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 the 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 most of the time they become obese.
The problem of hypothyroidism cannot be prevented, but it is curable. You should see the doctor regularly and take the proper amount of medicine. Despite taking supplements, some rules must 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 disrupt 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, collard greens, mustard greens, radishes, turnip greens, watercress, etc. These vegetables are rich in goitrogens.
• Vegetables rich in thiocyanates such as bamboo, cassava, corn, flax, broad beans, sweet potatoes, etc.
2. Gluten-rich foods:
• Try to avoid grains and starches like wheat, wheat germ, rye, barley, bulgur, graham flour, farina, etc. However, you can have gluten-free grains such as brown rice, wild rice, rice cakes, rice noodles, crispy rice, buckwheat, amaranth, quinoa, oatmeal, cereals, etc. You can also enjoy pastas and baked goods made with these gluten-free grains.
3. Fruit:
• Peaches
• pears
• Strawberries
4. Nuts and Beans:
• Soy
• Soy sauce
• peanuts
• Flax
• Pinions
• Darling
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 listed above include goitrogens, which are chemicals that can prevent the thyroid from producing essential thyroid hormones properly, especially when eaten raw.
• Avoid goitrogen-rich foods: Goitrogen-rich foods 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.
• Be aware of 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 causing 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 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 mounts an attack on the protein. Since the thyroid has a similar molecular structure, your immune system begins to attack your thyroid.
• Avoid polyunsaturated fats (PUFAs): 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 spirits 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 the body and convert T4 to T3.
However, cooking, soaking, fermenting, or boiling foods rich in goitrogen, cyanide, and thiocyanate inactivates their antithyroid properties. Researchers at the University of Maryland reported that cooking slightly decreases the thyroid effect of these vegetables. Therefore, 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. Therefore, try to avoid soy foods like soybean oil, soy milk, soybeans, etc. as much as possible from your diet.
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.