Suffering from hypothyroidism with all its painful symptoms and want a successful way to increase thyroid hormone naturally? search no further
In this article, we will mainly look at some of the best foods that you can use and some of the changes in your diet that can help you treat the hypothyroid issue. We will also list down some of the food items to avoid in order to live healthily and increase thyroid hormone naturally.
In the case of hypothyroidism, you will see that your body doesn’t make thyroid hormones so the basic function of the body is affected.
According to the global stats, you will see 1-2% of the global population getting affected by hypothyroidism, however, the number is growing because of the food we eat and the way we live. Apart from this, the chance of getting affected by hypothyroidism is high in women as compared to men.
5 Foods for thyroid health
Although most of the diet plans you see will mainly stress that you need to consume organic food or fresh food and avoid processed food at all costs, some of the food items available in the market have been altered to make sure that it is good for your health.
Most countries add platinum, fluoride, and calcium to the awareness, whereas others add iodine to the salt so you don’t face issues related to the thyroid.
These foods help with T4 → T3 conversion, reduce inflammation, balance hormones, and support nutrient deficiencies common in thyroid disorders.
Some of the main food items that you want to add to your diet will include:
1. Iodine-Rich Foods (But in Safe Amounts)
Iodine is needed to make thyroid hormones, but too much can worsen Hashimoto’s.
Aim for natural, moderate sources:
- Iodized salt (small amounts)
- Eggs
- Shrimp
- Cod
- Dairy (if tolerated)
- Seaweed in very small portions (avoid kelp supplements)
2. Selenium-Rich Foods (Supports T4 → T3 Conversion)
Selenium is one of the most important minerals for thyroid health.
- Brazil nuts (1–2 per day — very high selenium)
- Tuna
- Sardines
- Turkey
- Chicken
- Sunflower seeds
- Brown rice
Selenium helps reduce thyroid antibodies and inflammation.
3. Zinc-Rich Foods (Helps Activate Thyroid Hormones)
Zinc is essential for hormone production and immune support.
- Oysters
- Beef
- Lamb
- Pumpkin seeds
- Chickpeas
- Lentils
- Cashews
A zinc deficiency can worsen hypothyroid symptoms like hair loss and cold intolerance.
4. Anti-Inflammatory Foods (For Hashimoto’s + Thyroid Support)
These calm the immune system and reduce inflammation:
- Berries (blueberries, strawberries)
- Leafy greens (spinach, arugula)
- Sweet potatoes
- Turmeric
- Ginger
- Avocado
- Olive oil
- Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines)
These foods also improve energy and stabilize blood sugar.
5. Foods Rich in Tyrosine (Used to Make Thyroid Hormones)
Tyrosine + iodine = thyroid hormone production.
- Chicken
- Turkey
- White fish
- Cottage cheese
- Pumpkin seeds
- Peanuts
- Avocado
Tyrosine helps improve focus, mood, and metabolism.
6. Iron-Rich Foods (Supports Oxygen + Hormone Regulation)
Low iron is extremely common in hypothyroidism.
- Beef
- Turkey
- Spinach
- Lentils
- White beans
- Pumpkin seeds
- Quinoa
Pair with vitamin C (lemon, oranges) for better absorption.
7. Vitamin D-Rich Foods (Regulates Immunity + Mood)
Most people with thyroid disease are deficient.
- Salmon
- Egg yolks
- Mushrooms
- Fortified dairy or dairy alternatives
Vitamin D helps lower thyroid antibodies and supports mood.
8. Gut-Friendly Fermented Foods (For digestion + immunity)
Gut health is key for thyroid hormone conversion.
- Greek yogurt (if tolerated)
- Kefir
- Sauerkraut
- Kimchi
- Miso (gluten-free)
- Kombucha
These foods support a balanced microbiome.
9. Slow-Carb, High-Fiber Foods (Energy + Blood Sugar Support)
Stable blood sugar = fewer thyroid symptoms like fatigue, cravings, and anxiety.
- Oats
- Quinoa
- Brown rice
- Buckwheat
- Beans
- Lentils
- Chia seeds
10. Hydrating Foods (Reduce bloating + fatigue)
Hydration helps prevent constipation and low energy.
- Cucumbers
- Watermelon
- Broth
- Herbal teas (ginger, peppermint)
Check out more posts about the hypothyroidism diet
Thyroid foods to avoid
Just like there are some recommended food items, there are foods to avoid with hyperthyroidism to stay healthy.
1. Foods That Interfere With Thyroid Hormone Absorption
These can lower absorption of levothyroxine (Synthroid) or worsen symptoms when eaten too close to medication time.
