Precautions For Thyroid Patients – Do’s & Dont’s

Introduction

Did you know that 15 out of 1000 women and 1 in 1000 men experience thyroid problems?¹ While it’s important to monitor your diet if you have a thyroid condition, paying attention to lifestyle factors is just as crucial.

The thyroid gland plays a key role in managing the metabolic function of the body. When the thyroid does not function properly, it can affect the entire body. Individuals with thyroid issues may experience symptoms such as depression, weight gain, fatigue, low body temperature, hair fall, sensitivity to light, and reduced stamina. It’s important to understand how to manage thyroid conditions properly, including the key dos and don’ts.

Thyroid disorders affect approximately 1-10% of the adult general population, with women being 8 to 9 times more likely to be affected than men^2,3.

How to Tell If I Have Thyroid Problems?

Before we dive into the dos and don’ts of thyroid care, it is important to recognise the signs of thyroid problems. There are two main types of thyroid conditions: hyperthyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid is overactive, and hypothyroidism, which occurs when the thyroid is underactive.

How to Tell If I Have Hyperthyroid Issues

If you have hyperthyroid issues, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Sudden weight loss despite maintaining the same or similar diet.
• Feeling hungry more often.
• Faster or irregular heart rate (as well as heart palpitations).
• Trembling of the hands and the inability to keep them steady.
• Being more susceptible to heat as well as sweating more easily.
• Changes to periods, bowel movement, and sleep cycle.
• Fatigue.
• Changes to skin, hair and nails (thinning, becoming more brittle).
• Swelling at the base of the throat.
• Eye symptoms like exophthalmos (bulging eyes), especially in Graves’ disease.
• Anxiety, irritability, and muscle weakness are also common⁵.

How to Tell If I Have Hypothyroid Issues

If you have hypothyroid issues, you may experience any of the following symptoms:

• Feeling colder than usual.
• Fatigue and slowness accompanied by muscle weakness.
• Mental health issues like depression, and feeling down.
• The skin turns dry easily and hair thinning.
• Weight gain along with a possible increase in cholesterol levels.
• Constipation.
• Hoarse voice.
• Difficulty remembering things.
• Bradycardia (slow heart rate).
• Puffy face or swelling (myxoedema).
• Menstrual irregularities (heavy or prolonged periods).
• Puffy hands and feet⁶.

If you notice one or more of these symptoms, you should speak with a doctor immediately and request a blood test. Apart from confirming a diagnosis, your doctor will guide you with a list of dietary dos and don’ts for thyroid issues (some of which we’ve listed below). Note that, while dietary precautions are important for thyroid patients, it’s even more crucial to take the prescribed medication in the correct dosage.

Thyroid hormones control the basal metabolic rate in the body, hence the weight loss or gain in thyroid diseases. Regular thyroid profile testing and adjustment of dose by an endocrinologist is of paramount importance.

Dr. M.G. Kartheeka, MBBS, MD(Pediatrics)

The Do’s

1. Test Your Thyroid Hormone Levels Regularly

It is important to check thyroid levels regularly, measuring TSH, T3, T4, and sometimes free T3 and T4 levels. Whether you get it done from the convenience of your home or visit a laboratory, it is up to you. If you have symptoms of a thyroid disorder, it is important to have a frank discussion with your doctor regarding your symptoms and get a physical examination done to seek clarity on the exact cause of your symptoms⁷.

2. Drink a Lot of Water

Individuals with thyroid issues may be recommended to drink distilled water as chlorine, fluoride and bromine levels are low in distilled water and it is iodine-free, which helps the thyroid to function properly. Distilled water may also be helpful in cleaning the liver and kidneys of toxins.

3. Eat Selenium, Tyrosine, and Antioxidant-Rich Food

Individuals with thyroid issues must have foods with vitamin B such as crabs, shellfish, and brazil nuts as these foods contain selenium, a mineral that is needed for optimal thyroid function. Tyrosine is necessary for the production of thyroid hormones. Tyrosine-based foods, such as almonds, sesame seeds, and oats may help reduce inflammation and help enhance health. Antioxidant-rich foods like fresh vegetables and fruits may also help reduce inflammation and support overall thyroid health^8,9.

