Short Answer: Potato is good for hypothyroidism. Because it has iodine, vitamin C, and resistant starch, and they can positively affect thyroid function, immune system, and blood sugar control.
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, depression, high cholesterol, 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 products, and eggs, and avoid goitrogenic foods like cruciferous vegetables, soy, and millet.
Now, potato is a starchy vegetable that belongs to the nightshade family.
People usually eat potatoes boiled, baked, or fried, and often serve them as a side dish or snack.
Potato is good for hypothyroidism because it contains iodine, vitamin C, and resistant starch.
Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroid hormones, vitamin C supports the immune system and reduces inflammation, and resistant starch feeds the beneficial bacteria in your gut and improves blood sugar control.
One medium potato (173 grams) can give you about 40 micrograms of iodine (27% of your daily needs), 14.4 milligrams of vitamin C (16% of your daily needs), and 3.6 grams of resistant starch (varies depending on the cooking and cooling methods).
Iodine can positively affect hypothyroidism by increasing the production of thyroid hormones.
Vitamin C can positively affect hypothyroidism by reducing oxidative stress and enhancing the absorption of iron, which is needed for thyroid function.
Resistant starch can positively affect hypothyroidism by lowering the glycemic index of potatoes and improving insulin sensitivity.
Furthermore, potato is a low-fat and cholesterol-free food and low-fat and cholesterol-free foods are good for hypothyroidism.
Because, high-fat and high-cholesterol foods can worsen the risk of cardiovascular complications associated with hypothyroidism.
You can eat one to two medium potatoes per day safely.
More than that can cause excess calorie intake and weight gain, which are not desirable for hypothyroidism.
Also, you shouldn’t eat potatoes if you have an allergy or intolerance to them or to other nightshade vegetables, such as tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants, to prevent adverse reactions.
Because, some people may experience symptoms like itching, swelling, hives, or difficulty breathing after eating potatoes or other nightshades.
You can buy fresh potatoes in your local market or can order them online. Always choose firm, smooth, and blemish-free potatoes.
Because, soft, sprouted, or green potatoes may contain toxins that can harm your health. 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.