No food cures an underactive or overactive thyroid — that is the job of medicine. Still, what you eat and when you eat it can support your treatment and help you manage tiredness and weight. The generator creates a balanced plan, includes a weight-loss deficit if you select it, and reminds you when to take your tablet.
Hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid)
Taking levothyroxine: swallow it with water on an empty stomach, typically 30–60 minutes before breakfast. Leave at least 4 hours between it and soy, antacids, or iron and calcium supplements, and don’t have coffee close to the tablet.
Iodine: for most people in India, iodised salt provides enough. Kelp or extra iodine supplements can worsen thyroid problems.
Goitrogens: soy, broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage are healthy foods when cooked and eaten in usual amounts.
Weight: when your thyroid levels are back in range, losing weight relies on the same calorie deficit as for everyone else.
Hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid)
Your body uses energy faster, so you may feel hungry and lose weight — have regular meals rich in protein.
Hyperthyroidism can weaken bones, so get enough calcium and vitamin D.
Unless your doctor recommends it, stay away from extra iodine such as seaweed or supplements.
Your questions, answered
Are there foods I must cut out with a thyroid condition?
No everyday foods are off limits. Just don’t take your thyroid tablet alongside food, coffee, tea, milk, soy, calcium or iron, and skip kelp or iodine supplements unless they are prescribed.
Are cruciferous vegetables safe with an underactive thyroid?
Yes — cabbage, cauliflower and similar vegetables are fine to eat cooked, in everyday quantities. Only very large quantities of raw vegetables or juices might have an effect, and only when iodine intake is low.
Will hypothyroidism stop me losing weight?
Not once medicine has your thyroid levels under control. Then a steady calorie deficit, protein at each meal and regular exercise work just as they do for anyone else.
Checked against the sources listed above. This is general health information and not medical advice — please ask your doctor or a registered dietitian what suits you.