Foods To Avoid If You Think You Have A Thyroid Problem

Thyroid problems are becoming more and more common.  A slow metabolism can create weight gain, low energy and mood swings.  Having delt with a thyroid problem myself I know that they can turn your life upside down.  An estimated 27 million people have thyroid problems  in the U.S. alone.  Millions go misdiagnosed each year.  If you suspect you have a thyroid problem, there are ways you can counteract the affects.  Food is one major way to calm the effects of the disease.  Use these fitness tips to reverse the effects and speed up your slowing metabolism.

Did you know:

● an estimated 27 million Americans have Thyroid disease?

● more than half are undiagnosed or misdiagnosed?

● thyroid problems in women occur seven times more often than

in men?

● thyroid problems can be triggered by things as simple as your

drinking water or  swimming in your pool? (source)

There are two types of thyroid conditions.  One slows your metabolism (hypothyroid) and one speeds up your metabolism (hyperthyroid).  In this article, we will be addressing the slowing of your metabolism.

Foods To Avoid When You Have Hypothyroidism

• Soy –  Isoflavones are hormone-like substances found in soy products. High consumption of soy products have been found to suppress thyroid function in some people and can even cause or worsen hypothyroidism. In particular, an isoflavone called genistein, appears to reduce thyroid hormone output by blocking the activity of an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase. This enzyme is responsible for adding iodine onto the thyroid hormones.
• Cruciferous vegetables – broccoli, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, mustard, rutabagas, kohlrabi, and turnips. Isothiocyanates are the category of substances in cruciferous vegetables that have been associated with decreased thyroid function. They appear to reduce thyroid function by blocking thyroid peroxidase, and also by disrupting messages that are sent across the membranes of thyroid cells. Cooking these vegetables does make the isothiocyanates less available.
• Low progesterone goes hand in hand with low thyroid, so avoid foods that promote oestrogen dominance. This includes any animal product that has not been produced organically (chicken, eggs, dairy, beef, lamb, pork, etc.). All of these foods are available organic.
• Chlorine and Fluoride  – It’s believed that these block iodine receptors which makes hypothyroidism worse.
• Gluten – Gluten is linked to thyroid dysfunction (both hyper and hypo thyroid) so if you have any digestive problems or any one in your family with a gluten sensitivity, it would be worth dramatically reducing your gluten intake (source).

If you haven’t been diagnosed with a thyroid problem but you suspect you have one, using this list can help you feel better.  Food can help to heal your body if you know how to use it!   If you know someone who is dealing with the affects of a thyroid problem, send them this article!

Adria Ali

BS, CPT, CES, PES