Foods not good for thyroid

@MZZCHIEF Do you have specific books that you would recommend to start?

Edited by: MEL635 at: 9/19/2019 (17:22)

Good to know!
I have problems with all pork products so I won't look to get any relief from "natural" thyroid meds.
Sally

Hey Sassy!

If you’re having problems with pork, you definitely need to be on on of the synthetic levothyroxines, bc all of the “natural” thyroid meds are made from pig thyroid tissue.

There’s a link between leaky gut, animal protein and autoimmune diseases. Thyroid disease is in most cases an autoimmune disease that targets substances manufactured in the thyroid.

So my recommendation is to go Whole Food Plant Based. If you are interested in more info, check out any of Dr Michael Greger or Dr Joel Fuhman’s youtubes or books. That’s what I did 2 years ago, and it’s literally been a lifesaver.

Take care of you,

Mzzchief

Sassysnail,
You have started your journey! And you have Sparks! It took me years to get where you are already on your journey! Keep up the good work determining what is optimal for your body!

Sally

Hi all! I'm fairly new to meds, I've been on NP Thyroid for about 2 months now. I've been working on an elimination diet for a while to determine what foods my body is sensitive to, nothing really to report as yet. I just wanted to offer up one thing to this thread. If you are hypothyroid, you should avoid lemon balm. This medicinal herb is found in teas mostly, and it slows down your thyroid. If you are hypothyroid, you can have as much as you like.
I'm trying to stick with as much local, organic, non GMO foods as I can. I'm blessed to be in a rural area and know several people who grow just about anything from fruits and veggies to honey and meats and eggs. I can only eat pork from two farms or I'll be sick, and I have a particular couple of flocks that I get my eggs from. I personally avoid soy, mostly because the majority is GMO. I'm currently avoiding gluten and dairy and nightshades, as per the elimination diet, but I will most likely not give up dairy permanently. I do love cheese! I've found a lot of AIP and autoimmune diet books, and there's definitely some disagreement over what foods should be allowed. I think that unless there's an allergy or a solid reason like with lemon balm, it's up to the person to find out what is optimal for their body.

Thank you!
Working hard to keep it off and lose a little bit more.

Sally

Hi Sally

Well you must be doing something right, bc you've lost 10 pounds so far!
Congratulations!

: )
Mzzchief

Waiting, just waiting for time to pass to see if the new things I am trying work out.

Sally

Hope you find your thyroid sweet spot, soon, Sally!

: )
Mzz

You are sooooooo right !!!

Sally

Hi Sally!

For many people... their thyroid numbers bounce around... its not a slow decline in function. Many reasons for this since the thyroid's demise is dependent on a wide range of factors, inclusive of hormones, antibodies and food intake, stress, sleep.... rrrrr you get the point!

Also remember that any test only shows what's happening at the time the blood was drawn. Which is kinda like a blind man holding the tail of an elephant and thinking it must be a thin rope like creature!

: )
Mzzchief

My thyroid testing was bouncing around for almost 9 months !!! Still no clue as to why. So sorry you are going thru this time. I still do not know why everything is okay again.

Keep pushing to take care of yourself.
You can do it!
Sally

My thyroid is going crazy again. In the last few weeks my dosage has changed a couple of times.
I'm still not sure exactly what I should be eating.
I was diagnosed with Hashimotos Disease a few years ago.
I swear it's going to get the best of me yet.

Edited by: SIRENERGY at: 5/22/2018 (19:02)

I have been a fan of water since I was a child. I did not know it at the time, but hydration was what I desired.

Not a fan of soy. Something was bothering me, robbing me of my energy. I just had a hunch it was soy lecithin. Still not sure. I am feeling better now. No answers as to why ...

Great blog!

Sally

HI Sally!
Sorry for the delay in answering.
I used to think really badly of soy, but further research has indicated to me that my fears were misplaced. Not a fan of concentrated soy protein powder... but I do eat the whole food form, mukimame (shelled edamame beans). One of my favorite meals is a cup of defrosted mukimame, arugula, kalamata olives, balsamic vinegar, chopped sweet peppers, walnuts and fresh blueberries.

I also supplement with soy lecithin. I take a rounded teaspoon in my morning tea, when I take my oil based supplements. What lecithin does do for me is help my body assimilate fats by breaking up the fat into smaller particles called micelles, keeps my skin nice, and helps with energy as the choline it contains acts as a precursor to acetylcholine, a nerve transmitter that is responsible for energy.

I also drink soy milk.

Yes, you do have to keep dairy away from your thyroid meds, in fact ANY food bc it interferes with your meds absorption. Also take a FULL tall glass of water with them, that will get your meds where they need to be (out of your stomach!) and to your jejunum.

Be well!
Mzz

Good choice to avoid soy if it lowers your energy level. I don't eat cereal for breakfast for same reason, but do eat starches for dinner since it calms adrenals and leds to a great night's sleep.

I agree!

If you notice a difference after ingestion then don't eat things with soy in them. That can be a real bummer.

