Hashimoto's diet for low thyroid days
What to put on the plate, and what to space away from your thyroid medicine.
What does the hashimoto's diet look like?
No one diet is proven for Hashimoto's. Cleveland Clinic says there is no one best diet for hypothyroidism, and a Mediterranean pattern suits most people. NIDDK advises caution with large amounts of iodine, such as kelp. Espresso and soy can change levothyroxine absorption.1
Built from Cleveland Clinic, NIDDK and Harvard advice. Reviewed November 13, 2026.Eat more
Eat more of these
Greek yogurt
Plain nonfat, with berries and no added sugar.
87 mcgiodine in 3/4 cup, Cleveland Clinic1
Chicken and turkey
Roasted, with vegetables. A source of selenium.
22 mcgselenium in 3 oz chicken, Cleveland Clinic1
Ease off
Ease off these
Kelp and seaweed
Kelp, dulse and iodine pills can be too much iodine.
150 mcgiodine a day, adult RDA, MedlinePlus5
Espresso, soy, grapefruit
These can change how well levothyroxine is absorbed.
30 to 60 minlevothyroxine before first meal, NIDDK2
Selenium pills
Food usually covers it. Ask a clinician first.
200 mcga day at most as a supplement, Cleveland1
Alma turns these foods into meals that fit your numbers.
Build my planGet Alma on AndroidGet the appA sample day
One day on a plate
BreakfastOatmeal with berries and walnutsRolled oats, berries and chopped walnuts.
LunchSalmon, rice and spinachBaked salmon, brown rice and steamed spinach.
SnackGreek yogurt with berriesPlain yogurt, blueberries and a few walnuts.
DinnerCod with potatoes and greensBaked cod, potatoes and steamed kale.
What people ask
Is a gluten-free diet for Hashimoto's worth trying?
Cleveland Clinic says a gluten-free diet is not typically necessary for people with hypothyroidism. If you have celiac disease or notice you are sensitive to gluten, cutting down may help. Talk with your clinician before a big change.
Does a Mediterranean diet suit Hashimoto's?
Cleveland Clinic names the Mediterranean pattern as a healthy choice for hypothyroidism. Harvard describes it as mainly plant based, with fish as the preferred animal protein. Cleveland Clinic says diet does not replace thyroid hormone medicine.
What foods to avoid with Hashimoto's?
NIDDK says large amounts of iodine, such as kelp, dulse and other seaweed, may make it worse. Cleveland Clinic advises against cassava and suggests spacing soy a few hours from your medicine. It says large amounts of raw cruciferous vegetables can limit iodine use.
What does a plate for a low thyroid look like?
Cleveland Clinic lists cod, plain nonfat Greek yogurt, milk and eggs for iodine, and chicken, turkey, eggs and cottage cheese for selenium. Add vegetables and fruit, beans and whole grains. Cleveland Clinic says most people get enough selenium from food.
Should I take iodine or selenium supplements?
NIDDK says iodine supplements can have the same effect as high iodine foods and may worsen Hashimoto's. If you take selenium, Cleveland Clinic advises no more than 200 mcg a day. It lists 544 mcg in 6 to 8 Brazil nuts. Ask your clinician first.
This guide is general education. Talk with your clinician before changing your diet or medicines, and never stop levothyroxine on your own.
