Foods to Avoid in Thyroid

Thyroid and its Types

The thyroid is a gland that secretes hormones, it controls the way the body utilizes energy. Activities like breathing, heart rate, body weight, and metabolism are affected by thyroid hormones. An imbalance in the production of these hormones can result in thyroid diseases.¹ The following four conditions can negatively impact your thyroid: hypothyroidism (thyroid that is underactive), hyperthyroidism (thyroid that is overactive), goiter (enlarged thyroid), and thyroid tumours.² For the sake of this blog, we will discuss hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism mainly. 

Difference Between Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism

The two conditions are categorized based on the quantity of thyroid hormones produced.

• If your thyroid gland is not producing enough thyroid hormones then you are suffering from hypothyroidism. This condition impacts metabolism by slowing it down making it hard to tolerate extreme cold.³
• On the other hand, if thyroid glands are synthesizing thyroid hormones in excess amounts, then it is referred to as hyperthyroidism. Here, the person has a higher metabolism and they cannot withstand warm climates.³

It is evident that both conditions have an opposite impact on the patient and therefore, one should deal with them separately. Now that we have understood the fundamental point of differences between the two, this blog shall cohesively provide information regarding foods that should be avoided in hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism respectively.

Food Sources that Should be Avoided

Food choices and lifestyle have a greater impact on thyroid diseases. The following foods should be avoided if an individual has thyroid issues and they are on thyroid medications:

In addition to cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli, turnips are believed to increase auto-immune thyroid illness, reduced thyroid hormone T4 absorption, and thyroid hormone action difficulties. Hence, I recommend avoiding the consumption of turnips when having a thyroid condition.

Dr. Rajeev Singh, BAMS

Food that can Act as Replacements

Meals and nutritional supplements play an important role during your recovery and maintenance of any thyroid condition you may have. The NHS Eatwell Guide suggests that you attempt to: 

1. Prepare meals including higher-fibre containing starchy foods like potatoes and rice.
2. Consume at least five pieces of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
3. Provide certain substitutes for dairy or milk.
4. Eat some meat, beans, lentils, and other sources of protein.
5. Select unrefined oils and spreads and consume them sparingly.
6. Hydrate yourself well (at least 6 to 8 glasses of plain water a day).⁶

There are certain vitamins or trace elements found to be beneficial in thyroid diseases. After taking the doctor’s advice, one can consider the following food to be added to their diet: 

• Vitamin D: Although the connection between thyroid diseases and low vitamin D levels has been suggested by certain research, it is not entirely evident and may simply be coincidental.
• Selenium: It is believed that this aids in thyroid function and is present in Brazil nuts, tuna, sardines, eggs, and legumes (such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils). All these foods are suggested as components of a wholesome balanced diet. 
• Zinc: It is believed that this, which is present in shellfish, cattle, poultry, and legumes (such as beans, chickpeas, and lentils), aids in thyroid function. All these foods are suggested as components of a wholesome balanced diet.⁶

According to some studies, avoiding gluten may help the gut absorb thyroid drugs more effectively and reduce inflammation. Wheat, barley, oats, and rye all contain the protein known as gluten. I recommend a gluten-free diet required for those who have digestive disorders.

Dr. Siddharth Gupta, B.A.M.S M.D (Ayu)

Conclusion

Thyroid problems can be dealt with multifactorial approach. Along with the course of medications, one must also ensure that they are consuming a diet that favours thyroid gland improvement and helps in slowing down the disease condition. In addition to the above-mentioned foods, one must always look out for a doctor’s assistance in maintaining a thyroid-friendly diet. Lead, cadmium, chromium, manganese, and fluoride are some trace elements that are toxic to the thyroid gland and many other organs, these elements elicit hypothyroidism condition and worsen the condition. Therefore, special emphasis should be placed on the food that is being consumed by the thyroid patient.⁹

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Disclaimer: The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional. Because of unique individual needs, the reader should consult their physician to determine the appropriateness of the information for the reader’s situation.

References:

1. Thyroid Problems | Hypothyroidism | Hyperthyroidism | MedlinePlus [Internet]. Available from: https://medlineplus.gov/thyroiddiseases.html
2. Thyroid: What It Is, Function & Problems [Internet]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/body/23188-thyroid
3. Hypothyroidism: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Medication [Internet]. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/12120-hypothyroidism
4. Foods to Avoid if You Have Thyroid Issues – Cleveland Clinic [Internet]. Available from: https://health.clevelandclinic.org/thyroid-issues-what-you-need-to-know-about-diet-and-supplements/
5. Iodine Deficiency | American Thyroid Association [Internet]. Available from: https://www.thyroid.org/iodine-deficiency/
6. Thyroid and diet factsheet [Internet]. Available from: https://www.btf-thyroid.org/thyroid-and-diet-factsheet
7. The sweet danger of sugar – Harvard Health [Internet]. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/the-sweet-danger-of-sugar
8. Caffeine – Better Health Channel [Internet]. Available from: https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/healthyliving/caffeine
9. Nutritional Management of Thyroiditis of Hashimoto – PMC [Internet]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9101513/
10. Vegan diets and hypothyroidism – PubMed [Internet]. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24264226/

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for educational/awareness purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical treatment by a healthcare professional and should not be relied upon to diagnose or treat any medical condition. The reader should consult a registered medical practitioner to determine the appropriateness of the information before consuming any medication. PharmEasy does not provide any guarantee or warranty (express or implied) regarding the accuracy, adequacy, completeness, legality, reliability, or usefulness of the information; and disclaims any liability arising thereof.

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