If you are someone who is managing his or her life with hypothyroidism, you know how hectic it is to manage your medication and your food.
By the way, if you are unfamiliar with the disease, hypothyroidism is the malfunctioning of the thyroid gland in which it produces fewer hormones than what is normally required. The butterfly-shaped thyroid gland is located below Adam’s apple in the throat.
The thyroid hormones regulate many substantial functions and the organs of the human system. Most important of them being metabolism, human growth and development.
The underproduction of hormones lead to the following symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Weight gain
- Hairfall
- Flaky skin and itching
- Feeling cold
- Constipation
- depression
- Elevated blood cholesterol levels
- Weakness and muscle aches
- Enlarged thyroid
- Impaired memory
- Puffy face
- Irregular periods
- Decreased heart rate
- Hoarseness
- Stiffness, pain or swelling in joints
As of now, you can only regulate your thyroid symptoms because there is no cure available for it. However, you can check Nirogam.com to consult an ayurvedic practitioner and check for available thyroid treatment.
As a patient of hypothyroidism, it is very important for you to manage your diet and lifestyle to ensure the best possible health and happiness. That said, you might need to consult your doctor for your diet, and avoid or regulate the following food choices.
1. Cruciferous Vegetables
Research has shown that the cruciferous plants like broccoli and cauliflower, may end up interfering with your body’s ability to utilize iodine. Iodine is an essential ingredient in the production of thyroid hormone. It might be a little shocking for you as these vegetables are otherwise considered healthy and completely safe. If you wish to eat them, however, you’ll have to cook them first.
Please consult your doctor regarding the intake of these vegetables.
2. Soy-Based Products
Some studies show that overconsumption of soy products can lead to hypothyroidism. It is theorised that isoflavones which are present in soy products can interfere with thyroid functions. On the other hand, some studies suggest that individuals suffering from iodine deficiency and hypothyroidism are the only ones who need to manage their soy intake.
3. Gluten
If you are suffering from celiac disease, then you need to decrease the consumption of gluten which is present in rice, barley, wheat and other grains. This is because gluten can irritate your small intestine which can trigger hypothyroidism in your system, or it can make it worse.
However, if you have a craving towards eating such foods, then make sure that you consume whole grain varieties and consult your doctor before doing so.
On a side note, high fibre diet helps in proper bowel movement. Since constipation is a common symptom of hypothyroidism, you are better off including fibrous diet under proper supervision.
4. Fatty Food Items
If you like consuming fatty foods, then it will surely increase the likelihood of worsening your hypothyroidism symptoms. It happens because fat can disturb the absorption of thyroid replacement medications and the production of thyroid hormones as well.
5. Sugar
Before you close your eyes in despair, you must understand that sugar is the culprit behind major cardiac diseases and diabetes. If you are suffering from hypothyroidism your metabolism slows down, which means you can easily gain weight. That said, eating sugar based food items can easily give you a few extra unwanted pounds before you know it.
6. Too Much Fibre
Although eating fibre can help in alleviating constipation, eating too much fibre from whole grains, vegetables, grains and other sources can easily interfere with your hypothyroidism treatment. It can easily impair your ability to absorb thyroid replacement medications.
7. Processed Food Items
You already know that sodium is not good for hypothyroidism patients, and processed food items contain high levels of sodium. You must limit the sodium intake by 1500 ml per day. To do so, you can read the nutritional facts label and regulate your sodium intake.
8. Caffeine
Caffeine also blocks the absorption of thyroid replacement drugs. Thus, you should avoid consuming it. However, if you do, then please drink it 30 minutes before taking your medications.
9. Alcohol
Normally alcohol is very harmful for thyroid hormone production, as it has a toxic effect on the thyroid gland. That said, people suffering from hypothyroidism should completely avoid alcohol at all costs. Again, if you are anyway drinking alcohol, make sure that you consult your doctor first.
Conclusion
I hope you will be able to manage your diet effectively now. Also, before preparing your own diet plan, consult your doctor and dietician. It will ensure the best possible outcome for you.
Have a great day ahead.
Author Name – Dr. Greeshma Nair
Author Bio – Dr. Greeshma Nair, (B.A.M.S) is a Staunch believer that Ayurveda is not merely a science but lifestyle too. Her holistic approach towards diagnosis and treatment is based on the root cause of disease and gives you a three-dimensional solution to a condition that includes Ahaar (diet), Vihaar (lifestyle) and Aushadhi (medicines).
