What foods can interfere with thyroid function. How does diet impact hypothyroidism management. Which common ingredients should be limited for optimal thyroid health. What dietary changes can support thyroid hormone absorption.

Understanding Hypothyroidism and Its Impact on Your Body

Hypothyroidism is a condition characterized by an underactive thyroid gland that fails to produce sufficient thyroid hormones. This hormonal imbalance can lead to a cascade of health issues if left untreated. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating various bodily functions, including metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.

When the thyroid gland underperforms, it can result in:

• Unexplained weight gain
• Fatigue and weakness
• Joint and muscle pain
• Increased sensitivity to cold
• Dry skin and hair
• Depression
• Impaired cognitive function

Proper management of hypothyroidism often involves hormone replacement therapy. However, the effectiveness of these treatments can be significantly influenced by dietary choices. Certain foods have the potential to interfere with thyroid function or the absorption of thyroid medications, making it essential for individuals with hypothyroidism to be mindful of their diet.

Cruciferous Vegetables: A Double-Edged Sword for Thyroid Health

Cruciferous vegetables, while generally considered healthy, can pose challenges for individuals with hypothyroidism. These vegetables include:

• Broccoli
• Cabbage
• Kale
• Brussels sprouts
• Cauliflower

The concern with cruciferous vegetables stems from their goitrogenic properties. Goitrogens are compounds that can interfere with thyroid hormone production by inhibiting iodine uptake. This effect is particularly pronounced in individuals with iodine deficiency.

How to Safely Include Cruciferous Vegetables in Your Diet

Does this mean you should completely eliminate these nutritious vegetables from your diet? Not necessarily. Here are some strategies to enjoy cruciferous vegetables while minimizing their impact on thyroid function:

1. Cook your vegetables: Heat deactivates the goitrogenic compounds, making them less problematic for thyroid function.
2. Practice moderation: Limit your intake to about five ounces per day, which is generally considered safe for thyroid health.
3. Ensure adequate iodine intake: Consult with your healthcare provider about your iodine status and whether supplementation is necessary.

Gluten: The Controversial Protein for Thyroid Patients

Gluten, a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, has been a subject of debate in the context of thyroid health. For individuals with hypothyroidism, especially those with autoimmune thyroiditis (Hashimoto’s disease), gluten can be problematic for several reasons:

• Intestinal inflammation: Gluten can irritate the small intestine, potentially leading to decreased absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication.
• Autoimmune cross-reactivity: Some studies suggest that gluten proteins may trigger an immune response that cross-reacts with thyroid tissue in susceptible individuals.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Gluten sensitivity can lead to malabsorption of essential nutrients important for thyroid function, such as selenium and zinc.

Navigating a Gluten-Free Diet with Hypothyroidism

If you choose to include gluten in your diet, opt for whole-grain varieties of pasta, bread, and rice. These options provide more fiber, which can help alleviate constipation—a common symptom of hypothyroidism. However, it’s crucial to remember that high-fiber foods can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. To maximize the effectiveness of your treatment:

• Take your thyroid medication on an empty stomach, ideally 30-60 minutes before eating.
• Wait at least 3-4 hours after taking your medication before consuming high-fiber foods.
• Consider working with a registered dietitian to ensure your gluten-free diet is nutritionally balanced.

The Impact of Fatty Foods on Thyroid Function and Medication Absorption

Excessive consumption of fatty foods can have detrimental effects on thyroid health and the efficacy of thyroid hormone replacement therapy. Here’s why:

• Reduced absorption: High-fat meals can interfere with the intestinal absorption of thyroid medication, potentially reducing its effectiveness.
• Hormonal disruption: Some fats, particularly trans fats and excessive saturated fats, may impair the thyroid’s natural ability to produce hormones.
• Weight management challenges: A diet high in unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain, which is already a concern for many individuals with hypothyroidism due to their slowed metabolism.

Strategies for Managing Fat Intake with Hypothyroidism

While it’s not necessary to eliminate all fats from your diet, it’s important to make mindful choices:

1. Prioritize healthy fats: Focus on sources of omega-3 fatty acids and monounsaturated fats, such as fatty fish, avocados, nuts, and olive oil.
2. Limit saturated and trans fats: Reduce your intake of fried foods, processed snacks, and fatty meats.
3. Time your medication: Take your thyroid hormone replacement on an empty stomach, separate from fatty meals.
4. Practice portion control: Be mindful of portion sizes, especially when consuming high-fat foods.

