6 Things You Should Not Do if You are a Thyroid Patient
The American Thyroid Association (ATA) estimated that more than 20 million Americans suffer from some form of thyroid disease and even 60 % of these patients are unaware of their condition.
The thyroid is a gland that produces hormones which are responsible for regulation of the metabolism and has influence on each cell, tissue and organ in human organism. This organ has a butterfly shape, located in the front of the neck.
Most common thyroid disorders are: hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis and thyroid nodules.
Medical experts explain that if is left untreated, the thyroid problem can affect the patient’s metabolism and significantly increases the risk of cardiovascular diseases, osteoporosis and infertility.
It is important to highlight that most of the thyroid diseases are life-long conditions and by making changes in your lifestyle and nutrition and with medical attention, you can control the problems with the thyroid gland.
- Chronic Stress
Patients who suffer from some thyroid disorder need to find a way to manage the stress. Experts explain that chronic as well as excessive stress may exacerbate an underlying thyroid condition.
When is under stress, human body releases the hormone cortisol and excess amount of this hormone can interfere with thyroid hormone production.
There are various methods that can help you to manage stress. For instance, you can try restorative yoga, deep breathing, meditation, massage and a healthy diet.
For a thyroid patients, smoking as well as exposure to secondhand smoke is particularly dangerous. Namely, Archives of Internal Medicine published a study in which smoking is associated with an increased risk of developing clinically overt thyroid disease. Moreover, it is also important to mention that cumulative cigarette consumption significantly increases the risk of autoimmune thyroid disease.
Cyanide is compound contained in cigarette smoke and this compound acts as an antithyroid agent. It is scientifically proved that this compound directly inhibits iodine uptake and hormone synthesis.
Patients who suffer from thyroid disorder need to stay away from tobacco in order to prevent any further complications.
- Ignoring Medicines and Regular Check-ups
When it comes to treating of thyroid disorders, proper medications are extremely important. Once the patient gets a diagnosis, the doctor will prescribe medications that will regulate the thyroid hormone levels. It is important to highlight that the patient need to take medicines regularly, even if he/she feels fine. Also, the patient should never take drugs on its own due to the fact that a wrong dosage can make havoc with your thyroid health.
In order to control the thyroid hormones, the patient should make a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test done – regularly.
At the same time, you must regularly get a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood
- Taking Your Thyroxine Tablet with Your Morning Coffee
Thyroxine tablets which are treatment of thyroid condition work best when taken in the morning, because empty stomach aids in better absorption. For instance, you can take the pill about half an hour before breakfast, or you also can take it about 2–3 hours before bedtime.
Don’t forget that you should not take the thyroid medicine along with probiotics; fiber and milk-based foods; fruit juices that contain calcium; mineral supplements (calcium, iron), coffee, etc. The best option is to take the pill with a glass of water.
Also, it is advisable to maintain a routine and always take the at a fixed time daily or as frequently as the doctor has prescribed.
- Eating Large Amounts of Raw Cruciferous Vegetables
Doctors explain that high amounts of raw cruciferous veggies can be detrimental for patients who are suffering from thyroid disorders, particularly for patients who have iodine deficiency or insufficient iodine intake.
These vegetables contain glucosinolates, compounds that can interfere with the synthesis of the thyroid hormone.
Cruciferous vegetables are: cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, spinach, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, bok choy and sweet potatoes.
So, watch your intake of goitrogenic foods, such as cruciferous vegetables, especially in raw form.
- Neglecting the Darker Side of Soy Products
Along with goitrogenic foods, particularly cruciferous vegetables in raw form, patients who suffer from some thyroid disease should consult a doctor before eating any soy product.
Namely, soy contains phytoestrogens and goitrogenic compounds that, as it is already mentioned, affect the proper thyroid function and in same time impede with the body’s absorption of the thyroid hormones.
That is the reason why thyroid patients should avoid type of soy food as well as soy supplements. Also, make sure to avoid genetically engineered soy foods and soy junk foods (soy cheese, soy oil, soy ice-cream and soy burgers).