Thyroid Disease and Diet

Nutrition Plays a Part in Maintaining Thyroid Health

I have a tough time losing weight because of my thyroid.”

You’ve probably heard this complaint time and again from clients who have thyroid disease—and with good reason. To the great frustration of many of the 27 mil­lion Americans with thyroid gland issues, the thyroid has a profound impact on metabolism. Unintended weight gain and weight loss are common, and both can be a daunting challenge to rectify. Although weight may be the most common complaint, clients are at an increased risk of cardiovascular disease and diabetes, underscoring the need to eat a balanced diet and adopt a healthful lifestyle. But since one-half of all people with thyroid disease are undiagnosed and weight changes are a common symptom,1 RDs are in a prime position to spot potential thyroid conditions, make appropriate referrals, and help clients get a timely diagnosis and the treatment they need.

This article will provide an overview of thyroid disease, its relationship with cardiovascular disease and diabetes, and the role nutrition plays in maintaining thyroid health.

Thyroid 101

The thyroid gland is a 2-inch butterfly-shaped organ located at the front of the neck. Though the thyroid is small, it’s a major gland in the endocrine system and affects nearly every organ in the body. It regulates fat and carbohydrate metabolism, res­piration, body temperature, brain development, cholesterol levels, the heart and nervous system, blood calcium levels, menstrual cycles, skin integrity, and more.

The most common thyroid condition is hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. In the United States, hypothyroidism usu­ally is caused by an autoimmune response known as Hashimoto’s disease or autoimmune thyroiditis. As with all autoimmune dis­eases, the body mistakenly identifies its own tissues as an invader and attacks them until the organ is destroyed. This chronic attack eventually prevents the thyroid from releasing adequate levels of the hormones T3 and T4, which are necessary to keep the body functioning properly. The lack of these hormones can slow down metabolism and cause weight gain, fatigue, dry skin and hair, and difficulty concentrating (see table). Hashimoto’s affects approxi­mately 5% of the US population, is seven times more prevalent in women than men, and generally occurs during middle age.

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid gland, is another common thyroid condition. The most prevalent form is Graves’ disease in which the body’s autoimmune response causes the thyroid gland to produce too much T3 and T4. Symptoms of hyper­thyroidism can include weight loss, high blood pressure, diarrhea, and a rapid heartbeat. Graves’ disease also disproportionately affects women and typically presents before the age of 40.

Hashimoto’s is more common than Graves’ disease, but both are referred to as autoimmune thyroid disease (ATD), which has a strong genetic link and is associated with other autoimmune disorders, such as type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and celiac disease.

A goiter, or enlargement of the thyroid gland, can be caused by hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, excessive or inadequate intake of iodine in the diet, or thyroid cancer—the most common endo­crine cancer whose incidence studies indicate is increasing.

Treatment

The disease process for Hashimoto’s is a spectrum, and not all patients require treatment. Some patients have autoim­mune antibodies but retain enough thyroid function without the need for intervention for years. Generally, once the body can no longer produce an adequate amount of thyroid hormone for necessary physiological functions, thyroid replacement medi­cation is necessary to correct the hormonal imbalances associ­ated with hypothyroidism.

Hyperthyroidism usually is treated with medications, surgery, or oral radioactive iodine. However, these treatments are impre­cise and may cause the thyroid to secrete inadequate amounts of T3 and T4 and function insufficiently after treatment. Seventy percent to 90% of patients with Graves’ or thyroid cancer eventu­ally need treatment for hypothyroidism as a result of treatment.

Cardiovascular Risk and Diabetes

Patients with hypothyroidism have a greater risk of car­diovascular disease than the risk associated with weight gain alone. Low levels of thyroid hormones lead to a higher blood lipid profile, increased blood pressure, and elevated levels of the amino acid homocysteine and the inflammatory marker C-reactive protein.

Thyroid hormones regulate cholesterol synthesis, cholesterol receptors, and the rate of cholesterol degradation. Hypothyroid­ism increases LDL levels, and increased cholesterol levels have been shown to induce hypothyroidism in animal models. Normal­ization of thyroid hormone levels has a beneficial effect on cho­lesterol, which may be worth noting especially for clients who choose not to take prescribed thyroid medications.

Moreover, a strong relationship exists between thyroid dis­orders, impaired glucose control, and diabetes. Thirty percent of people with type 1 diabetes have ATD, and 12.5% of those with type 2 diabetes have thyroid disease compared with a 6.6% prevalence of thyroid disease in the general public. Both hypo­thyroidism and hyperthyroidism affect carbohydrate metabo­lism and have a profound effect on glucose control, making close coordination with an endocrinologist vital.

