Hypothyroidism and plant-based diet-your thoughts?

[RochelleRae11]

I came across this video and found it really interesting

Does anyone suffer with Hypothyroidism? Do you feel your plant-based diet can help with this?
I'd love to hear other people's thoughts because I recently got diagnosed!

 

[silva]

I don't know his credentials, (and didn't watch the video), but there is much evidence showing the benefits of a Whole Food Plant Based diet for soooo many disorders.
Here are some physicians that have much evidence based research on the subject:

The Best Diet for Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism | NutritionFacts.org

Is the apparent protection of plant-based diets for thyroid health due to the exclusion of animal foods, the benefits of plant foods, or both?

nutritionfacts.org

Plant-Based Diets Cut Hyperthyroid

www.pcrm.org

Vegan Diets and Hypothyroidism

Diets eliminating animal products have rarely been associated with hypothyroidism but may protect against autoimmune disease. Thus, we investigated whether risk of hypothyroidism was associated with vegetarian compared to omnivorous dietary patterns. ...

www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

 

[Brian W]

Maybe have your iodine levels checked? The evidence for/against supplementation seems to be conflicting but hypothyroidism can be caused by deficiency as I understand it. Your doctor will know best. I am not an authority on the subject. I believe a vegan diet without supplementation is usually lower in iodine than a diet that includes seafood. Seaweed and seaweed based supplements are not a good source because the amounts vary too much.

 

[silva]

Maybe have your iodine levels checked? The evidence for/against supplementation seems to be conflicting but hypothyroidism can be caused by deficiency as I understand it. Your doctor will know best. I am not an authority on the subject. I believe a vegan diet without supplementation is usually lower in iodine than a diet that includes seafood. Seaweed and seaweed based supplements are not a good source because the amounts vary too much.

Dr Greger addresses this--he advocates getting all sodium from whole foods, with miso being the one exception--

The Healthiest Natural Source of Iodine | NutritionFacts.org

How much nori, dulse, or arame approximate the recommended daily allowance for iodine?

nutritionfacts.org

I never ate any seafood, but always used iodized salt

I assumed a diagnoses oh hyperthyroid would check for iodine, maybe I'm making an assumption?

 

[Brian W]

I assumed a diagnoses oh hyperthyroid would check for iodine, maybe I'm making an assumption?

You might be right. I should have thought of that.

 

[beforewisdom]

The only thing I have ever heard in regards to hypothyroidism and vegan diets is FUD ( Fear Uncertainty Doubt ) that eating soy can make things worse for people with under active thyroids.

Years ago I read the Post Punk Kitchen web board, mostly women, and some who had thyroid issues.

Their non-vegan M.D.s didn't have anti-soy hysteria. Their doctors just adjusted their medication to their individual needs. The tone I got was "life goes on, pass the tofu".