The thyroid is a small, butterfly-shaped gland present in our throat. This small gland is responsible for producing TSH, T3, and T4 hormones, controlling metabolic functions, stimulating energy production, and helping with many other bodily functions. In short, thyroid dysfunction can temper our overall health and well-being. Thyroid dysfunctions are mainly of two types: hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism. Although thyroid disorder is an incurable medical condition, it is manageable. In the following blog, we are going to discuss hypothyroidism and which foods should be avoided for easy management.
What is Hypothyroidism?
Before going ahead with this blog, we need to understand hypothyroidism. This type of Thyroid Capsule happens when the thyroid gland is unable to produce enough thyroid hormone and is also known as underactive thyroid. It does not show any symptoms in the early stage, but later on can be categorized as constant tiredness, sudden weight gain, being more sensitive to colds, constipation, a puffy face, and a hoarse voice. While there is no cure for hypothyroidism, it can be easily managed by medication, proper exercise, and diet. Following are some of the common foods to avoid in underactive thyroid.
Foods To Be Avoided In Hypothyroidism
- Food Containing Soy: limit consumption of soy foods such as soybeans, soya chunks, soy milk, and tofu, as they are packed with goitrogens and can temper thyroid functions.
- Gluten: some people with hypothyroidism may develop gluten sensitivity with time; in that case, gluten can be harmful and may increase inflammation and thyroid issues.
- Processed Food: processed foods like unhealthy fat, sugar, and additives can cause a harmful impact on the thyroid gland, affecting overall health and wellbeing.
- Cruciferous Vegetables: vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and kale contain goitrogens, which are not good for underactive thyroid.
- Excess Amount of Iodine: An excessive amount of anything can be harmful, and so is the case with iodine. Though iodine is necessary to help proper functioning of thyroid gland, consuming excessive iodine-rich foods like seaweed can temper thyroid functions.
- Sugary Snacks and Beverages: Excess sugar intake is a threat to our overall health. It leads to inflammation and metabolic imbalances, which are harmful for hypothyroidism.
- Fried Foods: fried foods are high in calories, unhealthy fat, and excess sugar, which slow down the metabolic process and can eventually temper the functioning of the thyroid gland.
- Caffeine: caffeine is one of the most consumed stimulants all over the world. It can be found in a wide range of beverages, like tea, coffee, cold drinks, and soda. Excessive caffeine consumption can interfere with hormone absorption and increase thyroid issues.
- Processed Meat: although many people of today’s generation are dependent on meat consumption for their daily protein needs. But you should limit your consumption of processed meats such as ham, salami, and sausages that contain preservatives and additives that contribute to the slowing down of metabolic function, increase inflammation, and affect thyroid health.
- Fast Food: pizza, burger, noodles, or pav bhaji; nobody has the will to say no to these food items or any other fast food. These kinds of food items may look tempting or taste delicious, but they pose a lot of health threats, especially for people suffering from hypothermia. Fast foods are high in unhealthy fat, sugar, and sodium that lead to inflammation and metabolic imbalances, which can increase thyroid issues.
- Alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption does not only damage our liver; it also disrupts thyroid hormone synthesis, leading to hypothyroidism and related issues.
- Artificial Sweeteners: Some researchers have proven that artificial sweeteners can hinder proper thyroid functions. So, it is better to avoid it and instead use natural products.
Though the effects of these food items can vary from person to person, it is advisable to avoid them if you have hypothyroidism or are at risk of developing thyroid disorders. Remember to consult a healthcare expert for the perfect diet chart for better management of thyroid disorders.
Conclusion
While wrapping up, we have come to the conclusion that although hypothyroidism is not curable permanently, it is easily manageable by avoiding food items such as soy foods, gluten, processed foods, excessive sugar, fast food, and alcohol. Other than dietary restrictions, regular exercise and taking ayurvedic medicine like thyrobic capsules can help manage thyroid functions.