Weight

It’s imperative dietitians have a good understanding of the metabolic changes associated with thyroid disease so they can set realistic goals and expectations for clients. Most people with hypothyroidism tend to experience abnormal weight gain and difficulty losing weight until hormone levels stabilize. Moreover, it’s common for patients with Graves’ disease to experience periods of high and low thyroid hor­mone levels, so it may take several months to achieve a bal­ance. During this time, it’s essential clients focus on healthful behaviors such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regu­larly, managing stress, and sleeping adequately rather than focus on the numbers on the scale.

Clara Schneider, MS, RD, RN, CDE, LDN, of Outer Banks Nutrition and author of numerous books, including The Every­thing Thyroid Diet Book, says, “The No. 1 priority is to get the thyroid disease under control. Clients need to have labs and medications addressed first. Weight changes are just not going to happen before all of that is under control.” She notes that Hashimoto’s typically occurs around menopause, which compounds the weight gain issue that many women experi­ence during that time.

“The biggest factors that help with weight loss are calorie- and carbohydrate-controlled meal plans,” says Sheila Dean, DSc, RD, LD, CCN, CDE, of the Palm Harbor Center for Health & Healing in Florida. “Naturally I try to ensure [clients are] eating a whole foods-based, minimally processed diet with at least 2 L of water daily.” Schneider agrees that a heart-healthy eating plan is fundamental. “The diet should emphasize more need to look at intake of sugars, added fats, fast food, and meals out.”

Emphasizing lean proteins, vegetables, fruits, heart-healthy fats and omega-3s, high-fiber foods, and appropriate portions can help manage or prevent illnesses associated with thyroid disease. As Schneider notes, “It’s eating for prevention of all these diseases that accompany thyroid disease: heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and more.” As an added bonus, fiber can relieve constipation that people with hypothyroidism often experience.

Key Nutrients

Many nutritional factors play a role in optimizing thyroid function. However, both nutrient deficiencies and excesses can trigger or exacerbate symptoms. Working in collaboration with a physician is ideal to determine nutritional status for optimal thyroid health.

• Iodine: Iodine is a vital nutrient in the body and essential to thyroid function; thyroid hormones are comprised of iodine. While autoimmune disease is the primary cause of thyroid dys­function in the United States, iodine deficiency is the main cause worldwide.

Iodine deficiency has been considered rare in the United States since the 1920s, largely due to the widespread use of iodized salt. This, along with fish, dairy, and grains, is a major source of iodine in the standard American diet.

However, iodine intake has dropped during the past few decades. Americans get approximately 70% of their salt intake from processed foods that, in the United States and Canada, generally don’t contain iodine. A 2012 Centers for Disease Con­trol and Prevention report indicates that, on average, Ameri­cans are getting adequate amounts of iodine, with the potential exception of women of childbearing age.

Both iodine deficiency and excess have significant risks; therefore, supplementation should be approached with caution. Supplemental iodine may cause symptom flare-ups in people with Hashimoto’s disease because it stimulates autoimmune antibodies.

Iodine intake often isn’t readily apparent on a dietary recall since the amount in foods is largely dependent on levels in the soil and added salt. However, Schneider says, “Clients taking iodine tablets are a red flag. Frequent intake of foods such as seaweed or an avoidance of all iodized salt may serve as signs that further exploration is needed.” 

• Vitamin D: Vitamin D deficiency is linked to Hashimoto’s, according to one study showing that more than 90% of patients studied were deficient. However, it’s unclear whether the low vitamin D levels were the direct cause of Hashimoto’s or the result of the disease process itself.

Hyperthyroidism, particularly Graves’ disease, is known to cause bone loss, which is compounded by the vitamin D defi­ciency commonly found in people with hyperthyroidism. This bone mass can be regained with treatment for hyperthyroidism, and experts suggest that adequate bone-building nutrients, such as vitamin D, are particularly important during and after treatment.

Foods that contain some vitamin D include fatty fish, milk, dairy, eggs, and mushrooms. Sunlight also is a potential source, but the amount of vitamin production depends on the season and latitude. If clients have low vitamin D levels, supplemental D3 may be necessary, and the client’s physician should monitor progress to ensure the individual’s levels stay within an appro­priate range.

• Selenium: The highest concentration of selenium is found in the thyroid gland, and it’s been shown to be a necessary com­ponent of enzymes integral to thyroid function.14 Selenium is an essential trace mineral and has been shown to have a profound effect on the immune system, cognitive function, fertility in both men and women, and mortality rate.

