Hypothyroidism Food to Limit

Are you experiencing all the symptoms of Hypothyroidism & Hashimoto’s like weight gain, fatigue, anxiety and depression, sensitivity to cold, and others? Well, I’m here to let you know that it is possible to feel better and reverse your thyroid imbalance. The first step of the Keto Girl Method is to avoid the four inflammatory foods: gluten, dairy, eggs and added sugar.

Read on to find out why you should limit these inflammatory foods and how doing so can help you lose weight, reduce or get off your medication and ultimately, reverse your Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. 

Food to avoid with Hypothyroidism

1. Gluten

Gluten is a protein found in wheat and other grains. It helps food maintain its structure, and unknowingly, is found in many processed foods. Gluten has a similar molecular structure as thyroid tissue, so it can trigger a thyroid attack in those with Hashimoto’s. Regardless of having the autoimmune component, gluten has been shown to slow your metabolism, so it’s beneficial to remove it from the diet to speed up your metabolism and leave you satisfied after eating.

It is important to check ingredient labels for any “wheat.” The main foods to avoid and double-check are:

  • Bread
  • Baked goods
  • Cereal
  • Pasta
  • Sauces
  • Soups
  • Salad dressings
  • Beer
  • Malt
  • Food coloring
  • Processed foods such as chips, crackers and snacks

2. Dairy

Dairy is also inflammatory in those with Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s. To make it as simple as possible, dairy products contain Insulin Growth Factor-1(IGF-1), and women with Hypothyroidism and Hashimoto’s tend to have higher levels of IGF-1 in the body already. So when dairy is consumed, it only heightens this level, which in turn, increases the amount of insulin, leading to insulin resistance (sugar is converted to fat instead of energy). Constant inflammation from insulin resistance leads to weight gain and the advancement of your thyroid disorder. So, to reduce insulin resistance, you need to improve your IGF-1 levels by avoiding dairy.

Like gluten, make sure to check ingredient labels for any “milk.” Common dairy products are and are usually found in:

  • Milk
  • Cheese
  • Yogurt
  • Butter
  • Cream (heavy cream, sour cream, cream cheese, etc)
  • Ice cream
  • Whey 
  • Casein 
  • Sauces
  • Dressings

3. Eggs

It’s common for eggs, both the yolk and the white, to be indigestible in people with Hypothyroidism or Hashimoto’s. Since food intolerances cause inflammation, consuming eggs can lead to weight gain and poor absorption of the medication. Although my Keto Girls occasionally consume Keto Girl-friendly baked goods that contain eggs, they begin to lose weight and are able to reduce their medication when they limit their egg consumption.

Eggs, like the other inflammatory foods, can be hidden in certain foods so be sure to check ingredients labels for “eggs.” Aside from the whole egg, surprisingly, they can sometimes be found in foods like:

  • Baked goods
  • Breakfast foods
  • Bread
  • Pasta
  • Snacks
  • Dressings
  • Tortillas

4. Added sugar 

Like dairy, added sugar increases insulin levels causing sugar to be stored as fat, instead of used for energy.

Make sure to check nutrition labels for “added sugar” content, which is listed right below total sugars. Possible foods with a high added sugar content:

  • Candy
  • Baked goods
  • Yogurt and other milk products
  • Pre-made soup
  • Canned fruit
  • Pre-made smoothies
  • Dressings and condiments (i.e. ketchup) 
  • Sauces 
  • Soda
  • Sports/energy drinks
  • Juice
  • Flavored coffee
  • Iced tea

If you are struggling to lose weight, reduce your medication, or reverse your Hypothyroidism – you’ve come to the right place. Join my signature Keto coaching program where I show you how to lose weight, increase energy, get off medication, and so much more. Apply to join the program here or contact me with any questions.