Hypothyroidism occurs when the thyroid gland does not make enough thyroid hormone. Also known as underactive thyroid, hypothyroidism can be a tricky condition to manage. You may not notice symptoms in the early stages, it can lead to other health problems over time, including high cholesterol and heart problems.
In order to diagnose hypothyroidism, doctors will draw blood. Once you know that you have the condition, you can take steps to manage it appropriately. In addition to taking medication or using natural remedies, you should also avoid certain foods. The reason for this is because some nutrients can either influence or inhibit the efficacy of the thyroid gland. Some factors of the condition may be out of your control, but the foods you choose to eat are well within your control.
Below, we detail foods that you should avoid if you have hypothyroidism. Some of the items on this list may surprise you because they are healthy. You may be able to enjoy these foods, but only in moderation.
Gluten From Bread And Pasta
One research review found that hypothyroidism and celiac disease are often present together. Although no research has found that a gluten-free diet treats thyroid disorders, you may want to consult your doctor to determine if eliminating gluten will help your condition. If you opt to eat gluten, choose whole grain breads or pastas. These are higher in fiber and other nutrients that support bowel regularity, which can prove tricky if you have hypothyroidism. If you take hypothyroidism medications, make sure to take them several hours before or after eating high-fiber foods to avoid interference with the absorption of synthetic thyroid hormone.
Sugary Foods
If you have untreated or under-treated hypothyroidism, your metabolism can slow down. That is why weight gain is common in people with this condition. Dietitians recommend avoiding foods that contain lots of sugar because they also contain a lot of calories with minimal to no nutrients. Ideally, reduce your overall sugar intake or try to eliminate sugar completely from your diet, save for some natural sugars found in fruit.
Foods Containing Soy
Soy contains certain compounds, specifically isoflavones, that may negatively affect thyroid function. Some researchers believe that eating too much soy can increase a person’s risk of hypothyroidism. One study, however, could not find a link between soy consumption and soy’s effects on thyroid hormones. For this reason, there are no specific dietary guidelines about, but some research suggests that eating soy may interfere with the body’s ability to absorb thyroid medication. If you want to consume soy, health experts advise waiting four hours after eating soy to take the regular dose of thyroid medication.
Excess Fiber From Beans, Legumes, And Vegetables
Fiber is a key nutrient in a healthy diet, as it aids digestive function and can improve bowel regularity. The recommended daily intake (RDI) of fiber is 25-38 grams for most adults. You can find fiber in varying amounts in whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and legumes. The amount of fiber in some of these foods go above a level that affects digestive function and that can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement drugs. If you want to consume more fiber-rich foods, consider asking your doctor about increasing the dosage of thyroid medication.
Alcohol
Alcohol is not kind to thyroid hormone levels, and it can also impact the body’s ability to produce thyroid hormones, according to one study. Researchers note that alcohol has a toxic effect on the thyroid gland and suppresses the body’s ability to use thyroid hormone. People with hypothyroidism should cut out alcohol completely or drink in moderation.
Processed Foods
Word to the wise: if you have hypothyroidism, avoid packaged processed foods, including frozen meals. Processed foods contain a lot of preservatives, excess sodium, and added sugars. Doctors suggest that people with hypothyroidism should avoid sodium because an underactive thyroid increases a person’s risk of high blood pressure. Eating lots of salt can further increase that risk. Always read the nutritional label on food packaging, making sure to keep an eye out for lots of sodium, cholesterol, saturated fats, and trans fats.
Coffee
If you enjoy a little caffeine hit to start your morning, be careful if you have hypothyroidism. Studies show that people who took thyroid medication with their morning coffee had uncontrollable thyroid levels. For that reason, doctors tell people to take thyroid medication with water. Wait at least 30 minutes after taking medication to have a cup of coffee.