A meta-analysis of randomized, pla­cebo-controlled studies has shown benefits of selenium on both thyroid antibody titers and mood in patients with Hashimoto’s, but this effect seems more pronounced in people with a selenium deficiency or insufficiency at the outset. Conversely, an excessive intake of sele­nium can cause gastrointestinal distress or even raise the risk of type 2 diabetes and cancer. So clients will benefit from having their selenium levels tested and incorporating healthful, selenium-rich foods in to their diets, such as Brazil nuts, tuna, crab, and lobster.

• Vitamin B12: Studies have shown that about 30% of people with ATD expe­rience a vitamin B12 deficiency. Food sources of B12 include mollusks, sardines, salmon, organ meats such as liver, muscle meat, and dairy. Vegan sources include fortified cereals and nutritional yeast. Severe B12 deficiency can be irreversible, so it’s important for dietitians to suggest clients with thyroid disease have their levels tested.

Goitrogens

Cruciferous vegetables such as broccoli, cauliflower, and cabbage naturally release a compound called goitrin when they’re hydrolyzed, or broken down. Goitrin can interfere with the synthesis of thyroid hormones. However, this is usually a concern only when coupled with an iodine deficiency. Heating cruciferous vegetables denatures much or all of this potential goitrogenic effect.

Soy is another potential goitrogen. The isoflavones in soy can lower thyroid hormone synthesis, but numerous studies have found that consuming soy doesn’t cause hypothyroidism in people with adequate iodine stores. However, Dean cautions clients to eat soy in moderation.

The potential exception is millet, a nutritious gluten-free grain, which may suppress thyroid function even in people with adequate iodine intake. If a dietary recall indicates frequent millet consumption in patients with hypothyroidism, it may be wise to suggest they choose a different grain.

Foods, Supplements, and Medication Interactions

When it comes to thyroid medications, it’s important for RDs to know the medications can interact with common nutritional supplements. Calcium supplements have the potential to inter­fere with proper absorption of thyroid medications, so patients must consider the timing when taking both. Studies recom­mend spacing calcium supplements and thyroid medications by at least four hours. Coffee and fiber supplements lower the absorption of thyroid medication, so patients should take them one hour apart. Dietitians should confirm whether clients have received and are adhering to these guidelines for optimal health.

Chromium picolinate, which is marketed for blood sugar control and weight loss, also impairs the absorption of thy­roid medications. If clients decide to take chromium picolinate, they should take it three to four hours apart from thyroid medi­cations. Flavonoids in fruits, vegetables, and tea have been shown to have potential cardiovascular benefits. However, high-dose flavonoid supplements may suppress thyroid func­tion. The Natural Standards Database provides an extensive list of supplements that have a potential impact on thyroid func­tion, so taking precautions and coordinating patient care with a knowledgeable practitioner is prudent.

Exercise

A discussion on thyroid disease and good health isn’t com­plete without stressing the importance of physical activity. Lisa Lilienfield, MD, a thyroid disease specialist at the Kaplan Center for Integrative Medicine in McLean, Virginia, and a certified yoga instructor, is a firm believer in the importance of exercise, par­ticularly for clients with a thyroid disorder. “With hypothyroid patients, certainly exercise can help with weight gain, fatigue, and depression. With hyperthyroidism, anxiety and sleep distur­bances are so common, and exercise can help regulate both.”

In addition to the obvious impact exercise has on weight and metabolism, a study of patients with Graves’ disease found that a structured exercise program showed dramatic improvements in fatigue levels, and significantly more patients were able to suc­cessfully stop taking antithyroid medications without a relapse.

Since fatigue can be a barrier to exercise, Lilienfield and Schneider recommend patients use a pedometer as a tool for a tangible source of structure and motivation. Lilienfield also sug­gests clients attend a gentle yoga class as a start to exercising.

Tying It Altogether

Thyroid disease presents unique challenges due to unde­sired weight changes, significant cardiovascular risks, and symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, and gastrointestinal upset, which can hinder the development of healthful behav­iors. It’s vital that dietitians focus on setting realistic goals for heart-healthy changes and regular exercise when counseling clients. With so many potential nutrient deficiencies and inter­actions with medications and supplements, it will be important for dietitians to coordinate with their clients’ healthcare team for optimal health outcomes. 

 — Cheryl Harris, MPH, RD, is a dietitian in private practice in Fairfax and Alexandria, Virginia. She’s also a speaker, writer, and health coach.

 Health Information Systems 

Thyroid Disease and Diet