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Hypothyroidism and Diet: Which Foods to Avoid When Overcoming Thyroid Problems
You may have read the article "Under Active Thyroid Diet-Foods for Hypothyroidism" where the foods beneficial to overcoming thyroid problems where investigated. In this hypothyroidism and diet article we look into those foods that have a negative affect on the production of thyroid hormones and are therefore to be avoided by sufferers of an under active thyroid gland.
A hormone like substance called isoflavone, found in soy product, has been found in tests to be detrimental to thyroid hormone production. One isoflavone called genestein is particularly good at reducing the output of thyroid hormone, blocking the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, the enzyme that adds iodine to the hormone. Too much soy produce can cause or make worse hypothyroidism.
As each persons tolerance differs and the food we eat has soy products added to them, it can be difficult to quantify what "too much" actually is. As a rule of thumb, if you can not cut out soy product intake completely, the following will help. For those with an iodine and selenium deficient diet the intake of soy produce should be avoided or at the very least done with care, this also applies to those with a fimily history of hypothyroidism, a reduction of soy products is recommended to two or three times weekly maximum. Those displaying the symptoms of or suffering with hypothyroidism should not exceed an intake of soy products on more than one occassion per week.
Vegetables can also play a big role in the health of your thyroid, in particular the vegetable group known as cruciferous. This vegetable group contains substances called isothiocyanates that decrease the ability of the thyroid to produce hormones. It is thought they disrupt the messages sent via membranes to thyroid cells and also block thyroid peroxidase. The availability of these isothiocyanates can be reduced by cooking the vegetables and as they are good for us in so many other ways it pays to continue having this vegatable group, but those diagnosed as suffering from an under active thyroid need to restrict their intake.
There is also overwelming evidence that sufferers of low progesterone need to avoid any animal product not produced organically. Low thyroid and low progesterone are linked so stear clear of eggs and dairy, beef, lamb, chicken or pork, as they promote oestrogen, unless you are certain they have been produced in an organic manner. Gluten is also linked heavily to hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism so giving up or drastically reducing your gluten intake is highly recommended.
As a final note, some researchers have linked fluoride and chlorine blocking the thyroids iodine receptors that is suspected of bringing on hypothyroidism. This is not proven but is worth thinking about if you have the opportunity of using water not from a tap.
So depending who you read hypothyroidism and diet can be intrinsically linked. Some of the above suggestions are easier than others to put into place (and adhere to) and are simply a lifestyle choice. This makes them, in my mind anyway, worth trying, they are free and simple to implement, and overcoming thyroid disorders really is about lots of little changes to make the big difference.
If you have not yet read "Under Active Thyroid Diet Foods for Hypothyroidism" It is highly recommended that you do. It will show just how easy those little changes to diet can be made and the difference they can make to hypothyroidism sufferers quality of life.
