For the body to function properly, food plays a crucial role. However, if you have a condition like thyroid disease, it’s best to regulate your diet and avoid certain foods that can interfere with your medication or prevent the gland from functioning optimally. Hence, it’s important to know what to consume more and less of.
In her new post on Instagram, nutritionist LogaPritika Srinivasan shared the important role that the thyroid gland plays in “regulating metabolism, energy, and overall hormonal balance.” She emphasised how the right foods can support your daily health and make a huge difference. “A thyroid-friendly diet focuses on nutrient-rich, whole foods that promote hormone balance and reduce inflammation,” she said.
What to avoid if you have thyroid issues
Milk tea with sugar: The first on the list is milk tea with sugar, where the sweetener is the culprit, for it can cause inflammation and insulin resistance. It’s best to have milk tea without sugar, as it makes for a much safer option. High sugar intake may also lead to hormonal imbalances, which makes regulating thyroid even more difficult.
Refined flour snacks: Think biscuits and other bakery items, foods that are highly processed and high in sugar. While their consumption, even for those who are healthy, should be restricted, for thyroid patients, it may cause inflammation and other problems. It’s best to consume homemade millets or oats, which are thyroid-friendly.
Take a look at the post:
Sugary desserts: Avoid consuming desserts like cakes, chocolates, and store-bought desserts, as they increase inflammation, cause blood sugar imbalances, and disrupt hormone function. To satisfy your sweet cravings, opt for fresh fruits, such as papaya, berries, or guava, or have dates in moderation.
Carbonated soft drinks: Sodas contain added sugars, artificial sweeteners, and sometimes even caffeine, which can further aggravate the existing condition. They can also interfere with the absorption of medication when taken too close to the dosing time. Alternatives include coconut water and lemon mint water.
Fried foods: Fried food fats interfere with thyroid hormone medication as well as the body’s ability to produce thyroid hormones naturally. It’s thus advised to avoid fried foods, such as pakoras and samosas, and instead opt for baked or air-fried snacks in moderation.
White bread: White bread contains maida or refined flour that not only lacks nutrients but also causes blood sugar spikes. Many of them also contain additives that are not good for digestion. Whole-grain bread, ragi, or jowar chapati are considered good replacements.
FAQs on foods to avoid when one has thyroid issues:
Q. Which foods can interfere with thyroid function?
Goitrogenic foods like cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and soy may interfere with thyroid hormone production if eaten in excess.
Q. Should people with thyroid problems avoid soy?
Yes, especially those with hypothyroidism, as soy can affect thyroid hormone absorption from medication.
Q. Is gluten bad for thyroid health?
People with autoimmune thyroid disease (like Hashimoto’s) may benefit from avoiding gluten, which can trigger inflammation.
Q. Can too much iodine harm the thyroid?
Yes — while iodine is essential, excessive intake from supplements or seaweed can worsen thyroid dysfunction.
Q. What foods affect thyroid medication absorption?
Coffee, high-fiber foods, and calcium- or iron-rich foods can reduce absorption if taken too close to thyroid medication.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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