A person suffering from thyroid has certain doubts as to what to eat and what not! Doctors suggest them not to eat cabbage, etc. But why? Can thyroid patients eat cabbage and cauliflower? What could be the reason behind this?
To know the exact reason, dive into this article one must know things about Thyroid patient diet chart. Whether you’re suffering with hypothyroidism (under-active thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), Hashimoto’s disease or Graves’ disease, or other conditions, there are certain mandatory things that one needs to know about foods and drinks, and their interaction with health and thyroid medications.
To speed up or speed down the thyroid hormones, you must avoid some foods and eat some! So, let’s first talk about the possible thyroid foods to avoid as avoiding food is more important than eating food for thyroid.
What Foods To Be Avoided By Thyroid Patients ?
Avoid Goitrogenic Foods
Goitrogenic food contains goitrogens; that can enlarge the thyroid gland. It also acts as an anti-thyroid drug and delays the secretion of thyroid hormone leading to hypothyroidism.
Goitrogens present in foods inhibits the iodine formation, so, it inhibits the actual secretion of thyroid hormone and disrupts the peripheral conversion of T4 to T3. Can thyroid patients eat cabbage and cauliflower?Main goitrogenic foods are cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, millets, kale, and cabbage, among others, as well as soy foods.
This is the reason, why doctors say to avoid cabbage and cauliflower, when you are suffering from thyroid. These come under the thyroid foods not to eat.
If you are suffering from hyperthyroidism, you must avoid these foods if its hypothyroid, no need of avoiding entirely. You can destroy the goitrogens present in them by partial heating.
Avoid Calcium- Fortified Orange Juice And Iron Rich Spinach
These foods interfere with the absorption of iodine, so, at least wait for 3-4 hours after taking thyroid medication or before taking calcium- fortified orange juice and iron rich spinach.
Avoid Coffee After Medication
Oh, this might be a bit painful! Caffeine present in the coffee shows dual effect like stimulating and goitrogenic, so, it creates a problem to both hypo and hyperthyroidism patients.
In Hypo patients, it interferes with iodine uptake and inhibits the formation of thyroid hormones while, in hyper, it acts as a stimulant. So, coffee is a strict no under foods to eat for hypothyroidism.
Avoid Gluten Grain
If you’re suffering from any Auto-immune diseases, avoid gluten containing foods because some research indicates avoiding gluten foods for 3-6 months can eliminate antibodies.
So, remove wheat, barley and other gluten containing grains from your diet.
Thyroid Friendly Foods
Having discussed the avoidable foods, now let’s discuss about the thyroid friendly foods, diet for thyroid patients:
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil is a thyroid friendly food that speeds up a slow thyroid hormone in hypo patients.
Replace fats and oils with coconut oil. It supports thyroid health and helps lose weight in hypothyroidism. So, it can be considered safely in the category of thyroid health diet.
Sea Weeds
Seaweeds are naturally rich in iodine. Inadequate iodine leads to the inability of the body to produce thyroid hormone. But, remember, moderation is the key!
Eat High Fiber Foods
Thyroid patients suffer from constipation and excess weight, so increase the fiber intake like Greens, Lima beans, Mushrooms, Potato with skin, Pumpkin, Peas, Peppers, Spinach, and Sweet Potatoes. Thyroid foods should be thyroid healthy foods, not anything that suits you.
Excess amount of iodine also is harmful, especially if you have auto-immune thyroid disease or a family history of it.
Lastly, if you’re suffering from thyroid, don’t get depressed! It can be cured, eat all colorful veggies and gluten free crabs on a weekly basis.
Once in a month, consult your doc and monitor your thyroid hormone levels regularly.
Daily, eat a balanced diet and burn your calories!!!
If you found the above thyroid patient diet chart useful, then start following it and do share it with the ones who are suffering from the Thyroid problem.
