Leading dietitians suggest that adopting a Mediterranean-style diet may alleviate symptoms like unexpected weight gain, severe fatigue, and heart palpitations experienced by women with thyroid disorders, which affect one in every 20 individuals in the UK.

The problems arise when the thyroid, a butterfly-shaped gland in the neck, malfunctions.

An underactive thyroid – also known as hypothyroidism – leaves sufferers exhausted, piling on weight, constipated and constantly cold.

An overactive thyroid – hyperthyroidism – causes the opposite: dramatic weight loss, sweats, itching and palpitations.

Both conditions are on the rise and require medication, however doctors say diet can make a difference.

Hannah Belsham, a physiologist at the Nuffield Trust, endorses this approach, emphasizing the importance of ample fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and beneficial fats.

“Nutrients like selenium, zinc, iodine, iron, calcium, and vitamin D are crucial,” she notes. These nutrients are present in foods such as nuts, seeds, oily fish, and lean meats.

Pharmacist and nutritionist Deborah Grayson warns those with an overactive thyroid should watch their intake of iodine.

‘Dairy contains significant amounts, which can help feed hyperthyroidism. Cutting back could be beneficial,’ she says.

General Practitioner Dr. Nirusha Kumaran concurs on diet’s significance, recommending the avoidance of ultra-processed foods like sweets, chocolate, and cakes, along with limiting caffeine intake.

She explains, “These foods are inflammatory and can exacerbate thyroid symptoms. Opting for lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, and omega-3-rich foods such as oily fish is advisable.”

Her comments echo research. A 2022 study showed heavy consumption of ultra-processed foods raises the risk of thyroid problems.

Other studies link UPFs to obesity, heart disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer and early death.

Dr. Asia Ahmed, an NHS GP also affiliated with the health-testing company Medichecks, mentions that alcohol might aggravate the condition. She stresses, “Diet is crucial for overall health, regardless of having a thyroid condition.”

‘Research is ongoing to understand the exact impact of food and nutrients on thyroid health, but there is evidence certain nutrients affect thyroid function.’

However, she stresses diet is no cure. ‘There are several foods and supplements which may interfere with thyroid drugs,’ she warns.

Calcium and iron supplements, coffee, walnuts, high-fibre diets and calcium-fortified juices can all affect absorption.

Patients are told to take medication on an empty stomach and to wait at least half an hour before eating.

Despite this, social media is brimming with so-called thyroid ‘cures’.

On TikTok, women swap stories of cutting out gluten or dairy, claiming it transformed their energy levels or helped them lose weight.

Others demonstrate ‘thyroid-friendly’ snacks. One viral recipe – mashed mackerel with avocado wrapped in seaweed, dubbed the ‘mackerel roll-up’ – may look bizarre, but experts say it does provide nutrients that support the gland.

Thyroid disease is far more common in women than men – ten times more likely – though the reason remains unclear.

In many cases it is triggered by the immune system going awry. In Hashimoto’s disease, the body destroys thyroid tissue, causing underactivity.

Previously model Gigi Hadid revealed she has Hashimoto’s disease which meant she had to eat healthy and work out which led her to lose her curves.

In Grave’s disease, the immune system pushes the gland to churn out excess hormones.

American rapper Miss Elliot has previously shared she suffers from Grave’s disease, so bad it left her unable to write with a pen.

Meanwhile Good Morning Britain presenter Kate Garraway shared she suffered from an overactive thyroid which has since become underactive.

The wide range of symptoms means women often go undiagnosed for years.

Some only discover the cause of their problems when they see a hairdresser, who notices their hair is thinning or falling out.

Others are investigated after months of unexplained tiredness, weight gain or mood changes.

Although far rarer, thyroid problems can also be linked to cancer. Around 3,900 people in the UK are diagnosed with thyroid cancer every year.

It is usually treatable if caught early, but experts say most women experiencing weight changes or fatigue are far more likely to have hypo- or hyperthyroidism than cancer.

Doctors hope the growing interest in diet will at least raise awareness. ‘Food alone won’t fix a broken thyroid,’ says Dr Kumaran. ‘But good nutrition can make living with one far easier.’

The fresh advice follows a major study published last month which found that a Mediterranean diet can slash the risk of diabetes by a third.

Researchers in Spain and the US tracked almost 5,000 obese adults for three years and found it was most effective when combined with exercise, calorie restriction and weight-loss support.