For those with hypothyroidism, it is important to be aware of the foods that can trigger or worsen symptoms. Some of these foods are common and may be surprising. Here is a list of 6 foods to avoid hypothyroidism.

What is hypothyroidism?

There are many different types of hypothyroidism, but all of them involve an underactive thyroid gland. This gland is responsible for producing thyroid hormone, which is essential for regulating metabolism. When the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough hormone, metabolism can slow down, leading to a number of symptoms.

Causes of hypothyroidism

There are many possible causes of hypothyroidism, but the most common cause is an autoimmune disease called Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Hashimoto's thyroiditis is a condition in which the body's immune system attacks the thyroid gland. This can lead to inflammation of the thyroid gland and damage to the thyroid cells. Other causes of hypothyroidism include:

- Thyroid surgery

- Radioactive iodine therapy

- certain medications

- Congenital hypothyroidism

- Pituitary gland disorders

If you have any of these conditions, it's important to work with your doctor to manage your condition and make sure you're getting the treatment you need.

Foods to avoid if you are going through hypothyroidism

Foods With Soy

Soy is a common food allergen that can trigger hypothyroidism. Even if you don't have an allergy to soy, it can still interfere with thyroid hormone production. Soy-based foods include tofu, tempeh, miso, soy milk, and edamame. If you have hypothyroidism, it's best to avoid soy-based foods or limit them to small amounts.

Vegetables Like Broccoli

While there are many vegetables that are beneficial for those with hypothyroidism, there are a few that should be avoided. Broccoli is one of them. This vegetable contains goitrogens, which can interfere with thyroid function.

Bread and Pasta

There are many different types of bread and pasta available on the market today. However, not all of them are good for people with hypothyroidism. Here are some of the breads and pastas that you should avoid if you have hypothyroidism:

1. Refined flour breads and pastas: These kinds of breads and pastas are made with refined flour, which is not good for people with hypothyroidism. Refined flour can make it difficult for your body to absorb iodine, which is important for thyroid function.

2. White breads and pastas: Like refined flour breads and pastas, white breads and pastas are also made with refined flour. In addition, they often contain added sugars, which can be bad for people with hypothyroidism.

3. Gluten-free bread and pastas: While gluten-free breads and pastas may be appropriate for people with celiac disease or gluten intolerance, they are not necessarily good for people with hypothyroidism. This is because many gluten-free products are made with refined flours or other ingredients that can be difficult for your body to digest.

4. Enriched flour bread and pasta: Enriched flour is another type of flour that is not good for people with hypothyroidism. This is because enriched flour has been stripped of many of its nutrients, including iodine.

Butter

There are a few different types of butter that you should avoid if you have hypothyroidism. These include:

1. Margarine - This is a spreadable form of fat made from vegetable oils. It can contain trans fats, which can interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone.

2. Whipped butter - This type of butter is often high in the air, making it difficult to digest.

3. Butter substitutes - These products are usually made from vegetable oils and can contain unhealthy fats.

Meat

There are a few different types of meat that you should avoid if you have hypothyroidism. These include:

-Red meat: This includes beef, pork, and lamb. Red meat is high in saturated fat, which can worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism.

-Processed meats: This includes lunch meats, hot dogs, and sausage. Processed meats are high in sodium and other additives, which can also worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism.

-Organ meats: This includes the liver and kidney. Organ meats are high in toxins and can tax the already overworked thyroid gland.

Chocolate Cake

Chocolate cake is one of the foods to avoid hypothyroidism. The main ingredient in chocolate cake is chocolate, which contains a compound called cocoa butter. Cocoa butter has been shown to interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication, so it's best to avoid it if you have hypothyroidism.

Conclusion

There are a few key things to remember when it comes to food and hypothyroidism. First, go easy on the soy. Second, watch your iodine intake and make sure you're getting enough of this essential mineral. Lastly, avoid goitrogens as much as possible. By following these simple guidelines, you can help keep your thyroid healthy and prevent any further problems down the road.

Maxlab offers an exhaustive list of tests for a comprehensive diagnosis of your health. Take a look at Thyroid Stimulating Hormone Test for checking how well your thyroid gland is working.