BE AWARE OF FOODS TO AVOID FOR THYROID PROBLEMS

Nowadays, many people take thyroid pills. They need to take it forever, much like diabetic medications. Many of us are talking about foods that lower diabetes risk and related dos and don’t. Similarly, we should be aware of the foods to eat and foods to avoid for thyroid problems. Let us discuss it in this article.

On your neck’s front side there will be two butterfly-shaped organs called thyroids.

What is the role of the thyroid gland in our body?

The thyroid gland creates hormones that control the body’s metabolic rate, which affects bone growth and maintenance, heart, muscle, and digestive function. It balances our energy and regulates our mood and body heat. A sufficient intake of iodine from the diet is necessary for its proper operation.

Two common types of thyroids — Hyperthyroidism & Hypothyroidism

When the thyroid produces too much hormone or too little hormone, it is called thyroid disease. The disease known as hyperthyroidism causes the body to burn energy more quickly than it should. Hypothyroidism is just the opposite to it. The body is consuming energy more slowly than it should because the thyroid is not making enough hormones.

With many health conditions, some factors are out of our control, including our family history and the environment around us. But diet also plays a big role — and since you’re the one in command of your plate, you can determine which foods to choose and which thyroid foods to avoid.

Which nutrients are important for thyroid problems?

1. Iodine

The production of healthy thyroid hormones requires iodine. Iodine deficiency increases the likelihood of hypothyroidism in a person. You can eat iodized salt or foods high in iodine including fish, eggs, dairy products, and seaweed. However, excessive consumption could have unfavorable effects.

2. Zinc

It assists the body in triggering thyroid hormones. Consume foods high in zinc, such as chicken, beef, seafood, oysters, etc.

3. Selenium

It also aids in triggering the creation of thyroid hormones. Selenium protects the thyroid gland from oxidizing agents known as free radicals. Brazil nuts, eggs, lentils, tuna, etc. are a few examples of foods high in selenium. When ingested in greater quantities, it might be toxic.

Which nutrients are harmful to thyroid problems?

Goitrogens

They are organic substances that are present in a variety of plant-based foods. Your thyroid health may be impacted if you regularly consume large amounts of certain chemicals. It may cause swelling of thyroid glands.

Goitrogens come in three different forms: goitrins, thiocyanates, and flavonoids. Cruciferous vegetables are the main sources of goitrogens, while some fruits, nuts, and cereals also contain these compounds.

Some flavonoids

1. Berries.
2. Red wine.
3. Soy products.
4. Teas, especially white, green, and oolong varieties

Apart from cruciferous vegetables, some goitrogen foods are:

1. Flax.
2. Millet.
3. Kohlrabi.
4. Peanuts.
5. Peaches.
6. Strawberries.

Some of the foods to avoid for thyroid problems

1. Cruciferous Vegetables

These vegetables belong to the Brassic plant group. This vegetable has distinctive petals like cabbage. It is one of the important foods to avoid for thyroid issues.

Some cruciferous vegetables are:

1. Cabbage.
2. Broccoli.
3. Cauliflower.
4. Bok choy.
5. Brussels sprouts.
6. Kale.
7. Mustard plant.
8. Turnips.
9. Garden cress etc.

You might wonder why cruciferous veggies should be avoided for thyroid health. More fiber and other nutrients are present in these plants. However, they might block the generation of thyroid hormones. If you are iodine deficient, you will experience additional effects. Iodine is necessary for a healthy thyroid operation.

Therefore, it is best to consume fewer cruciferous vegetables. According to studies, eating these vegetables may prevent the thyroid from using iodine. Cruciferous vegetables that have been cooked can lessen the effect. So you can consume cruciferous veggies in moderation while avoiding salads made of them.

2. Fatty foods

Butter, meat, and all things fried are fatty foods. According to Stephanie Lee, MD, Ph.D., associate chief of endocrinology, nutrition, and diabetes at Boston Medical Center and associate professor at Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts, fats have been found to interfere with the body’s ability to absorb thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Additionally, fats may prevent the thyroid from producing hormones. Some medical professionals advise avoiding any fried foods and limiting your consumption of fats from sources like butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty meat cuts.

3. Soy Foods

Even soy and meals containing soy are very good in protein and can prevent cancer and heart disease, but they also have some effects on thyroid issues. But according to current research, soy has no impact on thyroid hormones.

It is generally advised to take thyroid medicine on an empty stomach to prevent inconsistent absorption. Soy is the greatest food source of isoflavones which are linked with thyroid disorders.

If you consume soy-containing meals, make sure to wait four hours between eating them and taking your dose. This is true because soy can interfere with proper thyroid medication absorption and cause uneven medication effects.

Foods rich in Soy are,

1. Meat alternatives.
2. Miso.
3. Soymilk.
4. Edamame.
5. Tofu.

Some Soy Products are,

1. Whipped soy topping.
2. Soy yogurt.
3. Soy cheese.
4. Soy nut butter.
5. Soy ice cream.
6. Soy meat alternatives.
7. Soy nuts.

