Avoid These Foods If You Have Thyroid Gland Issues
Have you ever heard of goitrogens? These are the substances that ‘live’ in some types of food and are bad for your thyroid gland. Well, actually, if you already don’t have any problems with the functioning of your thyroid gland (hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism) these foods won’t bother you at all. Usually, those foods are considered as healthy foods, but only for people without thyroid problems.
Therefore, avoid these foods if you know that your thyroid gland is malfunctioning since they will make the situation even worse:
- Cabbage
- Spinach
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussel sprouts
- Turnips
- Cauliflower
- Radishes
- Soy
- Mustard and Mustard greens
Avoiding doesn’t actually mean that you shouldn’t eat them at all; just be careful and take them moderately.
Now, it is important for you to understand the facts listed beneath.
Why is thyroid gland important?
It is one of the largest glands in the endocrine system and is placed in the neck, below the cartilage. Thyroid gland normally has a shape of a butterfly and lies up against the trachea and larynx. Its ‘duty’ is to control how our body responds to other hormones. It makes certain proteins and controls how fast our body uses its energy. Long story short – the thyroid gland monitors our body’s response to hormones and influences our mood, body temperature, and metabolic rate.
How do goitrogens work?
Generally, goitrogens inhibit iodine metabolism, which is important in the formation of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4). If iodine fails to be adequately taken by the thyroid gland, then the formation of thyroid hormones won’t happen. It is more than obvious that this is a bad thing for people with hypothyroidism— they already have problems with the production of thyroid hormones even without consuming goitrogens.
Some goitrogenic foods are not so bad
While it is advisable that anyone with a thyroid malfunction minimizes the intake of goitrogens (in some cases even completely stop consuming them), some goitrogenic foods are worse than others. For example, the cruciferous vegetables are generally very healthy. Therefore, eating cruciferous vegetables on an occasional basis for someone with hypothyroidism is not a bad thing.
On the other hand, a lot of research has proven that soy is not actually so good for us. Even though people who don’t suffer from a thyroid disorder are unlikely to develop this disease by consuming goitrogens, soy might be an exception to this. To be more precise, it has been proven that eating soy frequently can potentially lead to numerous health problems.
Some of the goitrogenic foods mentioned above are considered mildly goitrogenic, for example, spinach, strawberries, and peaches. Additionally, it is important to mention that some recent studies suggest that cooking these foods may destroy their goitrogenic activity, so you better cook it a bit than eat it raw.
Gluten-related issues
Guten sensitivity contributes to a wide range of autoimmune responses. Even though celiac disease is the one for which gluten is mostly blamed, gluten sensitivity also goes hand-in-hand with autoimmune thyroid disease. By eliminating gluten from your diet, your overall state may improve. If you suffer from autoimmune thyroid it means that it is necessary for you to eliminate foods which contain gluten. Those are mostly wheat, barley, and rye. Even going to a completely gluten-free diet is a good decision in this case.
Hyperthyroidism vs. Hypothyroidism
Some researchers suggest that people with hyperthyroidism should eat a lot of goitrogenic foods since it reduces the amount of produced hormone (they suffer from overproduction). Still, others say that this is not advisable. Yes, someone with a hyperthyroid condition can eat more goitrogens compared to someone who has hypothyroidism, but he should not overdo it. This is because simply taking goitrogenic foods will not cure the hyperthyroid condition itself. Rather, it will affect its symptoms and thus mask the actual illness.
To conclude, if you have hypothyroidism, you definitely have to be careful with the consumption of goitrogenic foods. On the other hand, if you suffer from a hyperthyroid disorder, you should not intentionally consume lots of goitrogenic foods in order to inhibit thyroid activity since this will not solve the actual problem but mask it.
More in Nutrition & Weight Loss
-
`
AI’s Hidden Toll on Our Brains
Artificial Intelligence (AI) has permeated almost every facet of our lives, from virtual assistants and recommendation algorithms to autonomous vehicles and...
October 24, 2023 -
`
What to Drink During a Workout
When it comes to getting the most out of your workout, proper hydration is key. What you drink during exercise can...
October 17, 2023 -
`
Wearable Technology Applications in Healthcare
The world of healthcare is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and wearable technology is one of the driving forces behind this...
October 10, 2023 -
`
Initiating and Integrating Exercise in Daily Life
Incorporating exercise into our daily lives is essential for maintaining optimal health and well-being. However, initiating a fitness routine and seamlessly...
October 10, 2023 -
`
Jason Momoa’s Workout Routine for Iconic Aquaman Look
We all remember the moment: The big screen lights up, waves crash, and out emerges Jason Momoa as Aquaman, with his...
October 8, 2023 -
`
Crying: The Benefits on Mental Health
In a world that often champions stoicism and emotional restraint, shedding tears is sometimes dismissed as a sign of vulnerability. However,...
September 26, 2023 -
`
The Benefits of Working Out After 40
As we age, our bodies undergo various changes that can impact our overall health and well-being. However, maintaining an active lifestyle...
September 21, 2023 -
`
Common Workout Mistakes We All Make
Embarking on a fitness journey is a commendable step towards a healthier lifestyle. However, the path to achieving your fitness goals...
September 14, 2023 -
`
Tia CEO Carolyn Witte Is Revolutionizing Women’s Health Care
Women’s health care has always been a hot topic in the medical industry. Many women are uncomfortable visiting male doctors, while...
September 10, 2023
You must be logged in to post a comment Login