Thyroid Awareness and Support Network - TASN

Foods to Limit or Avoid if You Have Hypothyroidism

If you have hypothyroidism, your thyroid gland works slower than normal. Certain foods can interfere with thyroid function or with the absorption of thyroid medication.

Here are some foods to limit or avoid:

🚫 Soy products – Soy milk, tofu, and soybeans may interfere with thyroid hormone absorption.

🚫 Too many cruciferous vegetables (raw) – Such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts. These can affect iodine use if eaten in very large amounts.

🚫 Highly processed foods – Fast foods, chips, and packaged snacks often contain unhealthy fats and excess salt.

🚫 Excess sugar – Cakes, sweets, and sugary drinks can worsen weight gain and fatigue.

🚫 Gluten (for some people) – Some people with thyroid disease feel better when they reduce gluten foods like white bread, pasta, and pastries.

🚫 Very fatty foods – Fried foods and fatty meats may interfere with thyroid hormone effectiveness.

💡 Tip: Always take your thyroid medication on an empty stomach and wait at least 30–60 minutes before eating.

Healthy thyroid habits start with good nutrition and regular medical check-ups.

🦋 THYROID AWARENESS

Your thyroid needs the right nutrients to work properly. Eating the right foods can support people living with thyroid conditions.

🥗 Foods that support thyroid health:

✅ Iodine-rich foods – seaweed, fish, eggs, iodised salt
✅ Selenium foods – Brazil nuts, sunflower seeds, tuna
✅ Zinc foods – pumpkin seeds, lentils, chickpeas
✅ Protein – eggs, chicken, beans
✅ Healthy vegetables – spinach, carrots, sweet potatoes
✅ Healthy fats – avocado, olive oil, nuts

💧 Drink enough water and try to eat balanced meals.

⚠️ Limit highly processed foods, excess sugar, and too much soy, especially if you are taking thyroid medication.

Your thyroid may be small, but it controls energy, weight, heart rate, and metabolism.

💙 Take care of your thyroid — take care of your health.

Do you know the signs of thyroid problems?

The Thyroid gland controls metabolism, energy levels, weight, and many body functions.

When it is not working properly, you may experience:
• Constant fatigue
• Unexplained weight gain or weight loss
• Hair loss
• Depression or anxiety
• Sensitivity to cold or heat
• Irregular heartbeat
• Brain fog
• Dry skin

These symptoms may be linked to conditions like Hypothyroidism or Hyperthyroidism.
If you have these symptoms, speak to your healthcare provider and ask about thyroid testing.
Follow Thyroid Awareness and Support Network to learn more and support thyroid awareness. 💙

This is part of my thyroid journey.

In 2005 I had gastric bypass surgery. A few years later, in 2008, I was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. At that time I had severe palpitations, heat intolerance, diarrhea and I was losing a lot of weight.

I was treated with radioactive iodine therapy. After the treatment everything changed. My thyroid became underactive and I started gaining weight.

Living with thyroid disease has been a long journey of learning and adjusting. Many people think weight gain is always about diet, but sometimes it is connected to thyroid health.

That is why I created the Thyroid Awareness and Support Network — so we can talk openly, support each other and raise awareness.

If you have a thyroid condition, feel free to share your story. You are not alone. 💙

Welcome to Thyroid Awareness and Support Network 💙
This page was created to raise awareness and support people living with thyroid conditions. The Thyroid gland is a small gland in the neck that plays a big role in controlling metabolism, energy levels, heart rate, and many other body functions.
Many people live with thyroid disorders such as Hypothyroidism, Hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto's thyroiditis without enough information or support.
This page aims to: • Share reliable thyroid health information
• Raise awareness about symptoms and diagnosis
• Support people living with thyroid conditions
• Create a community where we can learn from each other
If you or someone you know is affected by thyroid disease, . 💙
Follow the page, share your experiences, and help us spread awareness.