If you've been diagnosed with hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, managing your diet becomes crucial to support your thyroid health. Here's a breakdown of foods to avoid for each condition.
Foods to avoid if diagnosed with hypothyroidism
Soy-Containing Foods:
Soy-rich foods can alter and affect the body's ability to absorb thyroid medication properly. Goitrogens have also been discovered in soy-based food products Goitrogens are the compound that causes the thyroid gland to swell (goitre). Consumption of goitrogens can increase hypothyroidism. people should actively reduce their consumption of soy-based foods. The following foods should be avoided:
- Soya chunks
- Tofu
- Soy milk
Cruciferous Vegetables:
Certain cruciferous vegetables are high in goitrogens. Avoid eating broccoli and spinach, cabbage if you have thyroid problems.
Fried or Fatty Foods:
Avoid eating fried and fatty foods as they can interfere with the thyroid hormone excessive intakes of such food items can interfere with the production of thyroxine hormone which is challenging for a person who has a slow metabolism(Hypothyroidism) this may lead to excessive body weight avoid eating butter. mayonnaise and other fried products.
Foods High in Fibre:
A high-fibrous diet such as legumes, vegetables and some cereal and grains may produce harmful effects on the person affected with hypothyroidism as it can interfere with their digestion and absorption of certain thyroid medications so such food items should be avoided during this condition.
Inflammatory Food to Avoid Hypothyroidism:
Several foods can cause inflammation and should be avoided if a person has hypothyroidism some of the foods are
- Fruits like Strawberries & peaches
- Casavva & sweet potatoes should be avoided
- Foods with high sugar levels and high glycemic index should be avoided that can increase blood sugar level
Other Foods to Avoid During Hypothyroidism:
- Nuts
- Packaged and processed food
- Alcohol
- Health supplements
Here is the summary of all the foods that must be avoided during hypothyroidism in tabulated form:
|
Soy rich foods |
Tofu, soya chunks, soy milk |
|
Cruciferous vegetables |
Cabbage, spinach, cauliflower |
|
Nuts |
Pine nuts, pearl millet, peanuts |
|
Caffeine rich products |
Coffee, black coffee, green tea |
|
Fried/fatty foods |
Butter, red meat, fried food |
|
Supplements |
Vitamin or herbal |
Foods to Avoid if Diagnosed With Hyperthyroidism:
It is a condition in which the thyroid is produced in excessive amounts than normal, A strict diet can help manage this condition
Food That Contains Excessive Amounts of Iodine:
Iodine in food may cause the excess thyroid to be released which can worsen the condition here is a list of some of the food items you should avoid
- Excessive ionised salt
- Egg yolk as it contains iodine
- Chicken
- Fish and seaweed
- Dairy products
- Iodine supplements
Soy-Rich Foods:
Soy-rich food can make the thyroid gland overactive so avoid taking soy oil, soy milk, and tofu are some of the examples.
Caffeine:
Caffeine can increase the heart rate and hyperthyroidism if taken over the limit caffeine can also trigger anxiety and insomnia, While on hyperthyroidism avoid taking such food and refrain from the consumption of soda, black tea & coffee
Foods With Flavoured & Added Sugar:
Too much sugar can be harmful to your health, especially during conditions like Hyperthyroidism where intake can lead to excessive release of the thyroid hormone they can also increase palpitations & Blood sugar levels so Avoid food like pancakes, jelly & packaged food as they contain added sugar like dextrose, fructose that is not good for health.
Gluten:
A diet rich in gluten can increase hyperthyroidism as it is hypoglycemic so avoid taking pasta, rice, and bread as they contain gluten and may also trigger inflammatory reactions.
Other Food Items to Avoid During Hyperthyroidism:
- Avoid dairy like Milk, curd, cheese etc
- Avoid alcohol as it may interfere with the thyroid gland and affect the functioning of these hormone
Here is the summary of all the foods that must be avoided during hyperthyroidism in tabulated form:
|
iodine rich Foods |
Egg yolk, iodinated salts, seaweed, fish, kelp |
|
Soy-based foods |
Miso, soy milk, beans, tofu, |
|
Caffeine |
Coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks, soft drinks, black coffee |
|
Food with added sugar |
Cakes, syrup, jelly, packaged drinks |
|
Gluten rich food |
Pasta, rice, bread |
|
Dairy |
Milk, cheese |
Diagnosis:
It can be done by following these tests:
- TSH test- To check the level of TSH that is responsible for checking abnormal levels of the thyroid hormone during certain conditions.
- T3 and T4 test- This test is used to check the level of T3 and T4 required for normal growth and development of the body.
- Thyroid Antibody test -this test is used for diagnoses of an autoimmune disease like Hashimoto's Thyroiditis to check the level of antibodies produced against the thyroid gland
Conclusion:
Hyperthyroidism & Hyperthyroidism affect millions of people in the world and hurt the quality of life of a person this condition can be even more fatal if it is not diagnosed in its early stages, strict management along with good health practices can help to cure this condition so one should keep in mind that this condition can be controlled but you may have to limit your diet like limit the intake of iodine-rich & gluten-rich diet. alcohol, sugary drinks etc. so get tested and treated well with the best diagnostic centre near you
FAQs
Is gluten can impact hypothyroidism?
Yes, Gluten can impact hypothyroidism as it is hypoglycemic and affects the thyroid glands to release excess thyroid hormone so avoid taking a gluten-rich diet.
Can I consume dairy products with hypothyroidism?
Yes you can consume dairy products as people with hypothyroidism are lactose intolerant
Should I be aware of any specific nutrients with hyperthyroidism?
Yes, people with hyperthyroidism should avoid the iodine-rich diet as it can worsen the condition consult your doctor they will help you to get a personalised chart.
Which foods should I take if diagnosed with hyperthyroidism?
Limit the iodine-rich food, caffeine, soy products and sugary drinks as it can affect hyperthyroidism as these products can aggravate the hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Are there any specific beverages I should avoid with hypothyroidism?
Avoid alcohol and caffeine, soda and flavoured drink items as it can worsen your hypothyroidism.
How can I control hypothyroidism & hyperthyroidism?
Do a regular exercise diet, take an adequate diet as per the doctor's consultation make an active lifestyle all these changes can control this condition.
