What Foods Make Thyroid Worse?

You may have already heard about gluten and wheat as potential causes of thyroid dysfunction. This type of food contains a protein called gluten, which triggers inflammation and immune system dysfunction. It is important to avoid these types of foods for optimal thyroid function. In addition to causing inflammation, gluten also promotes fatty liver, which can aggravate a sluggish thyroid.

Iodine-rich foods

Seafood and dairy are among the foods high in iodine. Yogurt is especially high in this mineral, and one cup of plain, low-fat yoghurt contains about 37.5 mcg per 100 grams. Other foods high in iodine are non -fat Greek yogurt and egg yolks. You can also get iodine from three ounces of cooked oysters, and twenty-six mcg from two hard -boiled eggs.

Many fruits and vegetables contain iodine. However, iodine levels in foods differ significantly. For example, organic fruits and vegetables contain higher levels of iodine than conventionally grown foods. Wild -caught fish and cage-free eggs also contain more iodine than conventionally produced fish. Eating more iodine-rich foods can help you prevent a deficiency in thyroid hormone.

Soy

Some research suggests that soy can negatively impact thyroid function. It contains phytochemicals called goitrogens, which can affect thyroid hormone production. One study in 2016 found that high soy intake was associated with elevated levels of thyroid- stimulating hormone (TSH), which is a sign of an underactive thyroid. Despite this potential health risk, the findings should not prevent you from increasing your soy intake.

Although the connection between soy and thyroid dysfunction is not completely clear, it is best to avoid soy for hypothyroidism sufferers. It interferes with the absorption of thyroid medications and can worsen symptoms. In case you have a mild case of hypothyroidism, however, soy is safe to consume for about three hours before and one hour after your medication. Furthermore, soy has been linked to decreased fertility in both men and women, and may trigger early puberty and interfere with the development of fetuses.

Processed foods

Processed foods have a high amount of sodium, which can negatively affect the thyroid. These foods contain food additives that don’t exist in nature. They are especially bad for people who have thyroid problems. Processed foods also increase blood pressure. Fortunately, there are ways to avoid processed foods altogether.

One of the worst processed foods for thyroid health is refined sugar. It triggers the overproduction of insulin and the release of the stress hormone cortisol. Consuming sugary products will cause blood sugar levels to spike, triggering the pancreas to release massive amounts of insulin. When blood sugar levels drop, the adrenal glands release cortisol, which further compromises thyroid health.

Processed foods are also high in sodium, which is bad for people with hyperthyroidism. The excess sodium will make the thyroid gland hyperactive and the symptoms of hyperthyroidism will become worse. Also, processed foods are high in fibre, which is useful for bowel movement, but not so great for the thyroid gland. The recommended intake of fibre is 25 to 38 grams a day, but any higher will have negative effects on your digestive system and interfere with the absorption of medicines.