The Don’ts

1. Avoid Smoking or Drinking Alcohol

Smoking and drinking alcohol should be avoided in individuals with thyroid disorders. Alcohol can suppress thyroid gland function, while tobacco or smoking may interfere with iodine uptake and disrupt normal thyroid hormone synthesis. Smoking is also associated with an increased risk of Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) and may worsen thyroid eye disease^10,11.

2. Stay Away from Sugar and Caffeine

Caffeine is a stimulant that can temporarily increase the heart rate and blood pressure. Sugar also has detrimental effects on the body. Caffeine has antioxidant properties, so consuming it in small amounts may have an anti-inflammatory effect. However, consuming more than the recommended amount of caffeine can alter the TSH levels produced by the pituitary gland.

3. No Self-Medication

Many individuals with thyroid conditions may find it difficult to understand the changes happening in their body and often turn to the internet for answers. However, online sources can vary in accuracy and may lead to confusion or unnecessary concern.

It’s helpful to be aware of the common symptoms and conditions linked to thyroid issues. However, it’s important to consult a qualified doctor for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate medical guidance before starting any treatment or management plan.

Conclusion

By understanding the signs of thyroid problems and following the right medical advice, you can take control of your health and manage symptoms effectively. A balanced approach involving regular check-ups, the right medications, and healthy lifestyle habits is key to supporting thyroid function.

Also Read: Effective Care and Natural Masks for Acne

References

1. Underactive thyroid [Internet]. NHS Inform. [Cited 2025 Jun 7]. Available from: https://www.nhsinform.scot/illnesses-and-conditions/glands/underactive-thyroid/#:~:text=Both%20men%20and%20women%20can,underactive%20thyroid%20(congenital%20hypothyroidism).
2. Institute of Medicine (US) Committee on Medicare Coverage of Routine Thyroid Screening; Stone MB, Wallace RB, editors. Medicare Coverage of Routine Screening for Thyroid Dysfunction. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2003. 3, Prevalence and Consequences of Thyroid Dysfunction. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK221535/
3. Chiovato L, Magri F, Carlé A. Hypothyroidism in Context: Where We’ve Been and Where We’re Going. Adv Ther. 2019 Sep;36(Suppl 2):47-58. doi: 10.1007/s12325-019-01080-8. Epub 2019 Sep 4. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6822815/
4. Wyne KL, Nair L, Schneiderman CP, Pinsky B, Antunez Flores O, Guo D, Barger B, Tessnow AH. Hypothyroidism Prevalence in the United States: A Retrospective Study Combining National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey and Claims Data, 2009-2019. J Endocr Soc. 2022 Nov 10;7(1):bvac172. doi: 10.1210/jendso/bvac172. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9706417/
5. Mathew P, Kaur J, Rawla P. Hyperthyroidism. [Updated 2023 Mar 19]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK537053/
6. Patil N, Rehman A, Anastasopoulou C, et al. Hypothyroidism. [Updated 2024 Feb 18]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK519536/
7. National Guideline Centre (UK). Thyroid function tests: Thyroid disease: assessment and management: Evidence review C. London: National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE); 2019 Nov. (NICE Guideline, No. 145.) Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK577224/
8. Shulhai AM, Rotondo R, Petraroli M, Patianna V, Predieri B, Iughetti L, Esposito S, Street ME. The Role of Nutrition on Thyroid Function. Nutrients. 2024 Jul 31;16(15):2496. doi: 10.3390/nu16152496. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11314468/
9. Ventura M, Melo M, Carrilho F. Selenium and Thyroid Disease: From Pathophysiology to Treatment. Int J Endocrinol. 2017;2017:1297658. doi: 10.1155/2017/1297658. Epub 2017 Jan 31. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5307254/
10. Balhara YP, Deb KS. Impact of alcohol use on thyroid function. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2013 Jul;17(4):580-7. doi: 10.4103/2230-8210.113724. Available from: https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3743356/ 
11. Sawicka-Gutaj N, Gutaj P, Sowiński J, Wender-Ożegowska E, Czarnywojtek A, Brązert J, Ruchała M. Influence of cigarette smoking on thyroid gland–an update. Endokrynol Pol. 2014;65(1):54-62. doi: 10.5603/EP.2014.0008.  Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24549603/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information and before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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