Are you suffering from underactive thyroid symptoms? If so, there are certain foods that you should do your best to avoid because they can actually make your condition worse. Here is a list of the top 10 foods to avoid if you have any symptoms of hypothyroidism.
1. White breads – This food makes it difficult for the body to regulate insulin and also upsets the hormonal balance within the body.
2. Caffeine – We all love caffeine, most of us take it daily in coffee or soft drinks. However, caffeine depresses thyroid function and will only worsen the symptoms of an underactive thyroid. Although caffeine is a stimulant, it is not good for stimulating the thyroid.
3. broccoli – We all assume we should eat our vegetables, but you’ll want to stay away from this one. This is because broccoli is considered a goitrogenic food. That means that consuming too much broccoli can increase the chance that you will develop a goiter somewhere in your body.
This is due to decreased production of thyroid hormones. Also, the entire family of goitrogenic foods can nullify the effects of some thyroid medications, so keep this in mind.
4. Peaches – Also considered a goitrogenic food, be sure to add this food to the list of those that can possibly cause goiter formation due to decreased production of thyroid hormones.
5. peanuts – yes, they are salty, crunchy and delicious, but they are not the best snack option for someone with a symptom of hypothyroidism, since they interfere with the production of thyroid hormones.
6. Fluoride – this is found in toothpaste and in drinking water that comes out of the tap. Fluoride essentially blocks iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, reducing the production of iodine-containing hormones.
7. Chlorine – not just for swimming pools, it is found in almost everyone’s drinking water straight from the tap. Chlorine and iodine are chemically related.
Like fluoride, chlorine also blocks iodine receptors in the thyroid gland, reducing the production of iodine-containing hormones. Therefore, drink plenty of distilled or purified water for essential and proper bodily functions, but not from the tap.
8. Soy – Soy is off limits as it has an antinutrient that contains a chemical that reacts with iodine. Since iodine is essential for making thyroid hormone, this food should be avoided if you have a symptom of hypothyroidism. Soy milk, soy flour, and tofu are also foods to add to the list of foods not to eat.
9. Garlic – can turn people away and is great in spaghetti sauce. However, garlic also reduces the absorption of iodine in the body.
10. White flour – in the same family as white breads, this is a food that can, for some people, contribute to difficulties with insulin resistance and hormonal problems. White flour is a refined and over-processed food and has little or no nutritional value.
Any symptoms of hypothyroidism can be controlled by eating lightly but regularly throughout the day. Eat about every four hours to keep your metabolism moving and your body’s functions working properly. Taking an herbal thyroid remedy may also help.