22/01/2026
January is Thyroid Awareness Month, and over the last few years, I’ve seen a chronic thyroid epidemic—both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism—far more frequently than ever before.
About a decade ago, life was simpler. Stress levels were lower, food was less processed, and eating patterns were more natural. The thyroid is extremely sensitive to pressure—mental, emotional, and physical. When stress goes unaddressed for years, the thyroid eventually reacts. Add to this modern diets that are low in iodine and essential trace minerals, and the problem compounds further.
Here are some dietary principles I work with for both hypo- and hyperthyroidism:
FOODS & HABITS TO AVOID / MINIMISE
1️⃣ Avoid extremely contracted (yang) foods: meats, eggs, cheese, tuna, salmon, seafood—especially heavily salted varieties (use rock, sea, or Himalayan pink salt instead).
2️⃣ Avoid fruit juices, sugar, chocolates, honey, sweeteners, milk, butter, ice cream, yogurt, white rice, maida, refined grains, excessive fruit, potatoes, peppers, alcohol, and unnecessary medication.
3️⃣ Minimise hard-baked foods: biscuits, cakes, cookies, pastries, crackers, bread, chivda, farsan.
4️⃣ Do not cook in a microwave or electric cooker—use gas.
5️⃣ If the condition is severe, minimise oil intake for at least 2 months.
6️⃣ Avoid ice-cold drinks.
WHAT TO INCLUDE
7️⃣ Whole grains like brown rice, millets, barley as a staple in both meals (around 40% of daily intake).
8️⃣ Soups and liquid foods daily.
9️⃣ Plenty of vegetables (around 30% of daily intake).
🔟 Add spirulina to your diet.
LIFESTYLE SUPPORT FOR THYROID HEALTH
• Supply the raw materials: Selenium, iodine, and vitamins A, B, C, and E are essential for thyroid hormone production. A high-quality multivitamin–mineral complex is foundational.
• Sleep: Hormonal balance begins with rest. Aim to sleep between 10 PM and 6 AM, consistently.
• Stress management: Deep breathing, meditation, yoga, walking, massages—all help. Exercise, yes—but never to exhaustion. Overdoing it stresses the adrenals and worsens thyroid imbalance.
• Move, but gently: The thyroid does not thrive under adrenal burnout.
©️ Shonaalii Sabherwal