Sugar and Processed Foods: Hidden Thyroid Saboteurs

The relationship between sugar, processed foods, and thyroid health is complex and multifaceted. While these foods don’t directly interfere with thyroid function, they can exacerbate symptoms and complicate management of hypothyroidism in several ways:

• Blood sugar fluctuations: Rapid spikes and crashes in blood sugar can stress the adrenal glands, which work closely with the thyroid gland to regulate metabolism.
• Inflammation: High sugar intake and processed foods can promote systemic inflammation, potentially worsening autoimmune thyroid conditions.
• Weight management: With the slowed metabolism associated with hypothyroidism, excessive sugar and processed food consumption can lead to unwanted weight gain.
• Nutrient deficiencies: Processed foods often lack essential nutrients needed for optimal thyroid function, such as selenium, zinc, and iodine.

Practical Tips for Reducing Sugar and Processed Foods

Transitioning to a diet lower in sugar and processed foods can significantly benefit your overall health and thyroid function:

1. Read labels carefully: Many processed foods contain hidden sugars and unhealthy additives.
2. Choose whole foods: Opt for fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
3. Satisfy sweet cravings naturally: Use fruit or small amounts of natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup in moderation.
4. Plan meals and snacks: Preparing food at home gives you more control over ingredients and portion sizes.
5. Stay hydrated: Sometimes thirst can be mistaken for hunger, leading to unnecessary snacking.

Coffee and Caffeine: Timing Is Everything for Thyroid Patients

For many, coffee is an essential part of their daily routine. However, individuals with hypothyroidism need to be cautious about their caffeine consumption, particularly in relation to their thyroid medication. Here’s why:

• Interference with absorption: Caffeine can block the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medications.
• Interaction with T4: Coffee may interfere with the natural thyroid hormone T4 that is absorbed through the stomach.
• Adrenal impact: Excessive caffeine consumption can stress the adrenal glands, potentially exacerbating thyroid-related fatigue.

Balancing Coffee Consumption with Thyroid Health

Does this mean you have to give up your beloved coffee entirely? Not necessarily. Here are some strategies to enjoy coffee while managing your thyroid health:

1. Time your medication: Take your thyroid hormone replacement with water, and wait at least 30 minutes before consuming coffee.
2. Consider decaf: If you enjoy the taste of coffee but want to reduce caffeine intake, try switching to decaf or half-caf options.
3. Monitor your symptoms: Pay attention to how caffeine affects your energy levels and overall well-being.
4. Explore alternatives: Herbal teas or caffeine-free coffee substitutes can provide a comforting warm beverage without interfering with thyroid function.

Sodium and Processed Foods: Balancing Act for Thyroid and Heart Health

Individuals with hypothyroidism often face an increased risk of high blood pressure, making sodium intake a crucial consideration. Processed foods are typically high in sodium, which can exacerbate this risk. Here’s why managing sodium intake is important for thyroid patients:

• Blood pressure regulation: Excess sodium can lead to fluid retention and increased blood pressure, putting additional stress on the cardiovascular system.
• Thyroid-heart connection: Hypothyroidism itself can affect heart function, making it even more critical to manage cardiovascular risk factors like high blood pressure.
• Medication effectiveness: Some studies suggest that excessive sodium intake may interfere with the absorption of certain thyroid medications.

Strategies for Reducing Sodium Intake

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that individuals at higher risk of high blood pressure limit their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams daily. Here are some practical tips to achieve this goal:

1. Read nutrition labels: Choose products with lower sodium content, aiming for less than 140 mg per serving.
2. Cook at home: Preparing meals from scratch allows you to control the amount of salt added.
3. Use herbs and spices: Enhance flavor without salt by experimenting with various herbs, spices, and citrus juices.
4. Rinse canned foods: If using canned vegetables or beans, rinse them thoroughly to reduce sodium content.
5. Choose fresh or frozen: Opt for fresh or frozen fruits and vegetables over canned varieties when possible.

By being mindful of these six food categories—cruciferous vegetables, gluten, fatty foods, sugary foods, coffee, and processed foods high in sodium—individuals with hypothyroidism can better manage their condition and support overall health. Remember, dietary changes should always be made in consultation with a healthcare provider or registered dietitian to ensure they align with your specific health needs and medication regimen.

