed to strengthen bones is diverted elsewhere to compensate for its overconsumption.  You can easily supplement this calcium by eating lots of leafy green cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli – as long as you don’t overcook them – or fresh fruits, yogurts or goat’s milk and cheese.    Many specialists recommend snacking on raw vegetables or even having them blended into drinks.What you definitely mustn’t do is to cram in fatty, sugary junk food, fry ups and chocolate in order to help put any weight back on that you might have lost.  You can still get heart disease or diabetes and you really don’t want those problems alongside your hyperthyroidism.   Nutritious and ‘calorie-dense’ foods such as nuts, seeds and avocados, which contain healthy fats, are going to be much better.    It has been estimated that if you were to add two tablespoonfuls of flaxseed oil to your daily morning cereal, this would be over 200 calories! Finally, without becoming obsessive about iodine, as your thyroid is overactive, be careful about not taking in too much of it.   Obviously you need to watch your salt intake anyway but iodine-rich foods such as shrimps, haddock, salmon, eggs, wholemeal bread, green peppers, milk and cream need to be carefully balanced in your diet.For sufferers of hypothyroidism, an under performing thyroid, it’s vital that you stay regular and avoid constipation.  This means eating fiber-rich foods such as whole-grain bread or cereal.   People who are trying to lose weight with hypothyroidism still need to remember to eat correctly.   If you are eating organic fresh fruit and vegetables and avoiding over-processed or junk foods, then your body is far more likely to respond in the way that you want.Assuming that your medication levels are correct and your thyroid condition under control, good nutrition is the same as it always is.   Healthy eating will boost your general well-being and enable your body to function at its maximum efficiency.   A well-prescribed medical program and a well-balanced diet should make the thyroid problem just one of those things in life that you’ve come to terms with.