If You Have Thyroid Problems, Try to Avoid These 5 Foods

The thyroid gland is the largest endocrine gland in the body, featuring two connected lobes. Issues with the thyroid are quite serious and need appropriate treatment.

To ensure overall well-being, it’s essential that your thyroid is healthy too. We suggest embracing a balanced lifestyle, eating a nutritious diet, and steering clear of foods that might be harmful.

So, if you’re grappling with thyroid issues, it’s advised to avoid the following foods:

Fried Foods

Fried foods are high in trans fats, which can interfere with the effectiveness of medications used to treat thyroid disorders. It’s advisable to completely cut out fried foods from your diet. These foods have a detrimental impact on the production of thyroid hormones.

Soy

If you have thyroid problems, you can consume soy, but only in moderation. For those dealing with hypothyroidism and taking medication, soy can affect the benefits of these medicines. It’s recommended to wait at least four hours after taking thyroid medication before consuming soy, allowing each substance to be absorbed by the body effectively.

Gluten

Gluten contains gliadin, a protein foreign to the human body. When you consume gluten, your thyroid health might be at risk. The thyroid has an enzyme, transglutaminase, very similar to gliadin. When you ingest gluten, the immune system attacks both gliadin and transglutaminase. Because of their similarities, the body rejects both, potentially harming the thyroid for up to six months after gluten consumption.

If you have an autoimmune thyroid disease, regular screening for celiac disease and gluten intolerance is advised.

Sugar

It’s crucial to avoid products containing sugar, especially refined sugar, to maintain balanced blood sugar levels and protect those with thyroid issues. Sugary foods can impair pancreatic function and cause insulin resistance, thus endangering the thyroid and the production of its hormones.

Coffee

If your thyroid isn’t healthy, reaching for coffee in the morning might not be the best option. While a small amount isn’t necessarily harmful, excessive coffee can impact the adrenal glands. Overuse should be avoided to maintain thyroid health.

Beneficial Herbs for Thyroid Health

Let’s look at some plants that aid in maintaining thyroid health:

Flaxseeds

Flaxseeds are one of the most accessible solutions for thyroid issues. They are high in fiber, aiding digestion and preventing constipation and the risk of colon cancer. Consuming a teaspoon of flaxseeds daily helps maintain thyroid health.

Ginger

Ginger is renowned for being beneficial to digestion and joint pain relief. But did you know it’s excellent for thyroid issues too? Whether added to food or enjoyed as a tea, ginger provides the thyroid with essential minerals like potassium, magnesium, and zinc to function properly.

Nettles

Like seaweed, nettles supply necessary iodine for optimal thyroid function. Nettle tea is a great method to address both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism.

Liquorice

Opt for this herb if you have an underactive thyroid. It helps combat fatigue, a common symptom of hypothyroidism, and it can also reduce the risk of thyroid cancer.

Evening Primrose

Evening Primrose Oil is widely used for treating premenstrual syndrome and menopause symptoms. This plant also benefits those with hypothyroidism, as it helps alleviate symptoms like hair loss and heavy menstruation.

Seaweed

Seaweed is ideal for individuals with hypothyroidism due to its high iodine content, a crucial element for thyroid health. Consuming seaweed helps supply the thyroid with necessary iodine.

Echinacea

Known for boosting the immune system, echinacea is recommended for treating hyperthyroidism. The root of the plant has a beneficial effect on the gland, so it’s wise to buy echinacea root and boil it in water until it becomes a drink suitable for thyroid treatment.

We’d love to hear from you! Share your thoughts and comments about thyroid-friendly foods and remedies you find effective.