Some Soy food alternatives are,

1. Soy bacon.
2. Chicken-less nuggets.
3. Hamburgers.
4. Hot dogs etc.

4. Gluten foods

Gluten may aggravate celiac disease symptoms and prevent thyroid medication effects from being absorbed by irritating the small intestine.

Patients with hypothyroidism should limit their gluten intake, according to Los Angeles dietitian Ruth Frechman, RDN.

A gluten-free diet may provide therapeutic advantages for women with thyroid disease, according to Endocrinology & Diabetes.

Choosing whole-grain bread and pasta, which are high in fiber and other nutrients and can help reduce stool irregularity, a frequent symptom of hypothyroidism, is advised if you do decide to consume gluten. Make sure to take your hypothyroidism medicine at least four hours before or after consuming high-fiber foods to avoid having such foods affect how well your synthetic thyroid hormone is absorbed.

Some Gluten foods

Foods prepared with wheat flour, such as bread, cookies, cakes, doughnuts, rolls, bagels, muffins, scones, and other pastries, as well as regular spaghetti and pizza, as well as many kinds of cereal.

5. Goitrogenic fruits

Anyone who has hypothyroidism should proceed cautiously while consuming items that cause goiter. Additionally, if you want to follow a natural thyroid treatment program, you will likely need to fully avoid these items for a specific amount of time.

Some goitrogenic fruits are,

1. Almonds.

2. Apricots.

3. Raspberries.

4. Plums.

5. Cherries.

6. Strawberries.

7. Peaches.

Avoid these foods if you have hypothyroidism.

6. Onions

Two distinct goitrogens can be found in onions. Propyldisuplhide and quercetin. Thyroperoxidase, which is necessary for the metabolism of the thyroid hormone, is inhibited by quercetin, and hepatic deiodinase is inhibited by propyl disulfide. Avoid eating onions raw; cooking them may lessen the effect.

7. Sugary Foods

According to dietician Frechman, hypothyroidism can result in a slowed metabolism in the body. This suggests that if you’re not watchful, it’s simple to gain weight.

You should stay away from foods that have an excessive amount of sugar because they are high in calories but low in nutrients, she advises. It’s advisable to cut back on your sugar intake or make an effort to fully eliminate it from your diet.

8. Fiber-rich foods

While getting adequate fiber is beneficial for you, too much can make your hypothyroidism treatment more difficult. According to the government’s Daily Guidelines for Americans, persons up to the age of 50 should consume 25 to 38 grams of fiber each day.

Above-average dietary fiber intake from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes affects your digestive tract and may prevent thyroid hormone replacement therapy from being absorbed.

9. Processed Foods

People with hypothyroidism should avoid sodium, according to Frechman, because processed foods frequently include high sodium content. A person is more likely to develop high blood pressure if their thyroid is underactive, and this risk is further increased by consuming too much sodium.

The American Heart Association recommends limiting sodium intake in people at risk for high blood pressure to 1,500 mg per day.

10. Coffee

According to studies, consuming coffee at the same time as or right after taking L-T4 tablets might drastically reduce the thyroid medication’s absorption in your intestines. This effect is thought to be caused by the caffeine in coffee. Intestinal motility, or intestinal movement, can be increased by caffeine.

So drink coffee after 30 minutes of your medicine intake.

11. Alcohol

According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism, drinking alcohol, beer, distilled spirits, and wine can have a negative impact on the thyroid’s ability to create hormones as well as the levels of these hormones in the body.

Alcohol appears to be toxic to the thyroid gland and inhibits the body’s utilization of thyroid hormone. Alcohol should ideally be completely avoided by hypothyroidism sufferers, or they should only consume it in moderation.

FAQ’s

1. What foods should I eat if I have hypothyroidism during pregnancy?

a) Non-goitrogenic fruits.

b) Dals & Pulses.

c) Non-cruciferous vegetables.

d) Nuts.

e) Low-fat dairy products.

f) Oats.

g) quinoa.

h) Buckwheat.

2. What food can thyroid patients eat?

a) Yogurt.

b) Apples, citrus fruits, and pears.

c) Unsalted nuts & seeds.

d) Avocado.

and all food stated for question 1.

3. How to manage hypothyroidism apart from a diet?

a) Include sweat-producing aerobic activities like cycling, swimming, and running.

b) Make sure you get 6–7 hours of sleep each night to balance your hormone levels by following a decent power-down routine.

c) Management of stress to control cortisol results in an increase in hypothyroidism cases.

d) Stay on track with your thyroid medicines.

e) Have brisk walks.

4. What are the symptoms of the thyroid?

a) Fatigue.

b) sensitivity to the cold.

c) swollen face.

d) dry skin.

e) Hoarseness.

f) muscle weakness.

g)gaining weight.

h) reduced memory.

i) slow heartbeat.

j) Hair loss.

k) Irregular mensural periods.

Bottom-line

Hope you are all clear about the foods to avoid for thyroid problems. If you cannot avoid these foods consume them in smaller quantities and always consult your dietician/doctor before having your diet schedule.