These 12 Foods Can Worsen Thyroid Issues

Thyroid is a hormone producing gland located in the middle of the neck. Thyroid gland produces an important hormone called thyroxin. It regulates your body's temperature, maintains proper weight and metabolism, heart rate, and production of energy. Its optimal function is vital for your overall health and well-being.

There are some foods to be avoided in hypothyroidism that we will discuss today. Hypothyroidism(under active thyroid gland) means when thyroid hormone is produced in less amounts by the thyroid gland than needed by your body.

12 Signs Your Thyroid Is Not Working

Hypothyroid is most common among women. In pregnant women, it can be a cause of miscarriage or weak brain in new born babies. It's symptoms include weight gain, fatigue, depression, dry skin and hair, mood swings, irregular periods(women), puffy face, headache, dizziness, forgetfulness, cold hand and feet, hot flashes, felling of extreme cold or heat in winters and summers respectively.

If you are diagnosed with hypothyroid, then you have to cautious with the diet you have. Apart from having medication you need to follow a diet chart showing the list foods to avoid with thyroid problems.

Home Remedies To Keep Thyroid Disease At Bay

Here are some foods that should be avoided in hypothyroidism. Have a look at list of foods to avoid if hypothyroid is diagnosed.

Broccoli And Cabbage (Cruciferous Vegetables)

These are first line foods not to eat for low thyroid. People who have an iodine deficiency hypothyroidism should avoid cruciferous vegetables. Thyroid gland needs iodine to produce thyroid hormone. These vegetables can inhibit iodine uptake by thyroid gland (especially when eaten raw). Therefore people with hypothyroidism should avoid vegetables like brussels, cauliflower, turnips, broccoli, sprouts and cabbage.

Wheat, Rye And Barley (Containing Gluten)

Foods to avoid with thyroid problems include the foods having gluten. If you are going th purchase a bread, check whether it is free of gluten. It is found in foods such as wheat, rye and barley and other grains. Many people are allergic to gluten and if you are suffering from hypothyroid then it may decrease the absorption of your thyroid medication.

Fast Foods

They contain bad fats and they decrease the thyroid glands ability to produce thyroxin hormone. Limit the amount of fried and processed foods. They also decrease the action of your thyroid medications.

Mayonnaise And Butter

These are one of the thyroid inhibiting foods you should avoid. Fatty foods such as butter, mayonnaise and animal fats should be avoided as they also decrease the amount of thyroid hormone produced by thyroid gland

Soy And Millet

It is rich in plant hormone called phytoestrogen. A research has shown that high level of estrogen can decrease the ability of thyroid gland to produce thyroxin. So, it is not a good choice for those diagnosed with hypothyroidism. If you still want to have it, take it in moderate amounts.

Sweet Potato And Corn

Foods such as corn, flax, lima beans, sweet potato contain sulfur. These vegetables stop the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland. Iodine is essential for the synthesis of thyroxin hormone.

Apricots, Cranberries And Onions

Foods such as cranberries, onions, tea, broccoli, red wine, apples, grapes, blueberries, gingko biloba, and apricots are not good for patients with hypothyroidism as they contain quercetin. These foods also decrease the ability of thyroid gland to take up iodine and produce thyroxin hormone. They also prevent the activation of thyroid hormone in the liver.

Artificial Sugar

These are one of the foods to eat for thyroid disease. Since hypothyroidism decreases body's metabolism, it becomes difficult for your body to burn the calories of excess sugar you are having in the form of sugar cookies, pastries, candies etc. You will end up putting on more weight and will hamper the activity of your thyroid gland.

Excess Fiber

Intake of excess fiber found in foods such as legumes, whole grains, fruits and vegetables can interfere with your thyroid medications that you are taking in the digestive system. Limit the amount of fiber in your diet but don't avoid it completely as it is also important for your health.

Coffee And Energy Drinks

It is found in coffee, energy drinks and soft drinks. Caffeine decreases the action of thyroid medication in your body by decreasing its absorption from the digestive system. Avoid coffee in morning and that too with your thyroid medication.

Avoid Calcium Foods With Your Thyroid Medications

Calcium supplements or calcium containing foods such as milk should not be taken simultaneously with your thyroid medication as it decreases the action of your medication. You can have your calcium supplement after a time gap of four hours or more.

Alcohol

It has a disastrous effect on your thyroid gland. It decreases the ability of thyroid gland to produce thyroxin hormone and also decreases the utilisation of the thyroid hormone by your body.