The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland in the neck that is in front of the trachea. It releases hormones that control the metabolic system, which is how the body transforms the food we ingest into energy. It also releases hormones that affect things like brain growth, mental activity, fertility, body temperature, heart rhythm, and more.
When the thyroid doesn’t work well, it affects the whole body.
A number of common diseases can affect the thyroid, such as:
When the thyroid doesn’t work right, you have hypothyroidism.
When the thyroid is excessively active, it is called hyperthyroidism.
Goiter occurs when the thyroid is too big.
The thyroid could have cancer.
You can’t always stop thyroid problems that run in families or are caused by autoimmune diseases, but you can avoid difficulties that come from getting too much or too little iodine.
Some foods can make the thyroid work less well in general.
1. Soy and Things That Are Made with Soy
A lot of people have talked about how isoflavones, a substance found in soy products, can change how this gland works. Isoflavones do affect how well the body can take in iodine and thyroid drugs.
2. Cruciferous veggies that haven’t been cooked
Goitrogens, which are found in large amounts in cruciferous vegetables like broccoli and kale, can also make it harder for the body to take in iodine.
3. Gluten
People who have autoimmune diseases, like Hashimoto’s, should stay away from gluten since it makes inflammation and immune system problems worse.
4. Sugar that has been processed
People should not eat processed sugar. Eating it can cause inflammation, make insulin resistance worse, and make symptoms of hypothyroidism like weight gain, mood swings, and cognitive fog worse.
5. Foods that have been processed and have a lot of salt in them
People with hypothyroidism should not eat processed foods because they have a lot of salt.
People with hypothyroidism are more likely to have high blood pressure, and eating a lot of salt makes this risk even higher.
6. You shouldn’t drink coffee, especially right after taking medicine.
Who doesn’t enjoy a steaming cup of coffee? I think most people like coffee, however persons who are getting therapy for their thyroid should not drink it for a few hours after taking their medicine since it makes the medicine work less well by 60%. It also makes the medications less effective and slows down the healing process.
People think that eating fatty fish high in Omega-3, such salmon and sardines, as well as eggs, nuts and seeds, seaweed, and fruits strong in antioxidants, like berries, apples, and kiwi, will help maintain the thyroid healthy.
*Disclaimer: This information is just meant to be useful and should not be used instead of professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have questions about drugs or health, talk to your doctor or another healthcare professional. Don’t ignore what professionals say just because of this information.