Can I Eat Potatoes if I Have Hyperthyroidism?

January 2, 2026 •

4 min read

According to the American Thyroid Association, a low-iodine diet is sometimes recommended for hyperthyroidism, especially before radioactive iodine treatment. When it comes to managing your diet and symptoms, a common question is: can I eat potatoes if I have hyperthyroidism? For most people, potatoes are a safe and nutritious addition to a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet.

Quick Summary

Potatoes are typically safe for individuals with hyperthyroidism due to their low iodine content and rich nutritional profile. However, proper preparation is key, and some methods should be avoided. Learn how cooking and specific dietary strategies make potatoes a suitable dietary choice.

Key Points

Low Iodine Content: Potatoes are naturally low in iodine, making them a safe and suitable carbohydrate source for a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet.
Rich in Potassium: Potatoes are an excellent source of potassium, a mineral that supports thyroid hormone function and may help manage certain hyperthyroidism-related symptoms.
Avoid Solanine: Improperly stored potatoes with green skin or sprouts contain solanine, a toxic compound. Always store potatoes in a cool, dark place and discard green or sprouting potatoes.
Opt for Healthy Preparations: To maximize benefits and minimize risks, bake, boil, or roast potatoes instead of frying them. Avoid high-fat, high-sodium preparations like commercially processed chips.
Maximize Nutrients with Skin On: Eating potatoes with the skin provides more fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Ensure they are thoroughly washed before cooking.
Consider Resistant Starch: Cooking and then cooling potatoes increases their resistant starch content, which benefits gut health and blood sugar management.

Nutritional Profile of Potatoes and Thyroid Health

Potatoes are a staple food for many, offering a rich source of vitamins, minerals, and complex carbohydrates. A medium potato, especially when cooked with the skin, is a significant source of vitamin C and potassium. This nutrient density makes them a valuable component of a balanced diet, even for those with an overactive thyroid. The primary concern for people with hyperthyroidism is to avoid high-iodine foods, and potatoes naturally fall into the low-iodine category.

Why Potatoes Are Considered Low-Iodine

The mineral iodine is crucial for thyroid hormone production, but in hyperthyroidism, an overactive thyroid gland produces too much hormone. A low-iodine diet is often a therapeutic strategy to help reduce the thyroid's hormone production and is essential before radioactive iodine therapy. Potatoes, grown in soil rather than the sea, contain very little iodine, making them a safe starch option for this diet plan.

The Importance of Potassium in Thyroid Health

Beyond being low in iodine, potatoes are an excellent source of potassium. Research suggests that potassium is a vital nutrient for proper thyroid function, helping with hormone production and utilization. Some conditions associated with hyperthyroidism, such as thyrotoxic hypokalemic periodic paralysis, involve dangerously low potassium levels. Including potassium-rich foods like potatoes in your diet can support overall thyroid and cardiovascular health.

Resistant Starch and Gut Health

Potatoes also contain resistant starch, a type of fiber that feeds beneficial gut bacteria. This supports digestive health and may improve blood sugar control. For hyperthyroidism patients, who can sometimes experience gastrointestinal issues, a healthy gut microbiome can play a role in overall well-being. The amount of resistant starch in a potato can be increased by cooking and then cooling it, making it an even better choice.

Potential Risks and Preparation Methods

While potatoes are generally safe, certain risks are associated with improper storage and preparation. Potatoes, as members of the nightshade family, can produce a toxic compound called solanine. However, this risk is easily mitigated by proper handling.

Glycoalkaloids and Solanine

When potatoes are exposed to light, they can turn green and produce a substance called solanine. High levels of solanine are toxic and can cause gastrointestinal and neurological symptoms. To avoid this, store potatoes in a cool, dark place and always discard any potatoes that are green or sprouting. Peeling the skin, where much of the solanine is concentrated, is also an effective strategy.

