I have thyroid, is my diet affected?

The thyroid gland is one of the most important glands of our endocrine system. It is located in our throat and produces three main hormones. Thyroxine (known as T4), triiodothyronine (known as T3) and calcitonin. The first two serve mainly to regulate metabolism.

The most common thyroid problems involve abnormal hormone production. We distinguish two cases. The first involves overactive thyroid with excessive production of thyroid hormones leading to a condition known as hyperthyroidism. The second case is insufficient hormone production leading to hypothyroidism. Women are more likely to develop one of the thyroid gland problems.

Some symptoms that can be observed due to a problem in the thyroid gland are:

• Weight Gain/Weight Loss
• Binge eating
• Physical fatigue
• Drowsiness
• Frequent urination
• Sensitivity to cold
• Constipation/Diarrhea
• Fluid retention
• Dry skin
• Scalp loss
• Anemia
• Depression
• Cramps

In general there are some foods and nutrients, which are related to the good functioning of the thyroid:

• Iodine: It is an essential component for the proper functioning of the thyroid, as its lack leads to reduced hormone production. Seafood and Greek iodized salt are the richest sources of iodine. Care must be taken with large amounts of iodine, as they have a negative effect on the thyroid when taken for long periods of time.
• Selenium: It is an essential element for the production of thyroid hormones and the conversion of thyroxine (T4) into triiodothyronine (T3). Important sources of selenium are nuts, cereals, eggs, fish.
• Tyrosine: It is an amino acid which also has an important role in the production of thyroid hormones. Good sources are fish, chicken, whole grains, dairy products, bananas, beans and nuts.

In his case hyperthyroidism symptoms related to diet are:

• increase in basic metabolism, resulting in weight loss
• osteoporosis (in some cases)
• diarrheas

1. Nutritionally, we should deal with weight loss, consuming the necessary energy daily, so that the patient can have an energy balance and keep his weight stable.

2. It is also important to meet the patient's increased calcium needs every day. We can achieve this by consuming increased amounts of dairy and cheese during the day (2-3 servings per day). In some cases, the administration of calcium supplements is deemed necessary, always with the consent of the doctor.

3. If the symptom of diarrhea is present, special attention should be paid to avoid dehydration. The consumption of vegetable fibers (fruits, vegetables, whole grain products) should be limited and the consumption of probiotics should be included in the daily diet plan. We can achieve this either through food (yogurts, yogurt drinks) or through supplements. Great attention must also be paid to the replenishment of liquids and electrolytes, because due to diarrhea their losses are large and the patient can easily be led to dehydration.

In his case hypothyroidism symptoms related to diet are:

• decrease in basic metabolism, resulting in weight gain
• constipation

1. Nutritionally, the patient's weight gain must be prevented by limiting his daily energy intake so that we have a negative energy balance and the patient's weight remains stable.

2. Small and frequent meals also help to achieve stable blood sugar levels.

3. Fats and sugars should be avoided in the diet.

4. Exercising is very important, which will help increase burning and therefore calorie consumption and maintaining a stable weight.

5. Its vitamins cluster B (brewer's yeast, whole grains, fruit, liver, eggs, green leafy vegetables), the β-carotene (orange-yellow and red fruits and vegetables), n vitamin C (citrus fruits, strawberries, kiwi), n Vitamin E (olive oil) and o zinc (seafood, fish, liver, meat, eggs, mushrooms) it is important to cover daily.

6. Vitamin D is recommended for use in patients with hypothyroidism. Try to consume dairy products, mackerel, sardines, tuna and egg yolk or consult your doctor in case you need to be given a supplement.

7. In the event of constipation, the consumption of plant fibers (fruits, vegetables, whole grain products) should be increased, the consumption of liquids should be sufficient, probiotics should be included in the daily diet and your physical activity should be increased.

Once your blood thyroid hormone levels return to normal after treatment, the patient can now maintain/lose/gain weight similar to someone without a thyroid problem.Also the symptoms stop once their function is normalized always with appropriate medication.

Stelina Vassiliadis

Dietitian-Nutritionist, MSc Medical School, University of Glasgow

www.stelinasdiet.gr