Many people have hypothyroidism, and they are often on the lookout for healthy food recommendations. However, there are also some not-so-healthy foods that they need to keep away from because it only worsens their condition.
Let us start with the list of everyday food items that should be avoided in this particular situation:
Dairy products
People with hypothyroidism must avoid dairy. As you all know, the symptoms of this condition include bloating and gas. Dairy food is one of the biggest culprits for digestive discomfort because it produces mucus in the body. Excessive mucus can cause even more problems than just digestive complaints.
Gluten and wheat
Hypothyroidism can also cause inflammation in the body, including inflammation of the small intestine. This condition is usually brought about by foods high in gluten. Gluten is found in grains, cereal products, and bread, so you should cut these food items out of your diet if you want to avoid worsening your condition.
High-mercury fish
If you are already suffering from hypothyroidism, mercury poisoning will only make things worse for you. Mercury toxicity is usually the result of high-mercury fish like tuna, shark, and swordfish. You might be tricked into eating these types of food because they are known for being good in terms of protein content but in reality, it only contributes to your overall mercury intake.
Soy products
Hypothyroidism can also cause hormonal imbalance. Soy products are known for containing high levels of estrogen that can only aggravate this hormonal condition. Not to mention, soy is also high in goitrogens, which suppress the thyroid gland.
Some examples of soy products are tofu, soy milk, and edamame.
Alcoholic drinks
Of course, you should also stop drinking if you have been diagnosed with hypothyroidism. Alcoholic beverages contain high amounts of sugar, so it only worsens your condition with foods that are already not good for people suffering from this particular health issue.
The combination of alcohol and thyroid medication can be deadly. When you drink alcohol while taking thyroid medication, the effects of the alcohol are intensified. This can lead to serious health problems, including death.
High-sodium and caffeine
Salt and caffeine maybe some of your vices, but you need to cut back on them if you want to improve your condition. Both salt and caffeine stimulate the body, so it is best to avoid eating foods rich in these ingredients.
Some examples of high in sodium food include canned goods, processed meats, and soy sauce. Meanwhile, caffeine can be found in coffee drinks and energy drinks.
Fried foods
Last but not least, on this list of food to avoid if you have hypothyroidism is fried foods. Fried stuff tastes good, but it has been known to cause inflammation, so you should stay away from it.
To sum up, the following are food items to avoid if you have hypothyroidism: dairy products; gluten and wheat; high-mercury fish; soy products; alcoholic drinks; high-sodium foods; caffeine; fried foods.
Instead of these, choose to eat whole organic foods like fruits and veggies for your primary source of nutrition. These will not only be good for your thyroid health but your overall health as well.
So what are some of the food items that are good for people with hypothyroidism? Here are some examples you can try out:
Organic meats
One of the many problems with commercially raised meats is that they are fed with grains that contain gluten. If you have hypothyroidism, eating these meats will only aggravate the inflammation in your body. To avoid this, try to eat organic meats instead. These animals are raised without antibiotics and other growth hormones, so they are a better option for your health.
Healthy fats
If you have hypothyroidism, another food group that you should include in your diet is healthy fats. These contain Omega-3 fatty acids, monounsaturated fats, and saturated fats. All of these fatty acids are beneficial in maintaining a healthy thyroid function. You can find Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil supplements, nuts, and seeds. Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil, avocados, and peanut butter.
Lastly, saturated fats can be sourced from animal products like meat and dairy or plant-based sources like coconut oil and cocoa butter.
Prebiotics and probiotics
Probiotic foods contain healthy bacteria that can help improve your gut health. These are essential for a well-functioning thyroid gland because they contribute to hormones that control this particular part of the body.
On the other hand, prebiotic foods provide food for these healthy bacteria to proliferate in your body and increase the number of good bacteria. Some examples of prebiotic foods are asparagus, bananas, and onions.
Fruits and vegetables
As mentioned earlier, fruits and vegetables are a good source of nutrition for people with hypothyroidism. This is because they are low in gluten and other inflammatory ingredients. Plus, these plant-based foods are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that can help improve your thyroid health.
Some fruits and vegetables that you should include in your diet are leafy greens, cruciferous veggies, berries, and apples.
If you have hypothyroidism, make sure to avoid the food items listed above and try to include the ones mentioned in this article instead. With a little bit of effort, you can manage your condition and improve your overall health at the same time.
Why is Food Intake so Critical in People With Hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism is when the body produces less thyroid hormone than it should. This leads to many other problems that affect your entire being, including metabolism and even moods.