Cooking Methods to Avoid

The way potatoes are prepared can significantly alter their nutritional value and potential health impact. Deep-fried potatoes, for example, increase fat intake and offer little nutritional benefit, which is detrimental to overall health. High-fat processed foods like chips are also often high in sodium and lack nutritional value, which can be particularly concerning for those with hyperthyroidism and associated heart issues.

Comparison of Healthy and Unhealthy Potato Preparations


Preparation Method	Thyroid-Friendly?	Potential Concerns	Benefits for Hyperthyroidism
Baked/Boiled Potatoes (Skin-on)	Yes	Potential solanine if green or sprouted	High in potassium, vitamin C, and fiber. Low in iodine.
Mashed Potatoes	Yes	Added butter or milk can increase iodine intake if dairy isn't low-iodine.	Easily digestible, good source of carbs.
Roasted Potatoes (Skin-on)	Yes	Added oils or excessive salt can be a concern.	Good source of nutrients, high in potassium.
Homemade French Fries	Questionable	High fat and salt content depending on oil and preparation.	Not recommended due to potential high fat content.
Commercially Processed Chips	No	High in processed fats, salt, and potential additives.	Unhealthy due to high fat, sodium, and low nutritional value.
Potato Salad	Depends	High-fat mayonnaise or store-bought versions may contain additives or high-iodine ingredients.	Can be healthy if homemade with low-iodine ingredients.

Conclusion: A Healthy Staple, Prepared with Care

For most individuals with hyperthyroidism, potatoes are a healthy and safe source of carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals, provided they are stored and prepared correctly. Their low-iodine content makes them a suitable choice for therapeutic low-iodine diets, and their potassium content can support overall cardiovascular health. The key is to avoid highly processed or fried preparations and focus on simple cooking methods like baking or boiling. As with any dietary change for a medical condition, consulting a healthcare provider or a registered dietitian is always recommended to ensure it aligns with your specific treatment plan. To learn more about specific dietary considerations, you can find valuable resources from institutions like the American Thyroid Association.

Best Practices for Eating Potatoes with Hyperthyroidism

Choose fresh, firm potatoes that are free from green spots or sprouts to minimize solanine exposure.
Cook potatoes with the skin on (after washing thoroughly) to maximize their fiber, vitamin, and potassium content.
Opt for healthy cooking methods such as baking, boiling, or roasting over deep-frying.
Limit additions of high-iodine ingredients, such as iodized salt, butter, or dairy products, especially if on a strict low-iodine diet.
Cool potatoes after cooking to increase the amount of resistant starch, which supports gut health.
Remember moderation as part of a balanced diet, especially since potatoes are high in carbohydrates.

By following these guidelines, you can confidently include potatoes in your diet while effectively managing your hyperthyroidism.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, sweet potatoes are safe. Like regular potatoes, they are a low-iodine, nutritious vegetable. The compounds known as goitrogens in sweet potatoes are generally only a concern in very large, raw quantities, which is not typical consumption.

Potassium is an important mineral that helps regulate thyroid hormone production and cellular uptake. For people with hyperthyroidism, especially those prone to low potassium (hypokalemia), including potassium-rich foods like potatoes can be beneficial for nerve and muscle function.

It is best to avoid or limit fried potatoes and chips. These are often high in processed fats, sodium, and lack the nutritional benefits of healthier preparations, which can worsen overall health and potentially exacerbate cardiovascular symptoms associated with hyperthyroidism.

Peeling is not necessary and can reduce the fiber and nutrient content. However, you should peel or discard any potatoes with green spots or sprouts, as these contain toxic solanine. The skin is safe and nutritious on healthy, properly stored potatoes.

A low-iodine diet is sometimes prescribed for hyperthyroidism, particularly before radioactive iodine treatment, to help the therapy be more effective. Potatoes, being naturally low in iodine, are a safe and recommended component of this diet.

Any variety of potato is generally fine, but certain types, especially purple or red potatoes, have higher levels of antioxidants. As long as they are prepared healthily, all varieties offer nutritional benefits.

To prevent the buildup of toxic solanine, store potatoes in a cool, dark, and dry place. Avoid leaving them in direct sunlight or bright artificial light.