It is important to keep a constant watch on your nutrition. With or without the presence of thyroid problems, it is essential to monitor what you are eating.
In thyroid conditions, several foods are recommended or are entirely eliminated from the diet. Doctors will usually tell you about the food groups which you can or cannot eat. The nutrition given to hypo and hyperthyroid patients are different. To educate you on the matter, here are some of the foods that help and foods that are detrimental for your thyroid condition.
Knowing Goitrogens
Goitrogens are food substances which prevent the thyroid gland from functioning properly. It blocks the uptake of iodine which is very essential for hypothyroid patients. It also grows your goiter because the thyroid gland has to compensate in size to increase iodine uptake. Iodine is needed for the production and release of thyroid hormones in the body. It is also one of the main minerals that help in cellular metabolism.
Derived from the word “goiter”, Goitrogens contribute to the enlargement of your glands. If the gland experiences difficulty in releasing thyroid hormones, it can enlarge to compensate for the deficiency. Through avoidance of these Goitrogens and through proper food preparation, one can prevent aggravating the thyroid condition.
Are Goitrogens Totally Harmful?
Goitrogens are not harmful foods for the body. But if taken in large amounts, the patient with a thyroid condition may aggravate his own condition. These Goitrogens are actually healthy substances that can help fight off cancer. But these foods have to be prepared correctly so its Goitrogenic component will not be released. Through help and advice from your doctors, you will know which foods to avoid.
The Goitrogens
Most Goitrogens are a member of the Brassica family. Here are some of the most popular Goitrogens sold on the market: broccoli, cabbage, mustard, kale, turnips, peanuts, millet, pine nuts, soy, rape seed, brussels sprouts, and cauliflower. Fruits like peaches and strawberries also may not be healthy for the patient with a thyroid condition. Among all these Goitrogens, the unhealthiest of all is Soy.
Although soy is an important part of our diet, it is not a good choice of food for patients with thyroid conditions. The isoflavone content in Soy may not be beneficial for the ill patient. Although not yet proven, Soy is advised to be avoided in patients with thyroid problems.
Foods to Avoid In Hypothyroidism
It is important to comply with a healthy diet so hypothyroidism can be avoided. Here are some of the foods you should avoid if you have the disease:
- Broccoli, mustard greens, soybeans, kale, cassava root, cabbage, turnips, peanuts, millet and pine nuts. The body’s ability to use iodine is disrupted because of these food choices. But if these foods are cooked, their goitrogenic element is offset. You can still eat these foods in minimal amounts so you won’t develop problems from your hypothyroid condition. Brussels sprouts, spinach, pears, peaches and strawberries should also be taken in minimal amounts to avoid problems. Refined foods, as well as the processed ones should also be avoided.
- Chlorine found in water, as well as fluoride, should be avoided. They both block the iodine chemical receptors in your body and can therefore cause detrimental changes to your health.
Garlic can also reduce iodine uptake. It should be taken in small amounts to avoid aggravating your hypothyroid state.
Foods That Help In Hypothyroidism
There are plenty of food choices which can help the hypothyroid state. Here are some examples:
- Grains, seaweeds, vegetables, herbs, sprouts, micro algae, spices, omega-3 foods, and legumes. Cooked veggies are also preferred over raw ones. Goitrogens are eliminated in number if the vegetables are cooked before eaten.
- Including the following in your diet may also help your condition: distilled water, raw cheese and milk, chicken and fish, apricots, prunes, dates, parsley and egg yolks.
Foods to Avoid In Hyperthyroidism
Dairy products are to be avoided in hyperthyroid cases. Stimulants like tea, coffee, alcohol, nicotine, and soft drinks should also be avoided because they increase the metabolic rate.
Foods That Help In Hyperthyroidism
It is recommended that you eat lots of brussels sprouts, cauliflower, peaches, pears, cabbage, kale, rutabagas, turnips, spinach and soybeans. They help suppress the thyroid hormone production which is healthy for this condition.