Jane

I am glad that you think the trace amounts of soy in lecithin shouldn't hurt me. I pretty much keep away from soy at all times of the day because I can feel my energy level go down right after ingesting it.
This blog is always so helpful!

Sally

I feel it is hard to avoid especially since lecithin is in medication. What do we do stop taking medication, supplements and food that is good for us. I came across a frozen food label that with Soy lecithin ingredient and didn't buy. Not every lecithin is made from soy. I have eaten soy (tofu or beans) at night a few times a year. It never caused a problem. I stay away from soy milk since it makes me ill.

Everything in moderation is best. A little lecithin here and there shouldn't hurt you.

Edited by: APPEALSTOME at: 5/15/2018 (14:02)

Thank you for the added information about soy lecithin. Because you have confirmed that lecithin can have trace amounts of soy, should I be avoiding it?

Sally

Jane....lol I hope changes lead to you feeling better.

Tee, you do know your are making me change my eating habits. Thank you for your help.

Jane

Jane.....I hope you are eating protein first followed by fruit. Eating this way stabilizes glucose and decrease hunger. I have been forgetting to eat fruit with breakfast and starving before lunch. I had veggie egg white omelet with strawberries afterwards and wasn't hungry until lunchtime today. I don't drink fruit/yogurt/ almond milk or veggies shakes since it raised by glucose.

I just looked up soy lecithin. Lecithin is a generic term for naturally occuring fatty compound found in animals or plant tissue that makes food/medication easily digested. Today, lecithin is regularly extracted from cottonseed, marine sources, milk, rapeseed, sunflower and soy. Lecithin is found in foods, medication, supplements, nonstick cooking spray, and soaps. Lecithin is responsible for synthesis of neurotransmitters, which are essential for memory and brain function. Soy lecithin only contains trace amounts of soy. Unfermented soy products like tofu, soy milk and edamame are on the no no list since contain goitrogens know to cause hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer. Fermented soy products like miso and tempeh are on the eat list.

I came across this article by NP that I felt might be helpful. I developed low cortisol via diet, using technology and staying up late. Prescribed medication caused terrible side effects. So, I set out to reverse this disorder naturally and discontinue medication. I haven't needed medication in almost 2 years by doing what this article recommends. Cortisol levels need to be normal in order for thyroid medication to work, energy, good sleep, etc.

trionaturalmedicine.com/2018/02/08/b
es
t-diet-adrenal-fatigue/

Edited by: APPEALSTOME at: 5/10/2018 (00:43)

Jane,
Thank you for your response.
Without what I have learned from this team, I would not be feeling as well as I do.
Avoiding as much soy as possible has helped. I am in the process of doing more about that by investigating this soy lecithin issue some more.
Sally

Sally, I have been on this team for several years and have found the group very knowledgeable. Tee is a good source and our team leader Mzz who does not get on very often anymore.

I stay away from soy products as much as possible but like you find them in a lot of processed foods. For breakfast I eat fruit and have added a protein after reading what Tee said recently.

Hope we can help you get your answers. Check some of the topics that Mzz wrote in the past as she has given great information.

Jane on Guam

Sal,

I was happy to read eliminating soy from your diet is working. I don't know if soy lecithin needs to be avoided. I eat clean. Yet, lecithin is in my vitamin. Avoiding it may be difficult.

I take thyroid med with full glass of water. Continue drinking water until an hour after taking thyroid medication and eat breakfast. No caffeine until after meal. My doctor said no vitamins, iron, calcium and fiber for 4 hours after taking thyroid medication since these slow med absorption. I take supplements with lunch and dinner.

It feels like I haven't taken medication when I eat starches or fiber for breakfast. A dietitian I consulted recommended eating protein for breakfast due to hormones present upon waking. This works best for me. I eat starches and/or fiber for lunch and dinner.

I found not eating after 8 pm until next morning leads to weight loss. A thyroid doctor I follow suggested this. He said metabolism decreases naturally with age and more for thyroid patients and reason for fast.

Good luck!

I have been eliminating as much soy from my diet as possible and it, I think, has been working for me. What I am wondering about is the fact that soy lecithin is in just about everything. It is an emulsifier to keep ingredients from separating. It is a stabilizer, a thickner and a preservative. Do I need to avoid it too?
Sally
PS I keep my thyroid medication times 1 to 2 hours away from food and my supplements. That has made a world of difference for me. In the beginning, I was taking my thyroid medication with yogurt or milk in my cereal and it was as if I was not on medications. It was REAL bad. People on this team have been more helpful than my doctor !!!

hi Rm

Docs frequently don't go into all the ins and outs of thyroid meds, they simply don't have the time.

You can eat all the veggies you want, including soy as long as your iodine needs are being met and you keep your foods and sups away from your thyroid medication dose.

I usually wait about an hour before eating, but that's my habit.
Your meds can be adjusted around your habits.
.
Be sure to take your dose with an 8 oz or more glass of water.
Your med needs to get to your jejunum, (middle intestine) where most of it is absorbed.
Takes water to flush it there!

