Short Answer: Potatoes are good for hypothyroidism. Because they have iodine and they are low-glycemic.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in the front of your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism and many other functions.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, depression, and heart disease.
One of the key factors in managing hypothyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hypothyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hypothyroidism, you should consume iodine-rich foods like seafood, dairy, and eggs, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, and millet.
Now, potatoes are starchy root vegetables that are native to the Americas and widely consumed around the world.
People usually eat them boiled, baked, or fried, and sometimes with the skin on.
Potatoes are good for hypothyroidism because they contain iodine, which is essential for thyroid hormone production.
Potatoes also provide other nutrients, such as vitamin C, potassium, and fiber, that can benefit your health.
100 grams of boiled potatoes with the skin can give you about 15 micrograms of iodine (10% of your daily needs), 19.7 grams of carbs (6% of your daily needs), 1.9 grams of protein (4% of your daily needs), and 1.8 grams of fiber (7% of your daily needs).
Iodine can positively affect hypothyroidism by stimulating the synthesis and secretion of thyroid hormones.
However, too much iodine can also have negative effects, such as worsening autoimmune thyroiditis or causing hyperthyroidism.
Furthermore, potatoes are a low-glycemic food and low-glycemic foods are good for hypothyroidism.
Because, they can help regulate your blood sugar levels and prevent insulin resistance, which can impair your thyroid function.
You can eat potatoes in moderation as part of a balanced diet for hypothyroidism.
However, you should avoid eating green or sprouted potatoes, as they contain solanine, a toxin that can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Also, you shouldn’t eat potatoes if you have celiac disease or gluten intolerance, as they may be contaminated with gluten during processing or cooking.
Gluten can trigger inflammation and damage your intestinal lining, which can affect your nutrient absorption and thyroid function.
You can buy fresh potatoes in your local market or order them online.
Always choose firm, smooth, and unblemished potatoes.
Because, they are less likely to have bruises, cuts, or rot.
You can store them in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to two weeks.
Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing hypothyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hypothyroidism patients to follow a hypothyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.