Foods to Eat When You do not Have Your Thyroid Gland

People who undergo a thyroidectomy, the partial or total removal of the thyroid gland, experience a condition called hypothyroidism. With this condition, hormone levels are too low for the body’s cells to get enough thyroid hormone, and the body’s processes slow down, according to the American Thyroid Association. Changes in diet are critical for those who have undergone a thyroidectomy, with a reduced cholesterol diet highly recommended.

Cut Cholesterol

• About 90 percent of those suffering from hypothyroidism also experience high cholesterol. The American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists explains why. "If the thyroid gland produces too little hormone, metabolism can slow, having a direct impact on the body's ability to clear cholesterol from the bloodstream." A high level of cholesterol in the blood is one of the primary elements of heart disease, the number one cause of death across the globe.

  Increase your intake of foods that do not contain cholesterol, such as fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, seeds, and other food derived from plants. Cut animal and dairy products out of the diet by avoiding eggs, meat, poultry, shellfish and saturated fats.

Dairy

• Consume low-fat dairy products, such as milk, cheeses and yogurt. Use margarine rather than butter, which is high in cholesterol and saturated fat. Although margarine is a processed product heavy in hydrogenated fats, which increase cholesterol, margarine that is sold in liquid form or in tubs (rather than in sticks) will usually contain less of this "bad" fat. Consumption of all fat should be moderate and total between 25 and 35 percent of daily calories.

Omega-3

• Eat at least two servings of oily fish, such as salmon, trout, and herring, each week. These contain omega-3 fatty acids and are sources of polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats that help to lower blood cholesterol when used in place of "bad fats," such as saturated fats and transfats. Other sources include avocados, olives, walnuts and liquid vegetable oils, such as soybean, corn, safflower, canola, olive and sunflower, according to the American Heart Association.

Protein

• Protein sources should include lean meats and poultry without skin. Pork and red meat labeled "loin" or "round" typically have the lowest amount of fat. Peas, beans and lentils are also excellent sources of protein with little fat and no cholesterol. Always choose the "white" meat in poultry rather than "dark." Soy products are low in cholesterol and high in protein yet may interfere with some medications used for thyroid diseases. A dietitian and doctor should be consulted before adding soy to the diet.

Plant Foods

• As a rule of thumb, any food derived from a plant, rather than animals, is among the better foods to eat when you do not have your thyroid gland. The Mayo Clinic recommends purchasing fresh or frozen vegetables or fruits while resisting the temptation of vegetables that are fried, breaded or made with heavy sauces. Eat whole-grain flour, whole-wheat bread, brown rice, and high-fiber cereal. Whole grains should always be chosen over refined white flour, pasta or white rice. In addition to providing important vitamins and nutrients, many whole grains (flax seed in particular) contain omega-3 fatty acids to lower blood cholesterol.