Doc on call

Q:

I was recently diagnosed with hypothyroidism, and my doctor advised making some diet changes, so I’ve been eating more healthy foods, including vegetables like kale and spinach. But now my hands and feet are turning yellow! What’s going on?

A:

Good for you for taking charge of your health! Surprisingly, those healthy green vegetables may be causing this symptom. They’re loaded with beta-carotene, a nutrient we typically associate with orange vegetables like carrots and sweet potatoes. The body needs beta-carotene to produce the vitamin A that strengthens immunity, plus helps keep your vision and skin healthy. But having a sluggish thyroid interferes with this conversion, so you end up with excess stores of beta-carotene—and that can lead to a condition called carotenemia, which makes your skin yellow, especially your palms, the soles of your feet and the tip of your nose. The good news: This symptom is not permanent. If your doctor prescribed medication or recommended natural strategies to heal your thyroid, this side effect should go away once your thyroid is functioning optimally.

In the meantime, you can either avoid foods that are rich in betacarotene, which will reduce excess stores of the nutrient so your skin-yellowing fades, or you can simply cook these vegetables (preferably by boiling or stir-frying), as the process reduces their beta-carotene levels. And since cutting vegetables releases beta-carotene so it’s more easily absorbed by the body, consider cooking the vegetables without chopping (or doing so minimally). But if your skin-yellowing doesn’t abate after several weeks, or if you notice yellowing of your eyes, schedule an appointment with your doctor to rule out jaundice.