Aug 04, 2024
Thyroid Troubles: Foods Detrimental to a Healthy Thyroid

Ensuring a nutritious diet is vital for our general well-being. All the more if thyroid ang usapan! The thyroid, a small but powerful gland found in the neck, plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism and energy levels. However, some foods have the potential to disturb thyroid function. At kung ikaw ay may iniindang sakit, it’s high time to know what foods are bad for thyroid.

Thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism, significantly affect millions of lives worldwide. Ayon sa isang pag-aaral, 8.53% of Filipino adults had thyroid function abnormalities. While medical intervention is crucial, dapat rin nating bantayan ang ating mga kinakain.

Dietary choices can play a big part in managing symptoms and supporting overall thyroid health. This article delves into foods that could be harmful to thyroid health and offers insights into adapting alternatives to uphold a well-balanced diet.

 

Ano-ano nga ba ang mga pagkaing nakasasama kung ikaw ay may hypothyroidism?

Ang kalidad at dami ng pagkain ay parehong nakakaapekto sa anumang kondisyon na mayroon ang ating katawan. Here are some foods you should be mindful of:

  1. Soybeans. Soy products including milk and tofu contain goitrogens that may inhibit thyroid function. Limitahan ang soy intake at piliin ang alternative protein sources na makabubuti for your condition tulad ng lean cuts of chicken or turkey.
  2. Walnuts. While walnuts are generally nutritious, mayroon din itong goitrogens na nakakaapekto sa iodine absorption na mahalaga sa paggawa ng ating thyroid hormones. Hence, less to no walnuts should be on your dietary choices.
  3. Processed Foods. Highly processed foods with added sugars and unhealthy fats can contribute to weight gain. Ito ay common concern sa mga may hypothyroidism kaya naman for your weight management and overall thyroid health, lessen to no intake tayo ng anumang processed foods.
  4. Cruciferous vegetables. Cauliflower, broccoli, and cabbage are also goitrogenic foods and should be consumed in moderation. Makatutulong na lutuin itong mabuti kung hindi man maiiwasang kainin.
  5. Excessive fiber. While fiber is generally beneficial, excessive intake can interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication. Mahalagang may balance sa fiber intake ang mga taong may hypothyroidism.

It’s worth noting that the impact of goitrogens varies among individuals, and some people with hypothyroidism may tolerate moderate amounts of these foods without any adverse effects.

Time your medication appropriately, too. Iwasan uminom ng iron and calcium supplements at antacids 3-4 hours bago ang medications for hypothyroidism. This is to help your body absorb the medication effectively.

Likewise, here are some foods that are bad for your thyroid if you have hyperthyroidism. You should approach the following foods with caution!

  1. Iodine-rich foods. Both seaweed and iodized salt ay hindi makatutulong sa overactive thyroid ng may hyperthyroidism. Ilan rin sa mga seafood that you should eat in moderation are crabs, shrimps, and lobsters.
  2. Caffeine and stimulants. Nakasasama rin ang pag-inom ng stimulants tulad ng caffeine which contribute to increased heart rate and increased anxiety. Ang pagbawas ng caffeine intake through alternative options such as herbal teas or decaffeinated products help alleviate these symptoms.
  3. Dairy Products. Ilan sa mga ito ay gatas at keso which contain high levels of iodine can further stimulate thyroid activity and aggravate symptoms. In some cases, some individuals with hyperthyroidism may develop an autoimmune condition called Graves’ disease. As such, avoiding dairy is recommended because it contains proteins that may resemble the thyroid gland’s proteins, potentially triggering or worsening the autoimmune response.
  4. Sugary Foods. Sa mga may hyperthyroidism, you may experience weight loss and increased appetite. Ang mga pagkain na high in sugar content can lead to blood sugar spikes and crashes which impact energy levels. Piliin kumain ng complex carbohydrates and balanced meals to help stabilize your energy levels. 
  5. Processed Meats. These often contain high levels of sodium and preservatives, which can contribute to heart palpitations and high blood pressure–common concerns for those with hyperthyroidism. Opt for lean, unprocessed protein sources instead.

When managing hyperthyroidism, be mindful of iodine intake, as some protein sources may contribute to iodine levels. It’s best that those with concerns about their thyroid health consult with a healthcare professional or a registered dietitian for personalized advice.

Tandaan rin natin that medications are equally important with dietary choices! Todo Aruga sa Thyroid at Diabetes ba ang hanap mo?

MedChoice offers quality and affordable thyroid medications tulad ng Neomerdin® (Carbimazole), Thydin® (Levothyroxine Sodium), Tapdin® (Methimazole), at Indirin® (Propranolol Hydrochloride).

Disclaimer: This article serves as an informative platform only and does not serve as an alternative for medical expertise. Seek professional help through your medical doctors.

References:

Carlos-Raboca, J., Jimeno, C. A., Kho, S. A., Andag-Silva, A. A., Jasul, G. V., Jr, Nicodemus, N. A., Jr, Cunanan, E. C., & Duante, C. A. (2012). The Philippine Thyroid Diseases Study (PHILTIDES 1): Prevalence of thyroid disorders among adults in the Philippines. https://asean-endocrinejournal.org/index.php/JAFES/article/view/9

Clinic, C. (2024, March 19). Thyroid issues? What you should know about foods and supplements to avoid. Cleveland Clinic. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/thyroid-issues-what-you-need-to-know-about-diet-and-supplements

Hypothyroidism diet: Can certain foods increase thyroid function? (2023, August 18). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hypothyroidism-diet/faq-20058554#:~:text=Too%20much%20fiber%20in%20your%20diet%20can%20keep,supplements%20and%20medicines%20can%20have%20the%20same%20effect.

Iftikhar, N., MD. (2023, March 21). Hyperthyroidism diet. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/hyperthyroidism-diet#takeaway

Myth or Fact: Can the right diet help your hypothyroidism? (2022, August 3). Health Central. https://www.healthcentral.com/article/which-foods-are-bad-for-thyroid-patients

Pałkowska-Goździk, E., Lachowicz, K., & Rosołowska-Huszcz, D. (2017). Effects of dietary protein on thyroid axis activity. Nutrients, 10(1), 5. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu10010005

Ruscio. (2023, November 3). Foods to avoid for hyperthyroidism (and foods to enjoy) – Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC. Dr. Michael Ruscio, DC. https://drruscio.com/foods-to-avoid-for-hyperthyroidism/

Shomon, M. (2023, March 5). Sugar, artificial sweeteners, and thyroid problems. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/thyroid-patients-should-avoid-artificial-sweeteners-3233020

Soy: Does it worsen hypothyroidism? (2023, August 3). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hypothyroidism/expert-answers/hyperthyroidism/faq-20058188#:~:text=For%20most%20people%20with%20hypothyroidism%2C%20it%27s%20okay%20to,harder%20for%20the%20body%20to%20absorb%20that%20medicine.

Statista. (2024, February 1). Leading health challenges to resolve SEA 2023, by country. https://www.statista.com/statistics/1448021/sea-health-challenges-to-resolve-by-country/

Walnuts and the thyroid. (2021, August 27). Dr Farrah MD. https://drfarrahmd.com/2021/03/walnuts-and-thyroid/ Witemeyer, S. (2010). Thyroid Disorders: Hypothyroidism and Hyperthyroidism. Continuum of Care. UNM School of Medicine. https://coc.unm.edu/common/manual/thyroid_disorders.pdf