Avoid eating within 4 hours of taking your medication:
- Soy products (tofu, soy milk, edamame, soy protein bars)
- High-fiber cereals (bran, whole-grain cereals)
- Calcium supplements
- Iron supplements
- Multivitamins containing iron or calcium
- Coffee (especially espresso) — delays absorption
- Walnuts
- Almonds in large quantities
2. Foods High in Goitrogens (Raw Cruciferous Vegetables)
Goitrogens can interfere with iodine uptake when eaten raw in large amounts.
Avoid raw when possible:
- Raw broccoli
- Raw cauliflower
- Raw kale
- Raw cabbage
- Raw bok choy
- Raw Brussels sprouts
- Raw turnips
➡️ Cook them instead — heat destroys most goitrogens.
3. Gluten (Especially With Hashimoto’s)
Research shows a strong link between autoimmune thyroid disease and gluten sensitivity.
Avoid:
- Wheat
- Barley
- Rye
- Couscous
- Malt
- Processed baked goods
➡️ Many with Hashimoto’s notice reduced inflammation and fewer symptoms when gluten-free.
4. Ultra-Processed Foods & Added Sugars
These worsen inflammation, weight gain, and fatigue — the three biggest thyroid complaints.
Limit:
- Cakes, cookies, pastries
- Packaged snacks (chips, crackers)
- Sugary cereals
- Fast food
- Energy bars with additives
- Sugary drinks
5. Foods That Disrupt Gut Health
A healthy gut is key for thyroid hormone conversion (T4 → T3).
Avoid:
- Artificial sweeteners (aspartame, sucralose)
- Carrageenan (found in many dairy alternatives)
- Fried foods
- Heavy processed meats (hotdogs, sausages)
6. Excess Iodine
Too much iodine can worsen hypothyroidism or trigger flare-ups in Hashimoto’s.
Limit:
- Iodized salt (use moderately)
- Seaweed snacks
- Kelp supplements (avoid completely)
- Iodine-heavy sushi
7. Excess Alcohol
Alcohol slows thyroid hormone production and irritates the gut.
Limit or avoid:
- Beer
- Wine
- Cocktails
- Hard liquor
8. Certain Fats That Slow Hormone Conversion
Avoid:
- Trans fats (margarine, shortening)
- Hydrogenated oils
- Highly fried foods
9. Highly Allergenic Foods (If Sensitive)
These commonly trigger inflammation in Hashimoto’s:
- Dairy
- Eggs
- Corn
- Soy
➡️ Not everyone needs to avoid these — but if they cause bloating, brain fog, or skin issues, consider testing sensitivity.
Thyroid functions
The thyroid gland secretes thyroid hormones in your body. These hormones have many functions that are vital for your body including:
- The thyroid is helpful in controlling the growth of your body.
- It helps in healing, replacing old worn-out cells.
- Controls the speed of metabolism.
As a result, people who report hypothyroidism also report issues like:
- rapid hair loss.
- Difficulty in retaining the body temperature.
- Extreme tiredness.
- Bad mood or mood swings.
- Feeling sleepy.
What increases thyroid hormone?
Experts claim that to ensure your thyroid stays healthy you need to increase food intake that contains:
- Iodine.
- Zinc.
- Selenium.
If you don’t feel like you are getting the right quantity through food, you can then take supplements.
Supplements
Although health supplements like zinc, iron, and selenium are important, you can only use them when recommended by a professional health advisor or doctor.
There are some supplement that supports the proper functioning of the thyroid gland and the proper production of thyroid hormones thanks to the iodine
content like Thyrolin.
Due to the presence of vitamin B6, it helps to:
- Reduce fatigue.
- Control hormonal activity.
- The supplement contains Ashwagandha extract functions to help the body experiencing stress and anxiety.
- Increases metabolic rate.
- Improves digestion.
- Corrects blood sugar level and cholesterol level in the blood.
- Helps with weight loss and body mass reduction.
Check out our latest posts:
- 5 Day Sugar Cleanse: A Simple Reset to Cut Cravings and Feel More Energized
- Carnivore Diet Results for 30 Days: What Happened on 30-day Only Meat
- Ayahuasca Diet Guidelines: What to Eat, Food to Avoid
- Pescatarian Keto Diet Meal Plan Guide | Easy 7-day Meals
- Zepbound Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Starting the Treatment
Bottom Line
Almost all diseases and illnesses in our bodies can be traced back to the food we eat and the environment we live in. This is the reason most diseases are prevalent in a specific part of the world, whereas they are not common in other regions.
Although food is a very important factor that impacts hypothyroidism, it is not the only player. You will also see the impact of exercise, along with the nutrient ratio and the active life because all these things are important.
While you focus on the treatment, make sure you only eat healthy food and stay away from deep-fried junk food completely.
This might take some time to adjust, however, without a properly balanced diet, workout routine, and healthy lifestyle changes you will not be able to see the impact.
