Thyroid is one of the most alarming and growing disease in India commonly found in women in comparison to men. As per a recent government survey, approximately 1 in 10 Indian adults suffer from hypothyroidism, a condition in which the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones to meet the needs of the body. This condition is twice as prevalent in women as in men and is common among women of child-bearing age. As per a study which was conducted in nine Indian states in 2016, reports that hypothyroidism in pregnancy with TSH found 13.13 per cent of pregnant women. However, there are certain types of food which is healthy while the wrong choice of food can make the situation worse.
What is Thyroid?
The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland that sits low on the front of the neck. Thyroid lies below your Adam’s apple, along the front of the windpipe. The thyroid has two side lobes, connected by a bridge (isthmus) in the middle. When the thyroid is its normal size, you can’t feel it.
The thyroid secretes several hormones, collectively called thyroid hormones. The main hormone is thyroxine, which is also called T4. Thyroid hormones act throughout the body, influencing metabolism, growth and development, and body temperature. Moreover, adequate thyroid hormone is crucial for brain development during infancy and childhood.
Thyroid Conditions
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition of your body when you body overly produced thyroid hormones which occurred due to different health conditions.
Hypothyroidism
It’s an opposite condition of hyperthyroidism when your body is not able to produce enough thyroid hormones which are necessary for the proper function of your body.
Worst Food for Thyroid
Gluten
Say a big no to Bread, Pasta and even Pizza which is filled with gluten! However, you can choose whole-grains varieties of bread, pasta, and rice, which are high in fiber and other nutrients which can help improve bowel irregularity As the primary protein in grains (wheat, barley and rye), gluten is found abundantly in these crops. While consuming gluten is generally not a problem for most people, but a very bad idea for thyroid patients. It can impair nutrient absorption and trigger inflammation in the gut for those with celiac disease. Unfortunately, people with hypothyroidism caused by an autoimmune disorder such as Hashimoto’s disease are also at a higher risk of being affected by celiac disease.
Raw Cruciferous Vegetables
You need to avoid vegetables like broccoli, kale, spinach and cabbage which is included under ‘Raw Cruciferous Vegetables’.
However, going overboard on your cruciferous veggies may not be the best idea if you suffer from any type of thyroid problem. Raw cruciferous veggies release goitrogens, which are substances that damage the thyroid gland and increase the need for iodine.
Soy
You need to avoid any food which contains soy, soybean, soy sauce etc. There are many reasons to keep soy out of your diet if you are thyroid patient starting with the detrimental effects that soy can have on your thyroid gland. Soy foods like tofu, edamame and soybeans contain isoflavones, which are compounds that act as goitrogens in your body and inhibit the production of thyroid hormones.
Green Tea
It may be a healthy drink for many, but not for thyroid patients! Some animal studies show that green tea extract consumed in high amounts can actually alter thyroid function and throw hormone levels out of whack. Stick to one to two cups per day to squeeze in some extra nutrients and antioxidants without compromising the health of your thyroid.
Fatty Foods Such as Butter, Spicy Meat, and All Fries
Fats have been found to disrupt the body's ability to absorb thyroid hormone replacement medicines.
You need to avoid all unhealthy fats.
Sugary Foods
If you want to cure your thyroid, try to avoid all that are overfilled with sugar.
Alcohol
If alcohol is bad for others, it’s worst for a thyroid patient!
Avoid these foods to stay healthy!!!!
