Foods To Avoid In Case Of Hypothyroidism
One of the key points with which to control the symptoms of hypothyroidism is to improve your diet as much as possible. While other medical recommendations should be followed, diet plays a very important role in regulating thyroid function.
This disease causes loss of control over the hormonal processes that are essential for metabolism. For this reason, sufferers tend to gain weight, even maintaining healthy habits. What are the foods that should be avoided?
Nutrition of patients with this problem must be planned by a professional. However, in general, there are some dishes whose consumption should be limited to avoid health problems. Find out what they are!
What is hypothyroidism?
Hypothyroidism (or underactive thyroid gland) is a thyroid disease characterized by a low production of hormones by the thyroid.
By participating in metabolic functioning, cardiovascular health and other important life processes, negative reactions are triggered in the body due to hormonal imbalance.
This disorder is very common in women around the age of 60 due to the hormonal changes typical of this age. However, in general, anyone can suffer from it, even during the adolescent stage.
Symptoms of hypothyroidism
In the early stages of hypothyroidism there are no major clinical manifestations that facilitate its diagnosis. However, as the condition progresses without taking the necessary precautions, the following may occur:
- Feeling of fatigue
- Dry skin
- Weight gain
- Sensitivity to cold
- Hair weakening
- Muscle pain and stiffness
- Inflammation of the limbs
- Decreased heart rate
- Increased cholesterol in the blood
Difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mood disorders (such as depression) may also arise. In the case of women, irregular menstruation.
Foods to avoid in case of hypothyroidism
Foods not recommended for patients with hypothyroidism are called “bociogeni”.
They are those that after being assimilated by the body interfere with the normal production of thyroid hormones.
1. Cereals with gluten
Consuming grains with a high gluten content can make it difficult to absorb drugs that replace thyroid hormones.
Furthermore, gluten is identified by the immune system as an antigen that must be attacked.
To prevent thyroid complications and promote proper functioning, the best thing to do is to exclude this variety of foods from your diet:
- Processed flour-based products
- Barley
- Rye
- Spelled
- Kamut
In a study published in the journal Elsevier, the relationship between celiac disease and primary hyperthyroidism was observed, the symptoms of which, at first, were considered a consequence of non-compliance with the gluten-free diet.
2. Broccoli
Broccoli and other cruciferous varieties, including cabbage, contain substances known as goitrogens. Once assimilated, the latter hinder the absorption of iodine.
The latter is an essential nutritional principle for the production of thyroid hormones and, therefore, it is necessary to guarantee their correct absorption.
3. Soy
Soy and all its derivatives contain isoflavones, phytoestrogens that alter the function of the thyroid gland, especially in patients with iodine deficiency.
Its consumption in any version must be avoided:
- Soya milk
- Soya cheese
- Soy sauce
- Soy protein
4. Sugar
Furthermore, patients with hypothyroidism suffer from continuous imbalances in glucose levels. So if the situation is not kept under control, insulin resistance can occur.
Therefore the metabolic function is altered and overweight and diabetes can easily occur.
- Any type of food that contains sugars must be excluded from the diet.
- It is also not recommended to replace them with organic sugars. In fact, they can negatively affect blood sugar.
5. Vegetable oils
A large variety of vegetable oils also carry the risk of suffering from metabolic problems. In fact, their consumption blocks the function of thyroid hormones and reduces their use by the cells.
However, even if no thyroid disease has yet been diagnosed, it is recommended to use oils of:
- Coconut.
- Sunflower.
- Avocado.
- Extra virgin olive oil.
6. Foods rich in iodine
MedicalNewsToday experts recommend avoiding excessive consumption of those foods that are rich in iodine, as they can worsen both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism.
The foods richest in iodine are: cheese, milk, ice cream, eggs, seaweed, sea fish and, of course, iodized cooking salt.
7. Sausages
Packed with nitrites, nitrates, and other added chemicals, sausages are the number one enemy of thyroid health. In addition, if consumed too often and without any control, they can cause hypothyroidism and generate metabolic and cardiovascular health complications .
Do you suffer from hypothyroidism? Follow your doctor’s advice
Do you suffer from this problem? In addition to limiting the consumption of the foods we have talked about, you will need to improve your lifestyle.
So, follow the doctor’s instructions, follow a balanced diet, adapted to your needs and avoid a sedentary lifestyle, alcohol and smoking.
