Food should be avoid in hyperthyroidism/Food should not eat in hyperthyroidism
In hyperthyroidism, the thyroid gland is overactive and produces excess thyroid hormones, primarily thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). These hormones play a crucial role in metabolism, and when they are in excess, they cause a variety of symptoms. Managing hyperthyroidism includes medication, and diet also plays a supporting role. Some foods can interfere with thyroid function or exacerbate symptoms.
Foods to Avoid in Hyperthyroidism (with scientific reasons):
Iodine-rich foods:
- Why to avoid: Iodine is a key element required by the thyroid to produce T3 and T4 hormones. Consuming excess iodine can worsen hyperthyroidism, as it further stimulates the already overactive thyroid to produce more hormones.
- Examples: Seaweed, kelp, sushi, iodized salt, and seafood.
- Scientific basis: Iodine excess can trigger or worsen hyperthyroidism in those who have certain conditions, such as Graves' disease, or nodular thyroid disorders. It is especially important to monitor iodine intake because the thyroid's response to it can vary significantly.
Soy-based foods:
- Why to avoid: Soy contains compounds called isoflavones, which may interfere with thyroid function, particularly by inhibiting the activity of enzymes involved in thyroid hormone synthesis. In hyperthyroid patients, excessive soy intake could potentially worsen thyroid hormone production.
- Examples: Tofu, soy milk, tempeh, and edamame.
- Scientific basis: Research suggests that soy products may disrupt the normal metabolism of thyroid hormones, particularly when iodine intake is marginal or excessive. Isoflavones may affect thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme crucial for thyroid hormone synthesis.
Caffeine:
- Why to avoid: Caffeine is a stimulant and can worsen symptoms of hyperthyroidism, such as anxiety, rapid heart rate, and restlessness.
- Examples: Coffee, tea, soda, energy drinks, and chocolate.
- Scientific basis: Hyperthyroidism already increases heart rate and metabolic activity. Caffeine can exacerbate symptoms such as heart palpitations, nervousness, and sleep disturbances.
Cruciferous vegetables (in large amounts):
- Why to avoid: Cruciferous vegetables contain goitrogens, compounds that can interfere with thyroid hormone production by blocking iodine uptake. While this effect is more of a concern in hypothyroidism, very large amounts can potentially affect people with hyperthyroidism, particularly those on thyroid-regulating medications.
- Examples: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, kale, and Brussels sprouts.
- Scientific basis: Goitrogens in these vegetables can impair thyroid hormone synthesis by inhibiting the incorporation of iodine into thyroid hormones.
Gluten (for some individuals):
- Why to avoid: Gluten may trigger an autoimmune response in people with thyroid disorders, particularly Graves' disease, a common cause of hyperthyroidism.
- Examples: Bread, pasta, cereals, and baked goods made from wheat, barley, or rye.
- Scientific basis: Studies have shown that there may be a link between autoimmune thyroid disease and celiac disease, where gluten exacerbates immune system activity against the thyroid.
Causes of Hyperthyroidism:
Graves' Disease:
- The most common cause of hyperthyroidism. It's an autoimmune disorder where the immune system mistakenly attacks the thyroid, causing it to produce excess thyroid hormones.
Thyroid nodules:
- Overactive lumps in the thyroid (known as toxic nodular goiter or Plummer's disease) can produce excess thyroid hormones.
Thyroiditis:
- Inflammation of the thyroid gland can cause stored thyroid hormones to leak into the bloodstream, leading to temporary hyperthyroidism.
Excessive iodine intake:
- As mentioned, too much iodine can lead to the overproduction of thyroid hormones.
Excess thyroid hormone medication:
- People with hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) who take too much thyroid hormone replacement can develop hyperthyroid symptoms.
Symptoms of Hyperthyroidism:
- Weight loss: Despite eating normally or even more than usual.
- Rapid heart rate (tachycardia): Palpitations and an elevated heart rate are common.
- Increased appetite: Metabolism is accelerated, causing increased hunger.
- Anxiety or nervousness: The excess thyroid hormones can overstimulate the nervous system.
- Tremors: Shaky hands or fingers.
- Heat intolerance: Feeling excessively warm or sweating more than usual.
- Fatigue: Paradoxically, hyperthyroidism can lead to exhaustion due to the body's overactive state.
- Muscle weakness: This can be particularly noticeable in the upper arms and thighs.
- Menstrual changes: Lighter or less frequent periods.
- Goiter: Enlargement of the thyroid gland can occur in some cases.
Hyperthyroidism requires a well-managed approach that includes both medical treatment and lifestyle modifications, including appropriate dietary choices.
To contact dietician Sapna for diet plan whatsapp contact no 7526963658
Worldwide, approximately 1.2% of the population is affected by hyperthyroidism, translating to around 60-70 million people. The most common cause is Graves' disease, an autoimmune disorder. Women are affected more frequently than men.
In India, about 42 million people suffer from various thyroid disorders, including hyperthyroidism. Of these, it is estimated that around 1-2% of the population experiences hyperthyroidism, meaning 10-20 million people may be affected. Thyroid disorders are becoming increasingly common in India due to dietary and environmental factors
Food should be avoid in hyperthyroidism, hyperthyroid disease, graves graves disease, graves disease, thyroid disease,
0 Comments