Managing hypothyroidism through diet is not about complete elimination but rather about making informed choices and finding the right balance. By understanding how different foods can impact thyroid function and medication effectiveness, you can create a dietary plan that supports your thyroid health while still enjoying a varied and nutritious diet.

As research in thyroid health continues to evolve, staying informed and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team is crucial. Regular check-ups, medication adjustments, and dietary refinements may be necessary as you navigate life with hypothyroidism. With the right approach, it’s possible to effectively manage your thyroid condition and maintain a high quality of life.

Hypothyroidism & Six Foods to Avoid

Hypothyroidism is the result of an underactive thyroid, meaning your thyroid gland under produces important hormones your body needs. This condition causes an imbalance of chemical reactions within the human body, which when untreated can contribute to obesity, joint pain and heart disease. The effectiveness of replacement hormone treatments can be diminished if you eat certain foods.

Foods to Avoid if You Have Hypothyroidism

Limit or try to avoid these six types of food if you have hypothyroidism.

1. Cruciferous vegetables – Vegetables such as broccoli, cabbage, kale and Brussels sprouts can inhibit the production of thyroid hormone. This is especially common in those who have an iodine deficiency. Digesting these vegetables can block the ability to absorb iodine, which is needed for normal thyroid function. Cooking cruciferous vegetables reduces the adverse effect on the thyroid. It is suggested that a limit of five ounces per day doesn’t seem to have negative effects on thyroid function.

2. Gluten – Gluten is the protein — found in foods processed in wheat, rye and other grains — that irritate the small intestine and hinder the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. If you do decide to eat gluten, choose whole-grain varieties of pasta, bread and rice. This helps to reduce bowel irregularity, a common symptom of underactive thyroid. It’s important to remember to take your hypothyroidism medication a few hours before or after eating these high-fiber foods as not to interfere with thyroid hormone absorption.

3. Fatty foods – Fats are known to upset your body’s ability to absorb thyroid replacement hormones. Fats can also prevent the thyroid’s natural ability to produce hormones. Physicians recommend that you cut out all fried foods and limit your intake of fats from butter, mayonnaise and fatty meats.

4. Sugary Foods – A side effect of hypothyroidism is a slowed metabolism. This can cause weight gain if limitations are not in place. Physicians state that you’ll want to avoid foods with too much sugar because they don’t offer nutritional value. Try to reduce your sugar intake or completely eliminate sugar from your diet.

5. Coffee – Caffeine can block absorption of thyroid hormone replacements. Coffee also has the ability to interfere with the natural thyroid hormone T4 that is absorbed through the stomach. Take your medication with water and skip the coffee for at least 30 minutes before and after.

6. Processed Foods – These types of foods typically contain high levels of sodium. It is suggested that people with hypothyroidism should avoid sodium due to the already higher risk of having high blood pressure. Sodium only increases this risk. When purchasing food, be sure to look at the label and choose items with the lowest amounts of sodium. According to the U.S. Centers of Disease Control and Prevention, those with a higher risk of high blood pressure should limit their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams daily instead of the recommended 2,300 milligrams.

These six types of food can contribute to difficulties in your thyroid’s natural hormone production and any hormone replacement medication you may take. Limiting or completely avoiding these foods will help with your hypothyroidism and treatment.

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9 Foods to Avoid with Hypothyroidism

What you eat can affect your thyroid gland as well as your body’s ability to use thyroid hormone. Learn which foods to avoid when managing hypothyroidism.

By Dennis Thompson JrMedically Reviewed by Kacy Church, MD

Reviewed: January 30, 2020

Medically Reviewed

Certain foods like fatty meat and cruciferous veggies may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone.

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Hypothyroidism can be a tricky condition to manage, and what you eat can interfere with your treatment. Some nutrients heavily influence the function of the thyroid gland, and certain foods can inhibit your body’s ability to absorb the replacement hormones you may take as part of your thyroid treatment.

Having a thyroid condition is no picnic, but you’re not alone with this health issue. According to the American Thyroid Association, more than 12 percent of the population may end up dealing with a thyroid condition at some point in their lives. And thyroid issues can be sneaky: Of the nearly 20 million Americans living with the disease, as many as 60 percent don’t even realize they have it.

As with many health conditions, some factors are out of your control, including your family history and the environment around you. But diet also plays a prominent role — and since you’re the one in charge of your plate, you can decide which thyroid-friendly foods to choose.

