9 Foods to Avoid with Hypothyroidism
Jul 15, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Chuanjia
Introduction
In general, there is no specific list of "9 foods to avoid for hypothyroidism." However, hypothyroid patients usually need to avoid cruciferous vegetables such as cabbage, Chinese cabbage, rape, cassava, walnuts, and similar foods, as they may affect thyroid function. If there is a need to regulate overall health, it is important to plan the diet appropriately. In daily life, in addition to avoiding the aforementioned foods, patients with hypothyroidism should also maintain a balanced diet.
Generally speaking, there is no specific list of "nine foods to avoid with hypothyroidism." Patients with hypothyroidism usually should avoid certain foods such as cabbage, Chinese cabbage, rape, cassava, and walnuts, as these may affect thyroid function. If there is a need to regulate body health, dietary planning should be done rationally. The detailed explanation is as follows:
1. Cabbage: Cabbage is cool in nature and sweet in taste, and contains substances that may cause goiter. These substances can interfere with the thyroid gland's absorption and utilization of iodine, possibly leading to thyroid enlargement and worsening thyroid dysfunction in patients with hypothyroidism. Therefore, patients with hypothyroidism should consume less cabbage.
2. Chinese Cabbage: Chinese cabbage is neutral in nature and sweet in taste, and similarly contains substances that may cause goiter. Consuming large amounts may affect the synthesis of thyroid hormones, which is unfavorable for the recovery of patients with hypothyroidism. Intake of Chinese cabbage should be controlled in daily diet, avoiding long-term and excessive consumption.
3. Rape: Rape is cool in nature and spicy in taste; some of its components may inhibit the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Consumption by hypothyroid patients may further reduce thyroid function, negatively affecting metabolic regulation. Therefore, rape should be appropriately avoided or consumed in reduced amounts.
4. Cassava: Cassava is cool in nature and sweet in taste, and contains cyanogenic glycosides, which can produce substances that affect thyroid function after decomposition. Eating cassava may interfere with the thyroid's uptake of iodine, leading to suppressed thyroid function and worsening symptoms of hypothyroidism. Patients with hypothyroidism should consume cassava cautiously.
5. Walnuts: Walnuts are warm in nature and sweet in taste, and although they are nutritionally rich, excessive consumption may affect thyroid function. Certain components in walnuts may inhibit the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones. Patients with hypothyroidism should control their intake and avoid excessive consumption.
In daily life, in addition to avoiding the above foods, patients with hypothyroidism should maintain a balanced diet, appropriately supplement foods rich in protein and iodine, maintain regular作息 (作息 means作息 habits or routines), and engage in appropriate physical exercise to help maintain normal body functions.
