Please address foods and hypothyroidism in a future article. This disease raises cholesterol levels and many foods that lower CHOL levels interfere with thyroid function and/or the impact of thyroid medications.  What foods lower LDL but do not interfere with thyroid function?

Answer by Theresa Davis, MS RD DietDetective Nutritionist: Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is "under-functioning" or producing less thyroid hormone than normal.  There are many symptoms of hypothyroidism, some of these include: high blood cholesterol, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, fatigue and many others.
 
A common treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement medication.  You do not need to follow a special diet when being treated for hypothyroidism, but you do need to be aware that certain foods and nutrients can impair thyroid hormone absorption.  Some foods or nutrients than can impair thyroid absorption include: iron and and calcium supplements, soy foods, high fiber foods, and possibly foods in the cabbage family such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, brussel sprouts etc.  You can still enjoy these foods as long as you take your thyroid hormone medication several HOURS BEFORE or AFTER eating these foods.
 
Thyroid hormone replacement usually lowers cholesterol levels elevated by the condition, however if you find that you still have elevated cholesterol and LDL levels after thyroid treatment, a diet high in soluble fiber and low in saturated and trans fats can help reduce cholesterol and LDL levels. Soluble fibers are found in legumes / beans, oats, barley, fruit and vegetables; saturated fats are found in red meats, chicken skin, sausage, bacon, full fat dairy foods, tropical oils; trans fats are found in fried foods and commercial baked goods or foods containing shortening, stick margarine and hydrogenated oils.  Other foods that may help improve cholesterol levels include foods containing omega 3 fatty acids (fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds and canola oil) and phytosterols (spreads such as Benechol, Promise active, Promise active supershots, Cocovia bars and various other specialty "heart smart" products).  Finally Exercise, weight loss and for some people medication can help improve cholesterol levels.

HAVE A QUESTION? EMAIL INFO [AT] DIETDETECTIVE.COM

Bookmark:

TrackBack URI for this entry

Comments (1)

Subscribe to this comment's feed