Some items on this list may strike you as odd, like fiber and coffee, because for many other diets they’re considered ‘healthy’ or ‘safe’ picks. You can still enjoy these foods groups, but moderating your intake is a good idea when managing hypothyroidism.

But many of the others to watch out for already fall into the no-no category as part of a smart diet, so skipping them, or at least cutting way back, is definitely a no-brainer. These include fried fast-food meals, salty processed foods, sugary treats, such as pastry, cake, cookies, and ice cream, and excessive alcohol.

So while there’s no such thing as a “hypothyroidism diet” that will make you well, eating smart can help you feel better despite the condition. Here are nine foods to limit or avoid as you manage hypothyroidism:

1

Foods With Soy, Including Edamame, Tofu, and Miso

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There’s long been concern over the potential negative effects that certain compounds in soy — called isoflavones — may have on the thyroid. Some researchers believe that too much soy may increase a person’s risk for hypothyroidism. A study published in March 2019 in Scientific Reports, however, found that soy has no effect on thyroid hormones and very modestly raises thyroid stimulating hormone levels.

So there are no specific dietary guidelines, but some research does suggest that consumption of soy may interfere with your ability to absorb thyroid medication. For that reason, you may want to wait four hours after eating soy-based foods before taking your regular dose. Check with your doctor to see what’s best for you.

2

Cruciferous Vegetables Like Broccoli and Cauliflower

Natasa Mandic/Stocksy

Cruciferous vegetables, such as broccoli and cabbage, are full of fiber and other nutrients, but they may interfere with the production of thyroid hormone if you have an iodine deficiency. So if you do, it’s a good idea to limit your intake of Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy, because research suggests digesting these vegetables may block the thyroid’s ability to utilize iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function. However, according to the Mayo Clinic, you would need to consume a significant amount of cruciferous vegetables for it to truly impact iodine uptake.

If you have been diagnosed with both hypothyroidism and iodine deficiency, there are some things you can do to make these vegetables less harmful. Cooking them can reduce the effect that cruciferous vegetables have on the thyroid gland, and limiting your intake of these (cooked) vegetables to 5 ounces a day may help as well, since that amount appears to have no adverse effect on thyroid function.

3

Gluten, Found in Bread and Pasta

Ina Peters/Stocksy

Those with hypothyroidism may want to consider minimizing their intake of gluten, a protein found in foods processed from wheat, barley, rye, and other grains, says Ruth Frechman, RDN, a dietitian in the Los Angeles area and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. And if you have been diagnosed with celiac disease, gluten can irritate the small intestine and may hamper absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication.

An article published in May 2017 in the journal Endocrine Connections noted that hypothyroidism and celiac disease are often present together, and while no research has demonstrated that a gluten-free diet can treat thyroid conditions, you may still want to talk to a doctor about whether it would be worth eliminating gluten, or getting tested for celiac disease. A study published in July 2019 in Experimental and Clinical Endocrinology & Diabetes found that a gluten-free diet may have clinical benefits for women with thyroid disease.

If you do choose to eat gluten, be sure to choose whole-grain varieties of bread and pasta, which are high in fiber and other nutrients and can help improve bowel irregularity, a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Also be sure to take your hypothyroidism medication several hours before or after eating high-fiber foods, to prevent them from interfering with the absorption of your synthetic thyroid hormone.

4

Fatty Foods Such as Butter, Meat, and All Things Fried

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Fats have been found to disrupt the body’s ability to absorb thyroid hormone replacement medicines, says Stephanie Lee, MD, PhD, associate chief of endocrinology, nutrition, and diabetes at Boston Medical Center and an associate professor at the Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts.

Fats may also interfere with the thyroid’s ability to produce hormone as well. Some healthcare professionals recommend that you cut out all fried foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise, margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.

5

Sugary Foods Like This Delicious Chocolate Cake

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Hypothyroidism can cause the body’s metabolism to slow down, Frechman says. That means it’s easy to put on pounds if you aren’t careful. “You want to avoid foods with excess amounts of sugar because it’s a lot of calories with no nutrients,” she says. It’s best to reduce the amount of sugar you eat or try to eliminate it completely from your diet.

