Diet for Hypothyroidism: Foods Not to Eat with Hypothyroid Gland's Problem

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is a medical condition brought about by abnormally low levels of circulating thyroid hormones in the body. Thyroid hormones, commonly known as the T3 (triidothyronine) and T4 (thyroxine) hormones, are produced by the thyroid gland, a structure located in the neck directly under the Adam’s apple. Any disturbance in the normal functioning of the thyroid gland will result in hypothyroidism, or hyperthyroidism, or the abnormally high levels of thyroid hormones. It is important to remember, however, the production of T3 and T4 does not solely depend on a normally functioning thyroid gland, but it also depends on the presence of an element called iodine. Here we examine the foods not to eat with hypothyroid problems.

Thyroid Hormones: What does it do?

The thyroid hormones are responsible for just about all major functions in the human body. These hormones exert their effects on the heart, lungs, and skeletal muscles. The main function of the thyroid hormones, however, is in the control of a person’s metabolic processes, which signify the rate at which the body converts stored energy into useful energy.

Weight Problem in Hypothyroidism

Basically, the metabolic rate decides whether to store the fat content in the meal you have just eaten, or burn it down for energy. With this in mind, you can fully understand why people with hypothyroidism have difficulty in losing weight. A decrease in thyroid hormones brings about a resultant decrease in metabolic rate. The fact that your body stores calories from the food you eat instead of burning is made very obvious once you step on the scales to weigh.

Foods to Avoid

Now that the weight problem has definitely caught your attention, it is best to know which foods not to eat with hypothyroid condition. There are specific foods to avoid with hypothyroidism. Since calories are stored by the body, then by all means, do away with calorie-rich foods such as those made from white flour, processed food products, and junk foods. Another smart thing to do is to avoid food products that directly affect the production of thyroid hormones. These foods, known as goitrogenics, decrease thyroid hormone production. Can you just imagine what it will do to existing low thyroid hormone levels?. Examples of goitrogenics are corn, potatoes, spinach, kale, radishes, strawberries, pears, peaches, turnips, broccoli, and cabbage. If you cannot simply say goodbye to these foods, you may decide to cook them before eating, because cooking destroys the goitrogens.

Foods to Eat

Since you already have a list of foods not to eat with hypothyroid, then here are the foods for a good diet for hypothyroidism:

• Eat foods rich in tyrosine. This amino acid hooks up with iodine in order to form T3 or thyroxine. Tyrosine is found in yogurt, almonds, pumpkin seeds, lentils, sesame seeds, bananas, avocado, poultry meat, and fish.
• Eat food products rich in iodine. Remember, the production of thyroid hormones depends on the presence of this element. So opt for iodized salt when cooking, or eat sea foods whenever you can.
• Eat foods rich in anti-oxidants. Examples of these foods are tomatoes, plums, blueberries, oranges, pomegranate, grapes, oregano, and cinnamon.

By becoming conscious of the foods not to eat with hypothyroid, and incorporating healthier foods in the diet, individuals can better manage hypothyroidism.

References

Hypothyroidism - UMM - https://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/hypothyroidism-000093.htm

Hypothyroidism Foods to Avoid - Healing Deva - https://healingdeva.com/blog/hypothyroidism-foods-to-avoid