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Home Blog Diagnostics Foods to Avoid in Thyroid

Foods to Avoid in Thyroid

By Dr. Mayuri Pandey +2 more

check_circle Medically reviewed by Dr. Mayuri Pandey

Last updated: Nov 24, 2023

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Table of Contents

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.¹The following four conditions can negatively impact your thyroid: hypothyroidism (thyroid that is underactive), hyperthyroidism (thyroid that is overactive), goiter (enlarged thyroid), and thyroid tumours.²For 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. Following foods should be avoided if an individual has thyroid issues and they are on thyroid medications:

Hypothyroidism	Hyperthyroidism
Soy: The intake of soy in any form in hypothyroid patients interferes with the absorption of thyroid hormone. This reduced absorption might lead to negligible or no therapeutic effect of the thyroid hormone medication.⁴	Food rich in iodine: Common salt, seafood, eggs are rich in iodine, it can make hyperthyroidism worse.^5,6
Cruciferous vegetables and cabbage: These vegetables when eaten raw in large quantities cause hypothyroidism. This is because of a chemical released from these vegetables that competes with the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland.⁴ Milk: Milk being calcium-rich prevents the body from absorbing thyroid medicine. A minimum gap of 4 hours should be ensured between the intake of milk and thyroid medications. If you take skimmed milk, the calcium content is still high.⁶	Sugars and refined carbohydrates: A diet high in refined sugars and carbohydrates can lead to energy fluctuations, weight gain associated with hyperthyroidism. It is generally beneficial to focus on whole, unprocessed foods and choose complex carbohydrates over refined ones.⁷ Kelp: It should be avoided since it may interfere with thyroid health and function. Seaweed-derived kelp has a high iodine content. It has no health benefits for people with thyroid dysfunction, much like iodine itself.⁶
Cassava: It is found that this root vegetable produces toxins which negatively affect the already underactive thyroid gland.⁴	Caffeine: Caffeine can worsen symptoms such as high body temperature, palpitations, and anxiety. Therefore, it is often recommended to reduce or avoid caffeine-containing beverages like coffee, tea, energy drinks, and some sodas.⁸
Fluoride-containing salt and water: Flouride-treated salt or water should not be used in food as it can be toxic to hypothyroidism patients.⁹	Brassicas (cabbage, cauliflower, kale): It can cause goitre, which is an enlargement of the thyroid gland.⁶
Food containing iron: Absorption of thyroid medication may be hampered by foods rich in iron. Some medical professionals advise waiting four hours between consuming foods and supplements containing iron and the medication. Iron may be present in some multivitamin tablets.⁶

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 in any thyroid condition you may have. The NHS Eatwell Guide suggests that you attempt to:

Prepare meals including higher-fibre containing starchy foods like potatoes and rice.
Consume at least five pieces of a variety of fruits and vegetables every day.
Provide certain substitutes for dairy or milk.
Eat some meat, beans, lentils, and other sources of protein.
Select unrefined oils and spreads and consume them sparingly.
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 the 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, MD

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

FAQs

What is the normal size of the thyroid?

The thyroid gland approximately measures 02 inches long.²

Is vegan diet helpful in hypothyroidism?

Maintaining a vegan diet is linked with protection in hypothyroidism patients.¹⁰

Is it possible to survive without a thyroid?

You can indeed survive without a thyroid.²

What is the normal thyroid-stimulating hormone level?

A TSH blood test’s typical range is from 0.5 to 5.0 mIU/L (IU-International units).²

Which test is used to detect thyroid diseases?

Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test is a test that measures your thyroid hormone levels.²

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.