6

Processed Foods in Packages and the Frozen Aisle

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“Processed foods tend to have a lot of sodium, and people with hypothyroidism should avoid sodium,” Frechman says. Having an underactive thyroid increases a person’s risk for high blood pressure, and too much sodium further increases this risk.

Read the “Nutrition Facts” label on the packaging of processed foods to find options lowest in sodium. People with an increased risk for high blood pressure should restrict their sodium intake to 1,500 milligrams a day, according to the American Heart Association.

7

Excess Fiber From Beans, Legumes, and Vegetables

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Getting enough fiber is good for you, but too much can complicate your hypothyroidism treatment. The government’s Daily Guidelines for Americans currently recommends that adults up to age 50 should take in 25 to 38 grams of fiber a day. Amounts of dietary fiber from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes that go above that level affect your digestive system and can interfere with absorption of thyroid hormone replacement drugs.

If you’re on a high-fiber diet, ask your doctor if you need a higher dose of thyroid medication. Your maintenance dose may need to be increased if you aren’t absorbing enough medication.

8

Coffee: Time Your First Cup Carefully in the Morning

Julia Sudnitskaya/Shutterstock

Per a study in the journal Thyroid, caffeine has been found to block absorption of thyroid hormone replacement. “People who were taking their thyroid medication with their morning coffee had uncontrollable thyroid levels, and we couldn’t figure it out,” says Dr. Lee. “I now have to be very careful to tell people, ‘Only take your medication with water.'” You should wait at least 30 minutes after taking your medication before having a cup of joe.

9

Alcohol Doesn’t Play Well With Your Thyroid

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Alcohol consumption can wreak havoc on both thyroid hormone levels in the body and the ability of the thyroid to produce hormone, according to a study in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Alcohol appears to have a toxic effect on the thyroid gland and suppresses the ability of the body to use thyroid hormone. Ideally, people with hypothyroidism should cut out alcohol completely or drink in careful moderation.

An earlier version of this article incorrectly stated that rice contains gluten. It does not. Everyday Health regrets the error.

Foods that are harmful to the thyroid gland: what not to eat – June 25, 2022

Let’s see how to keep this small but very important organ healthy

org/Person”> Photo: Alexey Noginsky / 63.RU

understand its functions. The thyroid gland is an endocrine gland that produces iodine-containing hormones. The hormones produced are involved in the regulation of metabolism. The gland is butterfly shaped and is located on the front of the neck. Problems with this organ can cause the development of a number of diseases, including hypertension, arrhythmias, neuroses and depression. Lack or excess of hormones provoke dermatitis, obesity and hair loss. What foods harm the thyroid gland, nutritionist Nata Gonchar told Wday.ru.

Nata Gonchar is President of the Association of Nutritionists and Health Coaches (ANCH) and founder of the International Institute of Integrative Nutrition (IINS).

The thyroid gland is called the “conductor of the body”. For its full functioning, iodine, selenium and the amino acid tyrosine are necessary – without these substances, the synthesis of hormones produced in the gland is disrupted: T3 (triiodothyronine), T4 (thyroxine), TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone).

According to the expert, in order to correct thyroid disorders, it is necessary to improve nutrition and exclude foods that can provoke hormonal disorders in the body. We are talking about fatty, rich broths, fatty meats and poultry (pork, lamb, duck meat). Also under the ban were sausages, sausages and sausages. Dairy products and gluten-containing products, offal and animal fats, as well as smoked meats loved by many, can provoke problems with the thyroid gland.

Those who have a problem with this organ should be careful about pasta, semolina and rice groats, limit sauces, fast food and semi-finished products.

Vegetables and greens with a high content of oxalic acid can adversely affect the functioning of the thyroid gland: beets, celery, sorrel, spinach, rhubarb, parsley. And also – soy in any form, including products with soy protein, since soy contains phytoestrogens that disrupt the functioning of the gland.

You can’t drink tea or coffee with cakes with such problems either – these items are also on the anti-list. Do not forget about alcohol and store-bought juices: of course, they are not useful to anyone, but especially for people with thyroid problems.

— Replace purchased drinks, tea and coffee with a healthy alternative: homemade compotes, fruit drinks, freshly squeezed vegetable and fruit juices. It is also necessary to limit the use of sunflower, soybean and corn oil, replacing them with olive or flaxseed. Starchy vegetables – potatoes, corn, beets, squash and zucchini, legumes and mushrooms – are also better to eat less often, the nutritionist believes.

