Experts Advise Limited Millet Consumption for Hypothyroid Patients

Benefits of Millet for Thyroid: Amidst growing health awareness, millet is once again being embraced as a superfood, but questions remain in the minds of thyroid patients. Let's understand how safe millet is for thyroid patients and when and in what quantities it is appropriate to consume it.

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 12:03 AM (IST)
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Experts Advise Limited Millet Consumption for Hypothyroid Patients
Experts Advise Limited Millet Consumption for Hypothyroid Patients

Millet is considered a superfood for health. However, for thyroid patients, the millet has raised another question: does it contribute to hormonal imbalances? Is it safe to consume millet daily, or is it useful only in a specific amount? According to experts, millet is not completely contraindicated for thyroid patients; it is simply essential to eat it at the right time, in the right quantity, and in the right manner. Let's understand how safe millet is for thyroid patients and when and how much to consume it.

What is the connection between thyroid and millet?

The thyroid is a hormone-related condition that impacts the metabolic processes in the body. Patients suffering from hypothyroid produce less amounts of thyroid hormone. Millet contains goitrogen, which interferes with iodine uptake in the body. Iodine is used to produce thyroid hormone, and excessive consumption of millets will only aggravate the condition.

Can thyroid patients eat millet?

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Yes, but in small quantities. Millet does not have to be totally condemned. It does help in providing the body with fiber and iron when it is properly and moderately used. It becomes a problem when it is used in large quantities by the patient.

Right way to eat millet

Thyroid patients should always eat millet thoroughly cooked. Raw or undercooked millet can increase the goitrogen effect. Millet roti, porridge, or khichdi are better options. Cooking significantly reduces its harmful elements and makes it easier to digest.

How Much Millet Is Safe to Eat?

It has been said that patients with hypothyroid conditions should consume millets once or twice a week. A small chapatti or a plate of khichdi made from millets should be enough. But it should not be taken on a daily basis. In addition to this, iodized salt, fruits, and veggies should also be included in the diet.

Right Time to Eat Millet

It is best to take millet during lunchtime. If you take millet during the night, you will experience gassy problems due to its effect on people with a slow metabolism.

Who Should Exercise Extra Caution?

In case you find that your levels of thyroid hormone production are too high, you are gaining too much weight, or you have increased your medication dose recently, the best thing to do before consuming millet is to consult your doctor or dietitian.

Muskan Kumawat Journalist & Writer