LIVING BETTER WITH YOUR THYROID PROBLEMS THANKS TO FOOD

Thyroid diseases affect a fairly large proportion of the population. There are two main types:

• Hypothyroidism : The thyroid has trouble keeping up and doesn't produce enough hormone. One cause is a condition called Hashimoto's disease, which is an autoimmune disorder. People with this condition have abnormally high levels of antithyroid antibodies that attack the thyroid. Common symptoms include fatigue, feeling cold, paleness, constipation, weight gain, and a slow heart rate.
• Hyperthyroidism: The thyroid is overactive, producing too many hormones. The main symptoms are fatigue, sleep and mood disturbances, weight loss, excessive sweating, changes in the menstrual cycle and bowel movements.

Approximately 200,000 million people worldwide suffer from thyroid disease. Drug treatments are available to regulate thyroid function, but adjusting your diet is essential, as many nutrients interact with the thyroid and the hormones it secretes.

The basics of nutrition

• For people suffering from hypothyroidism , dietary advice is based on a balanced diet with a good intake of fiber and water to prevent constipation. Be careful when consuming soy-based foods, as this reduces the absorption of thyroxine, a hormone essential for the proper functioning of the thyroid.
• For people suffering from hyperthyroidism , a special diet will need to be implemented, due to the symptoms mentioned above. The diet should be high in calories, while maintaining the same balance, and associated with plenty of rest, to moderate weight loss. In addition, good hydration is added to compensate for water loss, and particular attention is paid to micronutrient intake, particularly calcium, to preserve bone mass. Also, be careful with the consumption of caffeine, alcohol and salt, to avoid further stimulating the body.

What are the nutritional tips for living better with your thyroid condition?

#1 - Consume foods rich in iodine

Iodine is a trace element essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Therefore, it is very beneficial for people with hypothyroidism, but also for those with hyperthyroidism. Excess iodine occurs very rarely, and even less so due to dietary intake. The foods that contain the most iodine are:

Wakame seaweed, seafood (especially langoustines, shrimp, mussels, oysters, etc.), fish (especially haddock, haddock, cod, etc.). To a lesser extent, it is found in certain vegetables, such as spinach, certain cereals and dried fruits.

#2 - Consume foods rich in zinc and selenium

These two trace elements regulate the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Their sources are diverse:

Selenium recommendations are easily achievable! In fact, Brazil nuts contain so much of it that just two large nuts are enough to meet your daily intake.

#3 - Avoid cruciferous vegetables

Cruciferous vegetables are a family of vegetables that contain natural antithyroid drugs; they prevent hormone synthesis and should therefore be limited. These include cabbage, broccoli, watercress, arugula, radish, and turnip.

#4 - Avoid grapefruit

This citrus fruit has been shown to block the functioning of enzymes that allow the metabolism of many medications. However, people suffering from thyroid problems are very often under treatment. The list of medications incompatible with this fruit is long and not exhaustive, which is why it is best not to consume it, as it could cancel out the effects of the treatment, or worse, make it toxic.

#5 - Focus on endocrine disruptors

Easier said than done, but being aware of endocrine disruptors that may be lurking in our products is essential when you're suffering from thyroid disease. For greater peace of mind, it's best to eat organic. Another option is to track labels; we eliminate additives classified as endocrine disruptors, such as BHA (E320) and BHT (E321), as well as bisphenol A, etc.

Be careful, however, endocrine disruptors are also widely present in hygiene and cosmetic products.

Sources:

[1] Burman, K., & Wartofsky, L. (2000). Iodine effects on the thyroid gland: biochemical and clinical aspects . Retrieved December 28, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11704988/

[2] Ihnatowicz, P., Drywień, M., Wątor, P., & Wojsiat, J. (2020). The importance of nutritional factors and dietary management of Hashimoto's thyroiditis . Accessed December 29, 2021, from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32588591/

[3] Knezevic, J., Starchl, C., & Amrein, K. (2020). Thyroid-Gut Axis: How Does the Microbiota Influence Thyroid Function? Accessed December 29, 2021, at https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32545596/