Short Answer: Potatoes are good for hypothyroidism in moderation. Because they have iodine, selenium, and vitamin C, which can support thyroid function, and carbohydrates, which can enhance thyroid hormone transport.
Hypothyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located in your neck.
In hypothyroidism, your body does not produce enough thyroid hormones, which regulate your metabolism, growth, and development.
This can lead to various health problems, such as fatigue, weight gain, high cholesterol, depression, and infertility.
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, selenium, and vitamin C, which are beneficial for thyroid health.
However, they also contain some goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Therefore, the effect of potatoes on hypothyroidism may depend on the type and amount of potatoes you eat, as well as your individual thyroid status.
100 grams of boiled potatoes with the skin can give you 15% of your daily iodine needs, 1% of your daily selenium needs, and 17% of your daily vitamin C needs.
Iodine can positively affect hypothyroidism by providing the essential element for thyroid hormone synthesis.
Selenium can positively affect hypothyroidism by supporting the conversion of the inactive thyroid hormone T4 to the active hormone T3.
Vitamin C can positively affect hypothyroidism by enhancing the absorption of iron, which is also important for thyroid function.
Goitrogens can negatively affect hypothyroidism by inhibiting the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland, reducing the production and secretion of thyroid hormones, and increasing the size of the thyroid gland (goiter).
Furthermore, potatoes are a high-carbohydrate food and carbohydrates are good for hypothyroidism.
Because, they can stimulate the production of insulin, which can increase the transport of thyroid hormones into the cells and improve thyroid function.
You can eat potatoes in moderation as part of a balanced diet for hypothyroidism.
However, more than that can cause blood sugar spikes, weight gain, and inflammation, which can worsen your condition.
Also, you shouldn’t eat potatoes if you have Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, an autoimmune form of hypothyroidism, to prevent triggering an immune response.
Because, potatoes contain a protein called lectin, which can bind to the thyroid tissue and cause inflammation and damage.
You can buy fresh potatoes in your local market or can order them online.
Always choose potatoes that are firm, smooth, and free of sprouts, bruises, or green spots.
Because, these indicate that the potatoes are old, damaged, or exposed to light, which can increase the level of solanine, a toxic compound that can cause nausea, diarrhea, and headaches.
You can store them in a cool, dark, and dry place for up to two weeks.
Do not refrigerate them, as this can change the starch into sugar and affect the taste and texture.
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.