10 Foods to Avoid if You have Thyroid Problem

The thyroid is a gland which is located at the throat of the human body and is the size of a butterfly. It releases thyroid hormones which balance the metabolism. When the secretion of thyroid hormones is imbalanced, it is bound to create many problems in the human body. 

The thyroid is mainly of two types:

1. Hypothyroid: This takes place when the thyroid gland is not active. The hormones (T3 and T4) are not released as per the body's requirements. By implementing thyroid foods to avoid one can regulate thyroid hormone production in effective ways.
   Some of the most common symptoms of hypothyroid include weight gain, feeling lethargic, swelling of the face and eyes, constipation, irregular periods, etc.
2. Hyperthyroid: In this, the thyroid gland becomes super active. The hormones (T3 and T4) are produced excessively and dissolved in the blood. Common symptoms of hyperthyroid include weak muscles, excessive appetite, excessive bleeding, irritability, etc.

Types of Thyroid Hormones

The thyroid gland produces hormones that are responsible for controlling the body metabolism. This hormone are as follows: 

1. Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH): TSH is secreted by the pituitary gland that regulates the production of thyroid hormones. Thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine are two thyroid hormones stimulated by TSH's action on the thyroid gland.
2. Thyroxine (T4): Also known as tetraiodothyronine, is the inactive form of the thyroid hormone. It is also the most abundant thyroid hormone that serves as a precursor to the T3 hormone. T4 is converted into T3 across various body tissues, such as the liver, kidney, and other organs.
3. Triiodothyronine (T3): T3 is the active form of the thyroid hormone. This hormone regulates cell metabolism, protein synthesis, body temperature, energy production, and consumption.

Function of the Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is an endocrine organ that actively participates in the systemic processes of the body. The primary purpose of the thyroid gland is to regulate the many functions of the human body. These functions include:

1. Breathing 
2. Heart rate
3. Body weight 
4. Menstrual cycle
5. Muscle strength 
6. Cholesterol levels
7. Body temperatures
8. Metabolic rate 
9. Digestive functions 
10. Brain development
11. Bone maintenance 

Diet is sure to play a crucial role not just in thyroid patients but also in the lives of those people without any medical problems. A healthy diet is a way to a healthy life. However, one must be extra careful when suffering from thyroids and be well aware of thyroid foods to avoid.

One of the biggest points to be considered by thyroid patients is that they should consume foods that balance the absorption of thyroids hormone. The right diet enables you to understand what foods to avoid when you have thyroid problems. The right diet is essential because : 

1. Certain foods interfere with the production and synthesis of the thyroid hormone, which can be fatal for the body.
2. If a person is not careful about which foods to avoid in the thyroid, it can cause reactions and worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism.
3. Some foods can interfere with the absorption of thyroid replacement medicines. Therefore, it is essential to be mindful of the food to avoid for thyroid patients.

Adopting a healthy lifestyle and eating right is one of the best ways to control your thyroid and work actively towards maintaining good health and metabolism.

Depending on the type of thyroid a person suffers from, relevant changes must be made in their diet. The following is a list of how to avoid thyroid by food. So, let's get started. 

Cruciferous vegetables

Although many vegetables are healthy, thyroid foods to avoid or vegetables that thyroid patients must avoid are the ones that are high in Goitrogen (substances that disturb the production of the thyroid hormone and promote thyroid tissue growth).

The consumption of these vegetables causes interference with the production of thyroid hormone. Even though these vegetables can be rich in fibre, they may prevent thyroid hormone synthesis, which can result in hypothyroidism. 

According to studies, these vegetables prevent the thyroid from absorbing iodine, which is essential for proper functioning. The goitrogen-high vegetables are Broccoli, Cabbage, Spinach, Cauliflower, etc.

The only way for thyroid patients to have these vegetables is by cooking them properly as it lowers the goitrogen levels.

Fatty or fried meals

It is a simple, known fact that fatty and fried meals are harmful not just to thyroid patients but also to healthy people. Foods that have been extensively fried consist of a good amount of fats that prevent the body from adequately absorbing the thyroid hormone replacement therapy.

Also, the fats present in fried foods can compromise or hamper the thyroid's capacity to make the hormone thyroxine.

Consumption of fatty or fried meals will result in digestion problems and lead to excessive weight gain in hypothyroidism. Food to avoid for thyroid patients includes mayonnaise, margarine, butter, etc.

Foods with soy

One of the most common thyroid foods to avoid is soy. It is known to affect thyroid functions in the body severely. The same goitrogen chemicals that are present in vegetables are also present in soy.

Additionally, soy products also contain phytoestrogens (plant-based compounds that are similar in their composition to the hormones in the human body), which severely interfere with the functioning of the thyroid glands.

Soy is one of the essential foods to avoid during thyroid. The soy foods that thyroid patients must avoid include soya sauce, soya chunks, tofu, and other food containing soy proteins.

Gluten

Most people who are suffering from thyroid have a problem with gluten. Thyroid foods to avoid for those suffering from thyroid issues is never to consume anything with gluten.

Most manufactured foods contain gluten as it is used as a stabiliser or a thickening agent. Patients who have celiac disease are also intolerant to gluten food. 

The most common symptoms of gluten foods among thyroid patients are brain fog, joint pain, weariness, digestive issues, etc. Therefore, thyroid patients should avoid gluten foods like rye, wheat, and barley.

Caffeine

All foods and beverages containing caffeine, like coffee, chocolates, tea, and sodas, can be highly harmful to your body if you suffer from thyroid and are on top of the list when it comes to. Consuming caffeine rich beverages can make you feel uneasy, irritable, and apprehensive and cause a rapid heartbeat. 

