What is the best fruit for underactive thyroid?

December 29, 2025 •

4 min read

According to the Dietary Guidelines for Americans, a significant portion of the population doesn't meet their daily recommended fruit and vegetable intake. For individuals with an underactive thyroid, incorporating the right nutrient-dense fruits is a simple yet impactful strategy to help manage symptoms and promote overall wellness.

Quick Summary

A diverse diet of fruits can support an underactive thyroid by providing antioxidants, fiber, and key vitamins. Berries, apples, avocados, and citrus fruits are excellent choices that help reduce inflammation, aid detoxification, and improve hormone metabolism.

Key Points

Antioxidant Power: Berries like blueberries and raspberries are packed with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and protect the thyroid gland from oxidative stress.
Detoxification Support: Apples contain pectin, a fiber that assists the body in detoxifying from heavy metals that can harm thyroid function.
Healthy Fats and Selenium: Avocados are rich in healthy fats that reduce inflammation, along with selenium, which is crucial for hormone regulation.
Vitamin C for Absorption: Citrus fruits and kiwi provide a high dose of vitamin C, which can aid in the absorption of thyroid hormones and boost the immune system.
Moderate Goitrogen Intake: While some fruits like strawberries contain goitrogens, the amounts are typically insignificant unless consumed in large quantities, and the benefits often outweigh the risks.
Timing Medication: High-fiber fruits should be consumed separately from thyroid medication, ideally with a gap of at least four hours, to ensure optimal absorption.

The Nutritional Power of Fruit for Thyroid Health

Fruits are a rich source of vitamins, minerals, fiber, and antioxidants, all of which can be beneficial for managing hypothyroidism. Antioxidants, like those found in berries and citrus, are crucial for combating oxidative stress and inflammation that can harm the thyroid gland. Additionally, the high fiber content in many fruits can help with common hypothyroid symptoms like constipation and weight management. Specific nutrients like selenium (in bananas and strawberries) and vitamin C (in kiwi and oranges) are also vital for hormone regulation and immune function.

Top Fruits to Support an Underactive Thyroid

Choosing the right fruits involves focusing on nutrient density and specific benefits. Here are some of the best fruits to consider for a hypothyroid-friendly diet:

Berries

Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries are packed with antioxidants called polyphenols, which help protect thyroid cells from damage caused by free radicals. They are also high in fiber and low on the glycemic index, making them excellent for managing blood sugar and weight—common concerns with hypothyroidism.

Apples

Apples are a great source of pectin, a type of fiber that aids in detoxification by helping to remove heavy metals like mercury from the body. These toxins can interfere with thyroid function, so regular consumption of apples can support healthy gland activity. Eating the apple with its skin maximizes the pectin and fiber intake.

Avocados

Rich in healthy fats, avocados help reduce inflammation and support hormone synthesis. They also provide selenium and potassium, both of which are beneficial for thyroid function and metabolic processes.

Citrus Fruits and Kiwi

Oranges, grapefruit, and kiwi are high in vitamin C, a powerful antioxidant that protects against cellular damage and boosts the immune system. Vitamin C can also aid in the absorption of thyroid hormones, though it is important to time your intake correctly relative to medication. Note: Individuals with Hashimoto's disease should use caution with oranges as they can sometimes increase inflammation.

Bananas

Bananas contain selenium, B vitamins, and potassium. Selenium is crucial for thyroid hormone conversion, while B vitamins can help with the fatigue often associated with hypothyroidism. Their potassium content is also important for proper nerve and muscle function.

Understanding Goitrogens in Fruit

Some fruits, such as strawberries, peaches, and pears, contain naturally occurring compounds called goitrogens. In very large quantities, these can interfere with iodine uptake by the thyroid gland, especially in individuals with an existing iodine deficiency. However, the amount of goitrogens in fruit is generally not a concern for most people, and the nutritional benefits usually outweigh any minor risk. Cooking can also deactivate some goitrogenic compounds. Moderation is key, but avoiding these fruits entirely is often unnecessary.

Important Considerations for Fruit Intake

Timing with medication: For those on thyroid hormone replacement medication, fiber can interfere with absorption. It is recommended to take your medication at least four hours before or after consuming high-fiber fruits like whole apples or raspberries.
Fresh vs. processed: Opt for fresh fruits over canned or processed varieties, which often contain added sugars and preservatives that can disrupt hormonal balance and cause inflammation. Excess sugar can also exacerbate symptoms like weight gain and fatigue.
Moderation is key: Even with healthy fruits, it's important to be mindful of sugar intake. Choosing a variety of low-glycemic fruits like berries can be beneficial for blood sugar management.

Comparison of Top Thyroid-Friendly Fruits


Feature	Berries	Apples	Avocados	Oranges / Kiwi
Key Nutrients	Antioxidants (polyphenols), Fiber, Vitamin C	Fiber (Pectin), Antioxidants, Vitamin C	Healthy Fats, Selenium, Potassium	Vitamin C, Antioxidants, Fiber
Primary Benefit	Reduces oxidative stress and inflammation, aids weight management	Detoxifies body of heavy metals, supports digestion	Supports hormone synthesis, anti-inflammatory	Boosts immunity, aids thyroid hormone absorption
Goitrogenic?	Strawberries slightly goitrogenic, but minimal concern in moderation	Pears contain goitrogens, but minimal concern	No	No
Special Consideration	Excellent for blood sugar control due to low glycemic index	Eat with skin for maximum pectin	Also rich in potassium, good for electrolyte balance	Separate from medication intake by several hours

Conclusion: Embracing a Diverse Fruit Diet

There is no single "best fruit" for underactive thyroid, as many options offer unique and powerful benefits. The most effective approach is to incorporate a variety of fresh, whole fruits into a balanced diet. Focusing on antioxidant-rich berries, detoxifying apples, and nutrient-dense avocados can provide targeted support for the thyroid gland and help manage associated symptoms. While diet is a powerful tool, it should always complement—not replace—prescribed medication and medical advice. By making informed, balanced choices, individuals can harness the natural power of fruit to support their thyroid health.

Paloma Health: The Best Fruits To Eat For Hypothyroidism

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, in moderation. Fruits like strawberries and peaches contain goitrogens, but the levels are generally low and cooking can reduce their effect. For most people, the nutritional benefits outweigh the risk, and you would need to eat very large amounts to impact thyroid function.

Fresh fruit is always the better choice. Processed or canned fruits often contain added sugars and preservatives that can disrupt hormonal balance and cause inflammation, which is detrimental to thyroid health.

While the fruit itself doesn't typically interfere, the high fiber content in many whole fruits can affect the absorption of thyroid hormone medication. It's best to take your medication on an empty stomach and wait at least four hours before consuming high-fiber foods.

You don't need to strictly avoid any fruit, but it's wise to limit excessive intake of high-sugar options if you have blood sugar issues. Also, be mindful of processed fruit products with added sugars. If you have Hashimoto's disease, some sources suggest moderating oranges due to potential inflammation.

Fruit can support healthy weight management due to its fiber content and low-calorie density. Fiber helps with satiety and digestion, which is often a challenge with hypothyroidism. However, weight loss depends on your overall diet and exercise, not just fruit intake.

Dried fruits can be beneficial in moderate amounts, as some like dried kiwi and apricots contain selenium. However, they are also higher in concentrated sugar, which can contribute to weight gain if overconsumed. It's best to stick to small portions.

Antioxidants combat oxidative stress and neutralize free radicals that can damage thyroid cells. By reducing this cellular damage, antioxidants help protect the gland and support its function, which is particularly beneficial for individuals with hypothyroidism.