Hypothyroidism can be a disorder that’s very difficult to manage, and what you consume as part of your regular diet can have an impact on your condition. While some foods will influence the way that the thyroid gland functions, others will limit your body’s ability to absorb replacement hormones that you can take as part of a thyroid treatment. Though there isn’t a specific diet that will cure your symptoms, there are at least 11 foods to avoid when you suffer from hypothyroidism if you want to ensure that you don’t make your condition worse.
1. Soy
The first, and most commonly cited item on the list of 11 foods to avoid when you suffer from hypothyroidism is soybean. Soy contains a plant version of a common female hormone called estrogen, which sometimes changes the ability to make thyroid hormones. Thus, it could trigger hypothyroidism or make it worsen.
2. Cruciferous Vegetables
Leafy green vegetables can be good for you, but broccoli and cabbage, as well as other similar veggies might alter the way that the body produces the thyroid hormones, particularly for people who have a deficiency in iodine.
3. Gluten
People who suffer from hypothyroidism should limit their intake of gluten, which is the protein that’s found in processed foods rich in barley, wheat, and other grains.
4. Fatty Foods
Fats have long been thought to have an impact on the way that the body absorbs the thyroid hormone replacement medicines that are used to treat hypothyroidism. Fats can also limit the ability of the body to produce the right hormones.
5. Sugary Foods
Another important addition to our list of 11 foods to avoid when you suffer from hypothyroidism are sugary foods. Hypothyroidism is a condition that can cause the metabolism of the body to slow down. This means that it can be easier to put on extra pounds if you aren’t cautious with your diet.
6. Processed Foods
Many processed foods are rich in sodium, a substance that people with hypothyroidism should avoid. Underactive thyroids increase people’s risk for higher-than-normal blood pressure, and excessive sodium can increase this risk even more.
7. Excessive Fiber
Getting plenty of fiber is important, but too much can cause problems with your hypothyroidism treatment. To keep everything working properly, stick to no more than 25 or 30 grams of fiber a day.
8. Coffee
Research suggests that coffee may block the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement drugs. Make sure that you wait for at least 30 minutes before drinking coffee after taking your medication.
9. Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol can damage hormone levels in the body and also have a negative impact on the thyroid. Alcohol is a toxin that suppresses the body’s ability to use the hormone produced by the thyroid.
10. Flaxseed
Flaxseed, like soy, is very rich in substances called phytoestrogens, which are plant based estrogens. This means that it’s not good for people with hypothyroidism.
11. Grapefruit
The last on our list of 11 foods to avoid when you suffer from hypothyroidism is grapefruit, which can interfere with intestinal absorption of thyroid medication, with the result of reducing the blood levels of these drugs.
