Hyperthyroidism-What Foods To Eat And Avoid?
Hello All!!!
Hyperthyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland produces too much hormone. Though you need medicines for this condition, foods can help you by easing its symptoms.
Foods to consume
1) Berries
Berries are packed with antioxidants that enhance the functioning of your immune system. You can choose from strawberries, blueberries and raspberries. It is up to you! Just ensure that you have a serving of berries each day.
2) Omega 3s and vitamin D rich food
Fish like salmon offers vitamin D and omega 3 fatty acids. You can also get omega 3 s from vegetarian sources like walnuts, olive oil and flaxseed. Vitamin D-the sunshine vitamin can be obtained from exposure to sunlight, which is ample in India.
3) Protein rich food
Weight loss is a common symptom of hyperthyroidism. Consuming sufficient protein can help you maintain a healthy weight. While meat is a good source of protein, you can get protein from vegetarian sources too like nuts, lentils and beans.
4) Dairy
Hyperthyroidism when left untreated can result in weakening of bones and eventually osteoporosis. In order to prevent this, you need to consume 3 servings of calcium every day from foods like milk, cheese and yoghurt. But make sure that you are not allergic to dairy.
Foods to avoid
1) Suspected food allergens
Hyperthyroidism gets worsened on ingestion of allergy causing food. Find out what you are allergic to. You must avoid the potential culprits like gluten, dairy, corn, soy and artificial food additives. While omitting dairy, consume dairy free calcium sources and in place of wheat gluten consume gluten free grains.
2) Carbs with high GI
Thyroid disorders can meddle with carbohydrate metabolism and affect blood sugar. To keep the levels of blood sugar normal and lower the risk of diabetes, which has a strong link with thyroid disease, you need limit foods with a high GI (Glycemic Index). GI of the food determines how fast it raises blood sugar levels on consumption. Maida, sugary sweets, low-fibre cereals and instant potatoes have a high GI. Choose foods that are rich in fibre.
3) Goitrogenic Foods
Avoid goitrogenic foods such as cruciferous veggies namely, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage. Such foods contain goitrogens that are known to affect the hormone production of the thyroid gland. Treatment of hyperthyroidism can lead to thyroid deficiency which is called hypothyroidism. This may want you to limit your intake of goitrogenic foods. Soy and millet also need to be avoided as they too contain goitrogens. You can consume other veggies that are non-goitrogenic such as carrots, green beans, garlic, lettuce, onions and bell peppers.
4) Unhealthy fats
Curbing trans fat and saturated fat that cause inflammation can help reduce the symptoms of an overactive thyroid. Reduce the consumption of processed meat, red meat, fried stuff and high-fat dairy products. You can have fish, white meat and legumes for your daily quota of protein.
You will find trans fat in baked goods like crackers, biscuits, cookies, cakes, pastries and finger chips, as a matter of fact in anything that has partially hydrogenated vegetable oil as an ingredient. Your focus should be on whole foods like whole grains, vegetables, seeds, nuts and fruits instead of processed goods.
5) Alcohol and caffeine
Both alcohol and caffeine are known to interfere with sleep, mood, thyroid function and thyroid medicines. You better consult your doctor before going in for caffeinated products such as coffee, black tea and soft drinks. Stay well hydrated by drinking lots of non-caffeinated and non-alcoholic drinks.
Take care!
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