Is Potato good for Hypothyroidism?

Table of Content

• Potatoes and Hypothyroidism: What You Need to Know

• Nutritional Value of Potatoes for Thyroid Health

• Pros and Cons of Including Potatoes in a Hypothyroid Diet

• Recipes of Potatoes for Hypothyroid Diet

• Alternatives to Potatoes for Hypothyroid Diet

• Take-Home Point

• FAQ on Is Potato good for Hypothyroidism?

Introduction

The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland which releases thyroid hormones(T3 and T4) which function as a silent friend maintaining the basal metabolic rate of our body and energy levels. Two types of Thyroid hormones are T3 and T4, T3 being the active form of thyroid hormone.

Inappropriate levels of thyroid hormone can affect almost every aspect of the body. If the levels of thyroid hormones are more than normal levels it can lead to hyperthyroidism and if they are less than the normal level it will lead to hypothyroidism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, intolerance to colds, hair changes etc.  A thyroid test usually includes T3, T4 and TSH(thyroid stimulating hormone). Based on these and a few other investigations a Physician will make a diagnosis of hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. 

Hypothyroidism is usually treated by thyroid replacement therapy, Studies have shown that apart from medication dietary and lifestyle modifications are also important. There can be many causes of Hypothyroidism which include dysfunction of the Pituitary gland, low dietary intake of iodine, radiation exposure and autoimmune diseases, surgical removal of the thyroid, medicines like lithium etc.

In this blog we’ll discuss if you're suffering from hypothyroidism, Is Potato good for Hypothyroidism? We’ll also answer your questions like Can I Eat Potatoes with Hypothyroidism? Are white potatoes good for the thyroid? etc. 

Potatoes and Hypothyroidism: What You Need to Know

In India, the most common cause of hypothyroidism is iodine deficiency compared to Western countries in which Hashimoto’s thyroiditis remains the most common cause. Dietary intervention has shown benefit in hypothyroidism. There can be many foods which you can include in your diet but in this section, we'll focus on potatoes. Is potato good for hypothyroidism? 

1. Cooking Methods: Potatoes themselves do not provide a significant amount of iodine, they also belong to the category of goitrogen, substances which can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis but cooking significantly reduces the amount of these substances, it is better to eat potato after cooking like baking or boiling rather than eating them raw. 

2. High Glycemic Index: Potatoes have a high glycemic index, and can cause an increase in blood sugar fast. People with hypothyroidism have decreased basal metabolic rate and increased insulin resistance. People with hypothyroidism should go with foods having low Glycemic index. Although one can include potatoes in their diet, moderation is the key.

3. Potential Allergens: Potato is a member of nightshade foods, which contain alkaloids. Some members of nightshades are potential allergens which can cause exacerbation of autoimmune diseases like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

4. Medication Interaction: Although potatoes cannot directly influence thyroid medications overall diet can affect absorption of medication absorption.

Nutritional Value of Potatoes for Thyroid Health

Are potatoes good for hypothyroidism? Potatoes are packed with essential nutrients which can help hypothyroidism. Let’s look at the Nutritional Value of Potatoes for Thyroid Health:

Nutrition in One Baked Potato:

• Calories: 161

• Fat: < 1 g

• Sodium: 17 mg

• Carbohydrates: 37 g

• Dietary fibre: 4 g

• Resistant starch: 6 g

• Protein: 4 g

• Vitamin C: 28% RDA

• Vitamin B6: 27% RDA

• Potassium: 26% RDA

• Manganese: 19% RDA

• Niacin: 12% RDA

• Magnesium: 12% RDA

• Phosphorus: 12% RDA

• Folate: 12% RDA

• Copper: 10% RDA

• Iron: 10% RDA

• Iodine: 40% DV

These nutrients present in potatoes are quite thyroid-healthy, these can support thyroid function and can help in hypothyroidism. 

1. Rich in essential nutrients: Potatoes are rich in essential nutrients like vitamins B and C. It is rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, these nutrients help support overall health and thyroid function.

2. More Potassium: A potato has more potassium than a banana and also resistant starch which is quite good for gut health.

3. Complex carbohydrates and fibres: Complex carbohydrates present in potatoes and their fibre content can provide sustained release of energy. Soluble fibre content also supports gut health.

4. Low Cholesterol and Fat-Free: Potatoes can be a good choice for people who are looking for heart-healthy foods. Alongside, thyroid concerns potatoes are low in fat and cholesterol.

Pros and Cons of Including Potatoes in a Hypothyroid Diet

Potatoes are part of a whole nutrition diet, potatoes, their inclusion in the hypothyroidism diet comes with both pros and cons in white potatoes and thyroid:

PROS

1. Gluten-free food: Potatoes are gluten-free, people with gluten intolerance can include this nutrient powerhouse into their diet.

2. Resistant starch: Potato contains resistant and complex starch which provides sustained release of energy and maintains good gut health.