When you have insufficient thyroxine production, your metabolic rate slows down as well. It has been documented that people with hypothyroidism have a higher risk of weight gain, obesity, and even depression.
That is why it is essential to manage your condition by keeping your thyroid hormone levels balanced. One way to do this is by controlling the food intake, ensuring that what you consume will not contribute to inflammation and worsening symptoms. It will help if you follow a healthy diet like the one suggested for hypothyroidism sufferers.
Does Hypothyroid Medication React With Food?
People with hypothyroidism have to take medications every day, as prescribed by their doctors. But despite this, some patients believe that specific food items will either make or break the effectiveness of the medication they take. This is because thyroxine supplements help regulate the hormone levels in their bodies and bring them back to optimal function.
What may work for some people might not work for others, as everyone’s body reacts differently to food and medication. However, here are some general guidelines that you can follow:
- Avoid eating large amounts of iodine-rich foods if you take thyroxine medication. Iodine is a mineral that is essential in the production of thyroid hormones. However, too much of it can counteract the effects of your drug. Some iodine-rich foods are seaweed, seafood, and iodized salt.
- Avoid drinking coffee and tea while taking thyroxine medication. Caffeine is known to interfere with the absorption of this medication, so it’s best to avoid it altogether.
- Don’t take your medication within 2 hours of taking any supplements or herbs. This is because they might also affect how well your medicine works.
- If you’re taking thyroxine medication, it’s best that you avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice. Again, this is because they can interfere with the absorption of your drug.
Is there a difference between the diets of people with hypothyroid and hyperthyroidism?
Yes, there is. A lot of people think that both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism are related to thyroid hormone production problems. However, this isn’t the case with the latter since it involves an underactive thyroid gland while hyperthyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland produces too much of this hormone.
People who suffer from hypothyroidism have to be careful with their food intake, as mentioned earlier. However, people with hyperthyroidism don’t have to be as restrictive with their diets, although they still need to make sure that they’re getting the right nutrients.
Some foods that are good for people with hyperthyroidism are green leafy vegetables, nuts, and fish. They can also eat moderate amounts of fruits, grains, and dairy products. However, they need to avoid eating too much sugar, caffeine, and processed foods.
The diets for both conditions are quite different because the problems that come with them are different. With hyperthyroidism, you have an overactive thyroid gland, which means that your metabolic rate is high. On the other hand, with hypothyroidism, you have an underactive thyroid gland, which results in slow metabolism.
It may seem unfair, but people with hypothyroidism have to be more careful with their food choices. By following these guidelines, they can help control their condition and avoid the many risks associated with it.
What is the Best Diet for Hypothyroidism?
There is no one-size-fits-all diet for hypothyroidism. However, there are some general guidelines that you can follow to make sure you are on the right track.
The first rule of thumb is to avoid foods that contain gluten. This protein found in wheat, barley, and rye can aggravate the inflammation in your gut and make your condition worse.
In addition, it is essential to eat plenty of fruits and vegetables. These are low in gluten and other inflammatory ingredients.
What about the ketogenic diet?
Some people with hypothyroidism might find relief by following the ketogenic diet. This is a high-fat, low-carbohydrate diet that can help you lose weight. However, it is essential to note that this diet is not for everyone, and you should consult your doctor before starting it.
In general, make sure to avoid processed food items. These are known to contain trans fats or artificial sweeteners that cause inflammation in the body, worsening your condition.
How about Being Socially Active?
When you have hypothyroidism, staying active and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is essential even outside of your home. You can start by joining support groups to meet people with similar health struggles. You can also attend workshops or seminars about hypothyroidism to learn more about your condition.
Socializing is also a great way to keep yourself mentally fit because you will be exposed to different people and information every day.
On top of that, you must stay physically active. This does not mean you have to go to the gym and work out for hours. A simple walk in the park or a light jog will do the trick.
Are there recommended exercises for people with hypothyroid?
There are no specific exercises recommended for people with hypothyroidism. However, it is always best to consult with your doctor before starting any exercise routine.
In general, try to avoid high-intensity exercises and focus on moderate activities instead. This is because high-intensity workouts can further tax your body and worsen your condition.
Some good exercises to try include walking, swimming, biking, and Pilates. Yoga is also a great way to improve flexibility and reduce stress levels.
Bottom Line
Food plays a critical role in managing hypothyroidism. Make sure to avoid the food items that can aggravate your condition and stick to the ones that are known to be beneficial. Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle is the key to managing this condition. You can read more about this on this link.