With hyperthyroidism , when the thyroid gland produces too many hormones, iodine is contraindicated. Therefore, foods rich in iodine should be avoided (for example, sea fish and seafood, seaweed and iodized salt). Include high-fiber foods and enough water in your diet, this will allow you to remove metabolic products from the body and muffle your appetite. It is better to eat with hyperthyroidism often and fractionally. And it is preferable to cook for a couple or in the oven.

In case of hypothyroidism (low function of the thyroid gland), it is important to eat foods rich in iodine, such as seafood (seaweed, shrimp, mussels, crabs), sea fish (salmon, salmon, pink salmon, tuna). Increase the amount of sour-milk and whole grain cereals, fruits and berries, vegetables, herbs and walnuts in your menu.

— The thyroid gland is an important organ in the human endocrine system, which is responsible for the metabolism and synthesis of hormones in the body. Adequate nutrition, physical activity and healthy sleep will help maintain the health of the gland. A proper diet without harmful products will improve the functional state of the body, help to establish the synthesis of hormones and protect against the development of diseases of the endocrine system, says Nata Gonchar.

Our thyroid gland really doesn’t like some things, says Prof. Mikhail Kutushov. Some of them may seem quite harmless to you. But this is only at first glance.

Understanding what habits can destroy the thyroid gland.

When you close, endure inconvenience, accept everything that you would like to reject, then this is the suppression of emotions. Unfulfilled plans, loss of interest in life, discrepancy between desires and opportunities – everything that you blame yourself for harms. The negative affects the nervous system, the work of organs, including the thyroid gland.

Calorie deficiency and prolonged fasting destroy our body.

“Hunger lasting up to 36 hours does not have a harmful effect on this organ, if it is longer, the thyroid gland can begin to live its own separate life,” explains Mikhail Kutushov.

It would seem that if you completely refuse food for a couple of days, you can easily and simply lose weight. But experts are categorically against such a radical approach, which, by the way, is a bad helper in losing weight. What dangerous consequences will overtake you after a while, you can read here.

More habits for which this small but important organ will not thank you, you will find in this review.

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What foods are dangerous for the thyroid gland

The thyroid gland is a very important, but also very fragile organ: an improper diet can disrupt its functioning in just a few months. We tell you which foods are the most harmful to the health of the thyroid gland.

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Algae & Laminaria

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

These products contain a lot of iodine – almost more than any other. And most often this is good: iodine is necessary for the thyroid gland to work actively and produce thyroid-stimulating hormones. But in cases where you have hyperthyroidism or simply the content of thyroid hormones is at the upper limit of normal, it is better to refuse foods with a high content of iodine – otherwise the iron will work too actively.

Cabbage

Not only cabbage, but all cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, rutabaga) can be dangerous for thyroid health. The fact is that the specific substances that cruciferous are rich in can affect how the thyroid gland processes iodine and disrupt its function. However, only raw vegetables are dangerous: after even minimal heat treatment, you can safely eat them.

Soy

Soy and its products interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormones. If you have diagnosed thyroid disease, you should definitely give up soy, but even if your level of thyroid-stimulating hormones is just at the lower limit of normal, it is better to eat soy and products from it as little as possible.

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Gluten

To date, there is no evidence that switching to a gluten-free diet can improve thyroid health unless the patient has celiac disease, a condition in which the body cannot tolerate gluten. But it is patients with thyroid diseases that make up a significant part of those who suffer from celiac disease. So if you have been diagnosed with thyroid disorders for the first time, check whether the body tolerates gluten well.

Sugar

Sugar itself does not affect thyroid function, but it may increase the risk of type 2 diabetes, which people with thyroid disease are already prone to. So limiting sugar is desirable if your thyroid is out of order.

Salt

Salt by itself is not dangerous for the thyroid gland – its excess is harmful. Therefore, control the amount of sodium and pay special attention to foods that may contain hidden salt.

Processed meat

The additives carrageenan and polysorbate 80, which are commonly found in processed meat products, can provoke the development of autoimmune diseases, including thyroid disease. In addition, processed meat increases the risk of type 2 diabetes.

Some types of fish

Tuna, mackerel, swordfish – these types of fish are best avoided. The fact is that this fish contains a high content of mercury, which is similar in chemical composition to iodine and therefore is actively absorbed by the thyroid gland and can accumulate in the body for a long time.