When you’re diagnosed with hypothyroidism, it means your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones to meet your body’s needs. The thyroid hormone is designed to help manage the body’s metabolism, so people with thyroid problems also have issues metabolizing their food.
With an underactive thyroid gland, you’ll likely experience several symptoms, like fatigue, weight gain, a puffy face, more sensitivity to cold, dry skin, impaired memory, and depression. It can also be worsened by eating certain foods and hamper the thyroid’s ability to produce the necessary hormones. Here are seven foods and drinks that wellness programs in Surrey recommend not to eat when dealing with hypothyroidism:
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
While eating vegetables is good for you, cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and cabbage can interfere with your thyroid hormone production, particularly if you struggle with an iodine deficiency. Even though they’re full of essential nutrients and fibre, they can block the thyroid’s ability to use iodine, which is crucial for functioning properly. It’s best to limit your intake of these vegetables, along with kale, turnips, and Brussels sprouts.
2. Gluten
Gluten is a protein found in many foods that contain rye, barley, wheat, and other grains. Such high-fibre foods can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication, so it’s best to avoid gluten if possible. However, if you choose to eat gluten, be sure to choose whole-grain varieties instead of white or refined ones. These can reduce bowel irregularity, a common symptom people with hypothyroidism experience.
3. Sugary Foods
Foods high in sugar are generally bad for you, but this is especially true for those with hypothyroidism. Since you don’t have enough thyroid hormones, your metabolism is much slower than average, which sugary foods exacerbate. Unfortunately, despite how delicious your favourite sugary snacks are, you’ll have to eliminate this from your diet to avoid worsening your symptoms.
4. Fried and Fatty Foods
Like sugary foods, fried and fatty foods interfere with the body’s ability to absorb thyroid medication. It can also disrupt the thyroid’s production of hormones. It’s best to completely cut fried food from your diet and reduce your consumption of butter, margarine, mayonnaise, and fatty meat.
5. Frozen, Processed Foods
Processed foods are often incredibly delicious, but they’re also very high in salt. Underactive thyroids increase the risk of having high blood pressure, which too much sodium can worsen. It’s best to restrict your sodium consumption, so avoid the frozen aisle at the supermarket to prevent any hypothyroidism complications from arising.
6. Alcohol
Having a glass or two once in a while is usually harmless, although hypothyroidism changes the situation completely. It can disrupt your thyroid’s ability to produce hormones while upsetting your body’s thyroid hormone levels, worsening your condition.
Alcohol has a hazardous effect on the thyroid while impeding your body’s usage of the hormone. While you can drink in moderation, it’s best to cut this beverage out completely.
7. Coffee
Although you may need your morning perk-me-up through a nice, hot cup of joe, this can also obstruct your body’s absorption of thyroid hormone replacements. People struggling with hypothyroidism must take their medications only with water to avoid any adverse effects; otherwise, they’ll risk wildly varying thyroid levels. While it’s best to look for alternative caffeine sources, you can also wait at least 30 minutes after taking your medication to have coffee.
Conclusion
Hypothyroidism can affect your quality of life, as it has a wide range of physiological effects that impact everything from how you eat, sleep, and stay comfortable. By avoiding these foods and beverages, you’ll prevent flare-ups and worsening symptoms, helping you enjoy a healthier lifestyle.
Health Optimizing Langley uses state-of-the-art technology to measure cell activity and inflammation responses for clients in Surrey. Our wellness programs work to help in the treatment of illnesses, particularly Hashimoto disease. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
