The thyroid gland, located in the front part of your neck below the voice box, is part of the endocrine system, which produces hormones. The pituitary gland signals the thyroid to produce specific hormones. These two glands work together to maintain chemical reactions that impact your metabolism, body temperature, moods and weight. Fiber does not play a role in healthy thyroid functions, but it can affect thyroid hormone absorption when you have a thyroid disorder.
Thyroid Disorders
The causes of hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid, and hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, include inflammation or an autoimmune response of the thyroid gland, and damage to the pituitary gland. Hypothyroidism is most commonly diagnosed in women over the age of 30. Hyperthyroidism most often gets diagnosed in women under the age of 30 or over the age of 60. Men can get thyroid disorders, but it is less common. Symptoms include heat or cold intolerance, weight gain or loss, constipation or diarrhea, numbness in the extremities, fatigue and moodiness.
Importance of Fiber
Fiber promotes digestive health by regulating your bowels and nourishing the healthy bacteria in the colon for immune system support. It also contributes to lowering your bad cholesterol. Fiber slows the digestive process to maintain stable blood sugar levels and keep you full longer. If you have an underactive thyroid, which is linked to slowed metabolism and weight gain, adequate daily fiber in your diet can help prevent overeating and also minimize your risk of constipation.
Fiber and Thyroid Medications
If you have been diagnosed with a thyroid disorder, your physician may recommend a synthetic thyroid medication to replace or inhibit hormone production. Although a benefit of daily fiber is that it slows digestion, this can be problematic if you eat fiber at the same time that you take the medication. Fiber may bind with thyroid medication in your intestines and significantly slow or even stop it from absorbing into your bloodstream and performing its intended function. Most thyroid medications should be taken in the morning on an empty stomach with one glass of water. You can still eat a fiber-rich diet while taking thyroid medications, but wait at least an hour or more after you take your medicine.
Fibrous Foods to Limit
Fiber-rich foods include whole grains and fresh fruits or vegetables. The cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cabbage, kale, spinach and Brussels sprouts contain substances that interfere with thyroid functions, called goitrogens. Avoid daily consumption of these fiber-rich vegetables or limit your intake to one cup or less per day to reduce the risk of thyroid interaction. Soy products contain substances called isoflavones that may also block the activity of your thyroid. Limit your daily soy food consumption. Cooking the cruciferous vegetables or soy products however, inactivates the goitrogenic compounds in the food. Consult your physician for recommendations to determine what is best for your condition.
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