Excess iodine food

Since hyperthyroidism produces a lot of iodine in the body, it is essential that, as a thyroid patient, you are not consuming iodine-rich foods. Iodine content is significantly high in seafood. 

As per the National Institute of Health, the iodine content in a teaspoon of iodised salt is 304 micrograms (mcg). However, the iodine intake advised by the National Institutes of Health is at most 150 mcg.  

Thyroid foods to avoid include iodine-rich foods such as seafood and seafood additives like fish, seaweed, prawns, crabs, lobster, sushi, carrageen, agar-agar, and algae.  Additional iodine-rich meals include milk, cheese, egg yolks, ionised water with salt, and specific food colours.

Alcohol

Alcohol can majorly disturb your thyroid system. It affects your body's ability to produce the thyroid hormone and can cause autoimmune diseases. If you suffer from thyroid, you must restrict yourself from alcohol consumption.

Refined sugar

Other thyroid foods to avoid are any food items with refined sugar. Refined sugar is the worst for not just your thyroid but also for your overall health.

Consumption of refined sugar leads to an increase in sugar levels. This increase causes the body to release insulin which can cause weight gain and many other problems.

A wide variety of processed foods is available in the market, such as candies, cookies, biscuits, cakes, etc. Many flavoured yoghurts and cereal breakfasts are also rich in refined sugar. 

If you are wondering how to avoid thyroid by food, you must immediately stop the consumption of sweetened beverages, sweets, and packaged snacks. You can replace them with healthy food options such as fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins.

Herbs

Herbs such as lemon balm and bugleweed are the main herbs that interact with thyroid hormones and pharmaceuticals.

The consumption of these herbs can reduce the full functioning of the metabolism. It can also cause complete elimination in the production of the thyroid hormone. Therefore, it must be avoided by thyroid patients.

Processed Foods

Processed foods can contain high levels of sodium, sugar, and unhealthy fats, which can disrupt thyroid function.

Processed foods such as breakfast cereals, chips and crackers, cookies and pastries, frozen dinners and pizzas, canned soups and vegetables, soft drinks and energy drinks, packaged snacks and candy, and fast food items should be avoided by patients with thyroid.

If you are looking for the right way to manage your thyroid health like a pro, then you must know which foods to eat and which foods to avoid in thyroid. Now that you know what food we have to avoid in the thyroid, let's look at the foods we must eat to keep the thyroid in check. 

A healthy diet is necessary to ensure your thyroid stays under control. Believe it or not, the right diet has the potential to cure your thyroid by up to 50%. Some foods that must be consumed regularly by thyroid patients include:

1. Greek yoghurt: One of the best foods for thyroid glands, most dairy products, especially yoghurt, contain nutrients. It helps the body maintain its iodine needs and ensures the smooth functioning of the thyroid glands.
2. Seeds and nuts: A wide variety of nutritious nuts are available. These nuts include almonds, cashews, sunflowers, pumpkin seeds, etc. These seeds have been known to be highly beneficial for thyroid patients.
3. Beans or legumes: Beans and legumes are other beneficial food items for those suffering from thyroid. Rich in zinc and fibre, these foods help the digestive system and prevent constipation.
4. Green tea: Famous globally as a metabolism booster, green tea is a great supplement for those suffering from thyroid. It consists of an antioxidant known as catechins, which allows the fat cells to release fat and helps burn extra fat.
5. Apples and berries: Apples and berries are loaded with antioxidants and are highly beneficial for the good health of your thyroid organs. They help stimulate thyroid hormone production and help them function smoothly. 
6. Avocado: Avocado is a wonderful food, and that too for all the right reasons. It maintains hormonal balance for proper thyroid functioning and is high in antioxidants, good fats, fibre, potassium, and micronutrients.

There is no denying that by making lifestyle changes, a person is taking the right steps towards regulating their thyroid and their entire life. Besides thyroid foods to avoid, some other essential lifestyle changes hold the potential to show positive results for thyroid patients are: 

1. Regulate your sleep cycle and get rid of irregular sleeping habits and insomnia: To maintain a timely and regular sleep cycle is essential for many essential body functions, including the thyroid.
   People suffering from sleep-related problems must take the required medication and take active steps towards getting a good night's sleep.
2. Practice stress management: In today's time and age, stress has become a constant part of human life, paving the way for many other ailments and health issues.
   With the right use of stress management, practising yoga, meditation and relaxation techniques, one can promote not just good thyroid health but also ensure overall well-being.
3. Start eating healthy and on time: A person's everyday diet and food significantly control their thyroid and hormone production. With the right knowledge regarding thyroid foods to avoid, a person can take wide steps towards controlling and managing their thyroid levels.
4. Exercise regularly: Regular exercises and physical activities are excellent for the body, including the thyroid glands.
   From stimulating thyroid hormone production to enhancing metabolism, improving insulin sensitivity, reducing stress, and much more, exercise ensures the well-being of the thyroid and a person's full health.
5. Try herbal remedies: Several herbal remedies have been known to do wonders for a person's thyroid function and health. However, these remedies must be taken under the consultation of a health provider.
   Some of the best herbal remedies for thyroid management are Lemon balm, Bugleweed, Ashwagandha, Bladderwrack, etc.

The thyroid is one of the essential glands of the human body. A person must know that thyroid can cause serious complications if not treated correctly. Apart from the proper medication, a person's diet plays a crucial role in maintaining their thyroid levels. Knowing the thyroid foods to avoid and eat can help control your thyroid and find your way to a better quality of life.