03/31/2026
4 Myths and 4 Truths About Nutrition and Hypothyroidism:
❌ Myth: Weight changes rely solely on thyroid hormones, so there's no need to change your diet yet.
✅ Truth: While having your thyroid levels back on track is very important, starting a balanced eating plan can lead to more sustainable habits. Nutrition is key for long-term success!
❌ Myth: Cutting out gluten will fix hypothyroidism.
✅ Truth: Gluten does not affect thyroid function for most people. However, some individuals with autoimmune thyroid disease such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis may also have celiac disease, where gluten avoidance is medically necessary. For everyone else, removing gluten isn’t required.
❌ Myth: You need special ‘thyroid foods’ or supplements.
✅ Truth: No single food or supplement can cure hypothyroidism. What does help support thyroid health is a balanced eating pattern that includes nutrients like iodine, selenium, zinc, and iron. Most people can meet these needs through regular meals and varied foods. Supplements can be beneficial to help fill in any gaps, but are not mandatory.
❌ Myth: The only tests you need to get checked are thyroid hormones.
✅ Truth: It’s helpful to check other hormones like insulin, cortisol, and leptin too. These tests can also provide valuable insights.
We are a HAES-aligned practice and do not promote weight loss as a treatment goal. This content is for myth-busting and education only. Please speak with your individual RD for personalized nutrition advice.