Thyroid is a serious condition caused when thyroid glands function abnormally. Most of us believe thyroid to be one, there are two types of thyroid that namely hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism where hypothyroidism is highly common between the two. This is also referred to as underactive thyroid where the gland is not producing sufficient thyroxine hormone. Thyroid is a lifelong condition. It cannot be treated wholly and this is why people suffering from thyroid have to take medicines daily to control the condition. In addition to this, they must take care of their diet and follow the dos and don’ts. Let us tell you some foods that you should avoid if you have underactive thyroid condition.
Soybean products
Soybeans are considered very healthy as they contain high amounts of protein. But patients with hypothyroidism should not consume soybean and its products including tofu, soya milk, soya chunks, etc. The reason behind this is that soybeans contain plant-based estrogen. Increased levels of estrogen in the body cause thyroid imbalance as it affects the functions of the thyroid gland. If you do not want to complicate your health, stay steer clear from soybeans and its derivatives. In fact, men are also advised to prevent excessive soya consumption.
Also Read: Is Soy Harmful For Women's Health?
Cruciferous vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, etc. are healthy veggies. Cabbage in fact, is great for liver health but it is not safe or patients of hypothyroidism. Eating these vegetables increase the risk of goitre in a person with existing thyroid condition as these foods are believed to be goitrogenic. Thus, it is better to avoid these.
Flaxseed seeds
Flax seeds are very beneficial for health because they contain a good amount of omega-3 fatty acids that cuts down the risk of heart diseases by controlling cholesterol. However, a high intake of flaxseed can be harmful to thyroid patients. Thyroid patients should avoid excessive intake of flax seeds or flaxseed oil. This is because flax seeds contain Cyanogen whose excess intake is extremely harmful. Also, flaxseeds are also goitrogenic like cruciferous vegetables due to which thyroid patients may get goitre.
Also Read: Here's Some Unknown Health Benefits Of Flaxseed Tea
Strawberries and Peaches
All fruits are healthy including strawberries and peaches. But if you have hypothyroidism, then you should avoid these two fruits, in particular. The reason behind this that both of these fruits also prevent the iron from being absorbed in your body and inhibit thyroid function. Apart from this, if you are on thyroid medications, these fruits can also reduce its effect and the medicines would no longer be able to provide the benefits. Therefore thyroid patients should not eat them either.
Tea and coffee
Consuming caffeinated foods and beverages can also prove to be harmful to thyroid patients. Tea and coffee both contain caffeine, so you should reduce their intake. A small amount of caffeine can be taken, but strictly avoid their high doses. Besides, excess consumption of more tea and coffee also causes other physical and mental issues. Thus, better limit their intake and be healthy.
These are some of the foods that thyroid patients should avoid. There are so many other foods that you can have. We believe health is more important than cravings.
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