3. Energy-dense: For hypothyroid people the more energy-dense, the better it would be. Potatoes are energy-dense.

4. Baked potatoes: Is Potato good for Hypothyroidism? Baked potatoes are less in goitrogenic substances, compared to raw potatoes baked potatoes are beneficial for hypothyroid patients.

5. Iodine content: Potatoes have a decent amount of iodine which can help hypothyroid patients, but it should not be consumed as an idle food to compensate for iodine deficiency, it is better to cook potatoes with other iodine-rich foods.

CONS

1. High Glycemic Index: Do White Potatoes Spike Blood Sugar? Potatoes have a high glycemic index which can cause a spike in blood sugar. Consumption of potatoes should be in moderation in hypothyroidism patients as they already have insulin resistance and lower metabolic rates.

2. Potential allergen: Potatoes belong to the family of nightshades, these contain a toxin called alkaloids. In most people these are tolerable but in some, it can exacerbate autoimmune conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis(a cause of hypothyroidism).

3. Mostly consumed with fried foods: Potatoes are mostly consumed in the form of deep-fried foods like Fries or with other junk foods, this makes potatoes unhealthy for consumption in hypothyroidism.

4. High carbohydrate Content: Potatoes consumption should be in moderation as it has a high amount of carbohydrates. High consumption of potatoes can cause sugar spikes in the blood.

Recipes of Potatoes for Hypothyroid Diet

Potatoes are nutrient-dense foods, the answer to the question Can I Eat Potatoes with Hypothyroidism, depends on many factors like allergen sensitivities etc. Here’s a list of Recipes for potatoes for a hypothyroid diet that you can include in your Indian diet: 

1. Potato raita: Eating a potato raita with other high-iodine foods helps in hypothyroidism, raita also helps maintain good gut health.

2. Brown rice khichdi: Mixing whole grains with potato while making khichdi is a good option for hypothyroidism.

3. Barley khichdi with potato: Barley is rich in selenium, and Selenium helps in thyroid function. Mixing a moderate amount of potato will give you satiety and also fulfil the selenium needs of your body.

4. Egg curry with potatoes: Eggs contain selenium, iodine, and vitamin D which help in the better function of thyroid hormones. Potatoes can be mixed to make Egg curry which is delicious and nutritious to eat.

5. Iodised salt with potato recipes: Any potato recipes you make, you can include iodised salt to enhance iodine content, which can help in hypothyroidism

Alternatives to Potatoes for Hypothyroid Diet

Although potatoes can be good for hypothyroidism if taken in moderation, eating potatoes for hypothyroidism becomes a very individualistic approach, one has to take care of allergies etc. There can be other alternatives to potatoes for a hypothyroid diet. Here’s a list of foods which you can include in your hypothyroid diet: 

1. Veggies and other antioxidant-rich foods: bell peppers, blueberries and tomatoes are foods which you can include alternatives to potatoes which you can include for a hypothyroid diet.

2. Selenium-rich foods: Brazil nuts or sunflower seeds can be included in your hypothyroid diet. Selenium is required for the proper functioning of enzymes involved in thyroid function.

3. Tyrosine-rich foods: Tyrosine is an amino acid which is required for the production of T3 and T4(thyroid hormones). Eating foods rich in tyrosine will help with hypothyroidism. Tyrosine-rich foods include meat, dairy and legumes.

4. Sweet potatoes: Sweet potatoes have Vitamin A which helps in supporting thyroid function. Hence one can include sweet potatoes in a hypothyroidism diet, but it should be in moderation.

5. Fish: Fish is good for hypothyroidism patients, as hypothyroidism increases heart disease risk at later stages. Omega-3 fatty acids and selenium content in fish help in thyroid function and it is heart healthy.

6. Seaweeds: Although not so common in India one can use them because of their high iodine content. Seaweeds like nori, wakame, and dulse, can be used in sushi, soups, and salads.

7. Whole grains: Hypothyroidism usually leads to constipation, whole grains are rich in fibre content which can help relieve constipation.

Take-Home Points

• Inappropriate levels of thyroid hormone can affect almost every aspect of the body. If the levels of thyroid hormones are more than normal levels it can lead to hyperthyroidism and if they are less than the normal level it will lead to hypothyroidism. 

• Symptoms of hypothyroidism include weight gain, intolerance to colds, hair changes, etc.  

• Potatoes belong to the category of goitrogen, substances that can interfere with thyroid hormone synthesis but cooking significantly reduces the amount of these substances.

• Potatoes have a high glycemic index. People with hypothyroidism have decreased basal metabolic rate and increased insulin resistance. People with hypothyroidism should go with foods having low Glycemic index. 

• Potato belongs to the family of nightshades, it can be a potential allergen and can exacerbate conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

• Potatoes are rich in vitamins B and C and rich in minerals like magnesium and potassium, these nutrients help support overall health and thyroid function.

• Potato recipes include potato raita, brown rice khichdi mixed with potato, egg curry with potato, barley khichdi etc.

• Alternatives to potatoes for hypothyroidism include selenium-rich foods, Veggies and Antioxidant-rich foods, sweet potatoes and fish etc.