Foods to avoid with hypothyroidism problems
Hypothyroidism is the condition or state in which the thyroid gland does not produce some of the essential thyroid hormones, specifically triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4). The condition is also known as an underactive thyroid problem. The main task of thyroid hormones is to “run the body’s metabolism.” As a result, people with hypothyroid problems suffer from a slow metabolism and people become fat most of the time.
The problem of hypothyroidism cannot be prevented, but it can be cured. You should see your doctor regularly and take the right amount of medicine. Despite taking supplements, some rules should also be followed to control thyroid problems such as quitting smoking, avoiding potassium, excess salt, etc. If you want to cure your thyroid problems naturally or want to control your thyroid gland, you should avoid the following foods. Most of these foods are rich in goitrogens that alter the production of thyroid hormones.
Foods to avoid in hypothyroidism problems:
1. Vegetables:
• Cruciferous vegetables such as arugula, broccoli, bok choy, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, collard greens, kale, mustard greens, radishes, turnips, watercress, etc. These vegetables are rich in goitrogens.
• Vegetables rich in thiocyanates such as bamboo shoots, cassava, corn, flax, beans, sweet potatoes, etc.
2. Foods rich in gluten:
• Try to avoid grains and starches like wheat, wheat germ, rye, barley, bulgur, graham flour, farina, etc. However, you can have gluten-free grains like brown rice, wild rice, rice cakes, rice noodles, crisp rice, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, oatmeal, cereals, etc. You can also enjoy pasta and baked goods made with these gluten-free grains.
3. Fruits:
• Peaches
• Pears
• Strawberries
4. Beans and nuts:
• Soy
• Soy sauce
• Peanuts
• Flax
• Pinions
• Son
5. Oils:
• Canola
• Soy oil
• Linseed oil
• Fish oil
• Safflower oil
• Corn oil
• Vegetable oil
• Seed oils
6. Alcohol
7. Processed foods
8. Others: Raw onion, parsley, chamomile, etc.
Reasons to avoid these foods:
The foods mentioned above include goitrogens, which are chemicals that can prevent the thyroid from producing essential thyroid hormones properly, especially when taken raw.
• Avoid foods rich in goiter: Foods rich in goiter prevent your body from absorbing iodine. It disrupts the functions of the thyroid gland and blocks the growth of thyroid hormones. All types of cruciferous vegetables are rich in two different goitrogens: isothiocyanates and thiocyanates.
• Consider soy protein: Soy protein contains isoflavones, which are the type of phytochemicals that can trigger thyroid antibodies. Create an internal war of inflammation. Isoflavones also block iodine by triggering a goiter. Research published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism reveals that isoflavones found in soy increase hypothyroid problems. The study states that soy converts patients from subclinical hypothyroidism to overt clinical hypothyroidism.
• Stay away from foods rich in gluten.: Research reveals that 90% of thyroid problems are autoimmune. The molecular structure of the thyroid and gliadin, one of the proteins found in gluten, is similar. As a result, when you eat foods rich in gliadin, your immune system attacks the proteins. Since the thyroid has a similar molecular structure, your immune system begins to attack your thyroid.
• Avoid polyunsaturated fats (PUFA): Polyunsaturated fats like flaxseed oil, canola, fish oil, etc. they hinder the proteolytic enzymes involved in the digestion of food. In addition to digesting food, proteolytic enzymes are involved in clot removal, thyroid hormone formation, and many other essential psychological processes.
• Stop drinking alcohol: Alcohols such as beer, wine, and liquor contain phytoestrogens that promote the conversion of testosterone to estrogen through aromatization. Alcohols also reduce progesterone production while increasing prolactin.
• Avoid processed foods and foods that contain sugar: Processed foods and foods that contain sugar cause inflammation in your body and convert T4 to T3.
However, cooking, soaking, fermenting, or boiling foods rich in goiter, cyanide, and thiocyanate inactivates their antithyroid properties. Researchers at the University of Maryland reported that cooking slightly decreases the thyroid effect of these vegetables. So, you can try cooked cabbage or try a baked strawberry cake or jam instead of a fresh raw salad.
On the other hand, cooking does not destroy soy isoflavones. So, try to avoid soy foods like soy oil, soy milk, soy, etc. as much of your diet as possible.
Finally, it can be said that by avoiding these foods, you can minimize your risk. Remember, every time you eat, you are feeding or fighting your thyroid gland. As a result, it will be wise to avoid foods that increase hypothyroid problems.