The thyroid gland in the neck functions to convert the iodine in foods into thyroid hormones. Because the two thyroid hormones thyroxine---T4---and triiodothyronine---T3---regulate the metabolism of every cell in the body, as described by Endocrineweb.com, all bodily functions rely on the thyroid working properly. Common thyroid problems include the production of too much or too little hormone, an enlarged thyroid, nodules or lumps on the thyroid and thyroid cancer. Since some types of foods alter the production or absorption of thyroid hormone, avoiding these foods can help avoid thyroid problems.
Soy
Soy foods describe a group of foods derived from soybeans. These foods, such as soy milk, soy cheese, soy yogurt and tofu, provide proteins, vitamins and minerals while being low in saturated fat. Because soy foods come from the soybean plant, they also contain isoflavones--plant-derived compounds that can affect the hormones in the body.
Patients suffering from hypothyroidism--a condition of too little thyroid hormone--must take synthetic thyroxine to keep the metabolism of the body functioning regularly. Although the symptoms of hypothyroidism, including weight gain, fatigue, joint and muscle pain, constipation, cold intolerance, decreased sweating and a slowed heart rate, can be controlled with synthetic hormones, finding the right dose can be difficult, according to the National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service.
The isoflavones in soy foods may interfere with the absorption of synthetic thyroxine and therefore affect the ability to treat the thyroid problem of hypothyroidism, according to information published by Messina and Redmond in the 2006 issue of "Thyroid." In addition, in those who fail to consume enough iodine through foods, soy products may increase the risk of developing clinical hypothyroidism, as described in "Thyroid."
Refined Foods
Refined food includes any type of processed food. Refined grains, such as white flour, for example, have been processed to remove the bran and the germ of the grain, which also removes much of the vitamins and minerals. Because the body easily digests refined foods, they flood the body with glucose, the main source of energy for the body. The body responds by increasing the production of insulin--the hormone needed to move glucose from the blood to the cells for use. Thyroid hormones play a role in insulin production and the processing of glucose. Therefore, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests avoiding refined foods, like white bread and bleached pastas, to avoid making the symptoms of thyroid problems worse or to help keep the thyroid healthy.
Dairy and Wheat
Although thyroid problems can affect anyone, those who suffer from food allergies often suffer from thyroid problems, according to FoodAllergySolutions.com. In addition, the symptoms of food allergies and thyroid problems often mimic one another, making it difficult to diagnose thyroid problems. To help keep the thyroid healthy, the University of Maryland Medical Center recommends avoiding common food allergens, such as dairy products, including milk, cheese and ice cream, and wheat products.
References
- University of Maryland Medical Center: Hyperthyroidism
- Endocrineweb: How Your Thyroid Works
- National Endocrine and Metabolic Diseases Information Service: Hypothyroidism
- PubMed.gov: Effects of soy protein and soybean isoflavones on thyroid function in healthy adults and hypothyroid patients: a review of the relevant literature
- FoodAllergySolutions.com: Fatigue, Thyroid Function and Hypothyroidism
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