: )
Mzzchief

Your endo's instructions are standard for thyroid patient. When I was first dx'd, the doctor gave me diet to follow. Dx and diet was unusual 50+ years ago, and I did well.

I don't eat soy, and raw veggies except for carrots and celery. Some patients reported feeling better, less swelling, more energy and weight loss on AIP diet.



Edited by: APPEALSTOME at: 11/17/2017 (16:06)

My instructions for taking Synthroid was to take it first thing in the morning on an empty stomach and 30 minutes before eating. Avoiding any type of food was never discussed with me by my Endocrinologist.

Grammytink~

Unfortunately weight loss is difficult once your thyroid is dysfunctional for many people. The older you are, the harder it is, bc in addition to thyroid disease, you also have normal age related metabolic slow down, less muscle tissue which uses more calories, no menstrual cycle, which can burn up to 500 additional calories for about 2 weeks as the uterus builds an endometrium. After correction with thyroid replacement hormone meds, some people find they are about 10-15 pounds heavier than their old weight, pre-thyroid disease. I also think this is bc thyroid disease often occurs around menopause, which in itself is a huge game changer.

: )
Mzzchief


Edited by: MZZCHIEF at: 8/6/2017 (10:31)

thanks

Quick update to let team know I found coconut aminos at Trader Joe. Tasted sample and love it.

Hi team,

I think it's pretty much a "snowflake" thing.
Meaning we're all different and while taking general knowledge under advisement, it's best to listen to your own body and see what works best for you.

As for goitrogens, as long as you have adequate iodine in your body, and your diet isn't overwhelmingly dominated by them, you should be fine. But it's a fine line between too little and too much iodine.

I try to eat as clean as possible, meaning organic when it's available. I drink distilled water to avoid fluoride/chlorine/chloramine/bacterial exposure. Use baking soda for toothpaste, a daily brush with fluoride paste, after which I scrape my tongue to remove any paste found there. I'm Whole Foods plant based these days, as a way to lower my cholesterol without statins. WFPB is a diet based solely on plants, no added oils (including olive oil). I eat tofu several times a week, but I also eat seaweed for iodine.

All this has been helpful, in lowering cholesterol back to safe numbers, and keeping my weight at about 147-152. Not where I want it to be, but I'm a lot less active than I used to be, menopausal, older... all factors to consider!

Be well
Mzzchief

Soy and gf work for some people. I am not one of them. I don't have thyroid. It dissolved from taking medication for 50+ years. GF free didn't make difference for me as far as clear thinking etc. Change in thyroid medication did. I eat soy occasionally and at night.

The thyroid doctor's report I read a few weeks ago listed some nuts are goitrogens. Soy and corn are not recommended since highly GMO. I am sure occasional soy isn't harmful.
I put some soy milk in coffee sample. Consume soy once every few months for dinner.

Has anyone seen coconut amino acids ( substitute for soy sauce) in the store? I haven't.
I use Bragg's amino acids that is made from soy occasionally and would like to try coconut.

I believe I read some time ago that if you don't have a thyroid, you don't have to worry about soy. I had a total thyroidectomy and take Nature-Throid. I'm lactose intolerant so whenever I go to Starbucks, I have my drink made with soy. I also eat most of those vegetables regularly.

I read somewhere about gluten affecting the thyroid. Not sure if it was true or not but I tried it and my brain-fog decreased and I feel so much more alert. So I've been GF for over a year. Again, not sure if it was directly thyroid related but I'm never going back to gluten since I feel better.

I don't eat soy. I put radishes in my lunch salad. I steam or roast the other veggies to eat with dinner.

I have read two books about what thyroid patients should eat. Steamed goitrogens veggies, strawberries and grapefruit are not a problem. I can't have citrus in the morning or drink green tea because I get terrible heartburn.

Consuming grapefruit is not recommended for people taking cholesterol medication.

The goitrogens are in the raw vegetables. You can eat them, but steam them first. The fruits are fine to eat, just do so a couple of hours after taking your morning thyroid meds

Thanks for the information..The article I read said those foods contain a substance know as goitrogen, that inhibit thyroid's ability to produce hormones..

I stay away from soy products as much as possible. Some of the other foods, like broccoli I eat late in the day or several hours after taking my thyroid med.

Something else to stay away from is fluoride. I use a toothpaste that is fluoride free. Mzz makes her own toothpaste.

I am not sure how much these affect weight gain and loss but they do affect the thyroid and the meds we take.

I have meds that say do not ear grapefruit but I am not sure if that includes my thyroid med.

Jane

I have been on thyroid medicine for about 15 years now and people always tell me not to eat or drink grapefruit. I wasn't told by my Dr. I even searched about it and found nothing, but I came across an article on foods not to eat lots of with thyroid problem. They are All soy products, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Radishes, Spinach, and Strawberries. I love and eat all of these. Does anyone know if this is true? Could this be my problem why I have a hard time loosing weight? I would appreciate any information on this. Thanks.