Hypothyroidism - Foods to Avoid

Hypothyroidism is the clinical consequence that results from the reduced activity of the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones, both T4 and T3, whose synthesis is regulated by TSH or Thyroid Stimulating Hormone as it is also known, secreted in the pituitary gland, have as their fundamental mission to control the metabolic reactions of the organism. Whenever thyroid hormone production decreases, as occurs during hypothyroidism, the TSH secretion increases in an attempt to get the thyroid gland working to its maximum potential. Thyroid hormones are essential to carry out most of the body's functions. Consequently, hypothyroidism is characterized by a global decrease in organic activity that affects metabolic, neuronal, cardio circulatory, and digestive functions.

Most often, hypothyroidism is the result of the progressive destruction of the thyroid gland as a consequence of an out of control autoimmune response. It is as if the body does not recognize the thyroid gland as its own, so it proceeds to attack it using the antibodies produced by the immune system. It is more frequent in women age 40, although it can occur in other age groups and males.

Thyroid surgery performed as a treatment for hyperthyroidism or thyroid carcinoma can also cause hypothyroidism. In this case, the glandular removal tissue leads to an insufficient secretion of thyroid hormones. Radioactive iodine as a treatment for cancer has been known to cause hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is less frequent caused by enzymatic defects, often of hereditary nature, which compromises the synthesis of thyroid hormones. The taking of antithyroid drugs such as carbimazole, methimazole or propylthiouracil, of drugs very rich in iodine such as some antiarrhythmics, and expectorant syrups can suppress the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Lithium therapy, used in manic-depressive psychosis, blocks the production of thyroid hormones and causes hypothyroidism.

The symptoms of hypothyroidism are progressive and often very similar to those of other disorders, which is why it can be difficult detect whether or not you have hypothyroidism.  The diagnosis is made through a blood test that measures the level of the thyroid stimulating hormone, called TSH or thyroxine.

Hypothyroidism symptoms to look out for:

1. Unexplained weight gain: If the thyroid gland works slower than usual, you can gain weight without apparent cause. In addition to your bodyweight, the appearance of your face, hands, and feet is important to notice. If they look swollen, it may be related to hypothyroidism.
2. Inflammation in the neck: Inflammation in the throat may be due to inflammation of the thyroid gland. So it is advisable to make an appointment with your healthcare provider because it can mean a presence of nodules or tumor.
3. Hair loss, brittle nails, dry skin: The skin is one of the organs most sensitive to hypothyroidism. Dry, scaly skin and brittle nails are typical in a person with hypothyroidism.
4. Shifting moods and diminished energy levels: People who suffer from hypothyroidism often feel fatigued and become susceptible to depression.

Your primary doctor will be the best person to guide you in your treatment, as this depends entirely on the results of your hormone laboratory results. The amount of medication needed will depend on what the patient requires to replenish thyroid hormone levels to normal. The symptoms of hypothyroidism may decrease after weeks of taking medication, but hypothyroidism treatment is for life.

Although you need lifelong treatment, with the right medication and a proper nutritional plan, in a short time you can counteract all the symptoms of hypothyroidism and enjoy a full life. There are nutrients that, however healthy, are not recommended when hypothyroidism is present. These foods contain substances known as goitrogens that interfere with the body's ability to produce thyroid hormone by inhibiting iodine uptake.

Here we present some foods that you should avoid if you have hypothyroidism:

1. Eliminate from your diet the raw consumption of the following vegetables and derived foods: cabbage, red cabbage, Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, turnip greens, turnips, mustard greens, spinach, carrots, and radishes. Their anti-thyroid effect occurs when we consume them raw, however, so they can be consumed if previously cooked.
2. Reduce or avoid the consumption of certain nuts such as walnuts, pine nuts, and peanuts.
3. Eliminate the consumption of soy and derivatives such as milk, yogurt, and tofu. These foods have a powerful anti-thyroid action and, also, promote the excretion of thyroxine through the feces.
4. Abstain completely from consumption of tobacco since; in addition to being harmful to its toxicity, it contains substances such as thiocyanate that compete for the bioavailability of iodine in the thyroid gland.
5. Do not consume tapioca or cassava as foods obtained from this tuber possess potent goitrogenic properties.
6. Caffeic acid has strong goitrogenic properties and is found in high quantities in certain herbs such as thyme, sage, and spearmint. Cinnamon, star anise, and sunflower seeds are also rich in this compound and should be avoided.
7. Foods rich in ellagic acids such as raspberries, cranberries, grapes, and strawberries should also be kept out of your dietary intake if hypothyroidism is present.
8. Chlorogenic acids which have powerful anti-thyroid effects have been found in the flesh of prunes, peaches, and eggplants.

It must be made clear is that there is no standard diet for people suffering from hypothyroidism. The truth is that each case requires individual care that respects the medications formulated in the treatment and the conditions established by the specialist. However, it should be clarified that there are some foods that can worsen the situation and others that can improve the situation of people suffering from hypothyroidism. If the diagnosis of hypothyroidism has been established, the truth is that this disease needs to be treated for the rest of your life, but it is worth bearing in mind that following the aforementioned nutritional guidelines in addition to taking your prescribed medication you will see how your energy increases and the disease becomes imperceptible.

References:

1. Danforth Jr, Elliot, and A. G. Burger. "The impact of nutrition on thyroid hormone physiology and action." Annual review of nutrition 9.1 (1989): 201-227.
    
2. Hetzel, BasilS. "Iodine deficiency disorders (IDD) and their eradication." The Lancet 322.8359 (1983): 1126-1129.
    
3. Zimmermann, Michael B. "The influence of iron status on iodine utilization and thyroid function." Annu. Rev. Nutr. 26 (2006): 367-389.
    
4. Cooper, David S. "Subclinical hypothyroidism." New England Journal of Medicine 345.4 (2001): 260-265.