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HYPOTHYROIDISM

FOODS THAT HARM

  • Walnuts
  • Soybean flour

    FOODS THAT HEAL

  • Carrots
  • Sweet potato
  • Papaya
  • Cantaloupe
  • Spinach
  • Turnip greens

    WHO’S AFFECTED

  • People over age 50 may have hyperthyroidism
  • Females, especially after pregnancy
  • People with autoimmune disorders
  • Anyone who has a family history of thyroid problems
  • People who’ve had radiation treatments to the neck
  • Anyone who’s been treated with radioactive iodine or antithyroid medications
    Hypothyroidism is a condition in which the thyroid gland in your neck isn’t producing enough hormones
    An underactive thyroid slows metabolism, causing weight gain and lethargy
    Symptoms such as fatigue, weight gain, hair loss, and poor memory are often dismissed as normal signs of aging
    People with a sluggish thyroid feel cold, even on hot days, and develop dry skin and thinning hair
    Nails grow slowly and become brittle
    Women often develop menstrual irregularities; constipation is another common problem

    FOOD-DRUG INTERACTION

    If you’re taking a synthetic thyroid hormone, limit dietary fiber
    Certain foods (walnuts, soybean flour), supplements (iron, calcium), and medications (some antacids, ulcer medications, and cholesterol drugs) can have the same effect
    To avoid potential interactions, eat these foods or use these products several hours before or after you take your thyroid medication
    13
    5 million people with an underactive thyroid are undiagnosed
    A simple blood test performed by your doctor will sort out whether or not your thyroid is functioning normally
    Treatment usually requires lifelong hormone replacement

    Nutrition Connection

    These measures can help control hypothyroidism: Eat more beta-carotene–rich foods
    The hormone thyroxine that is used to treat hypothyroidism accelerates the conversion of beta-carotene to vitamin A in the body
    People with hypothyroidism may need a higher intake of beta-carotene to meet vitamin A needs
    The best sources: deep yellow or orange fruits and vegetables, and dark green vegetables
    Cook your broccoli
    Certain vegetables, mainly cabbage, broccoli, and other cruciferous vegetables, contain substances known as goitrogens, which block the effects of thyroid hormones
    Cooking these foods inactivates the goitrogens

    Beyond the Diet

    Don’t mess with your meds
    Even when your symptoms go away, you need to continue to take your medication to maintain adequate levels and to enable your doctor to monitor the medication’s effectiveness
    Consult your doctor before making any changes to your medication
    Watch calories and exercise
    Thyroid disorders and medications can cause weight gain so be vigilant to limit any unwanted pounds
    • Importance of well balance diet