If you have thyroid disorders, you should avoid these things that will affect your metabolism and increase your risk of heart disease and infertility:
Thyroid is a small gland that appears to be a butterfly shaped at the front of the neck. And it regulates metabolism, cells, tissues and organs. It also a part of the body’s endocrine system, which is composed of different glands that secrete various hormones into the bloodstream.
Several studies have shown that women are more likely to have thyroid problems than men and are usually hereditary. Common thyroid disorders include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, thyroiditis and thyroid nodules.
Thyroid disorders can affect metabolism in the body and may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, infertility, hair loss and obesity.
But most thyroid diseases are long-term life conditions; you can easily handle them with medical care, dietary changes and lifestyle.
These things you should avoid if you have thyroid disease, to enjoy a healthy lifestyle:
- Stress
If you are a thyroid patient, you have to manage your stress. As excessive stress and subsequent anxiety, and fatigue can aggravate thyroid effects.
A study published in Thyroid magazine said that stress may be one of the environmental factors of thyroid disorders. When you are stressed, your body releases cortisol and may increase its normal level, which causes a defect in the production of thyroid hormone.
You can handle your stress through yoga sessions, deep breathing, meditation, massage and a healthy diet.
- Smoking
Smoking or exposure to smoke is not good for people with thyroid disorders, so keep away from it.
Smoking is associated with an increased risk of thyroid disorders, according to a study in the Archives of Internal Medicine.
Cigarette smoke contains a compound called cyanide, which acts as an antidote to thyroid activity, inhibits iodine absorption, which affects thyroid function.
Therefore, you should keep away from tobacco to relieve the symptoms of thyroid disorders.
- Ignore medications and tests
Follow your doctor’s instructions and take prescribed medicines to treat thyroid disorders, and do not stop treatment without consulting him.
Do not try to follow a self-treatment without medical follow-up. This may expose you to serious complications, such as hair loss, obesity, and heart disease.
You should also regularly check your blood and thyroid hormone (TSH) twice a year, which measures the activity of hormones in the thyroid gland.
- Taking the medicine with morning coffee
If you are taking thyroid hormone pills to treat thyroid disorders, keep in mind that you will get the most effective result when you take the medicine on an empty stomach, as it helps in better absorption.
You can take the medicine early in the morning before you have a healthy breakfast for at least half an hour, or two hours before you go to sleep, or within the time prescribed by your doctor.
Do not take thyroid medication with fiber, milk-based foods, calcium-fortified fruit juices, iron and other mineral supplements or coffee, the most appropriate option for your health is to take it with a glass of water.
- Eat large amounts of Cruciferous vegetables
Excessive consumption of Cruciferous vegetables – such as cabbage, cauliflower, spinach, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes – may be harmful to you if you suffer from thyroid disorders, especially if you also have iodine deficiency.
Solid vegetables contain compounds called glucosinolates, which can interfere with thyroid hormone and inhibit it.
You can eat these vegetables but moderately, they have many health benefits.
- Soy products
In addition to limiting the intake of Cruciferous vegetables, consult your doctor before taking soy products if you are a thyroid patient, as it contains a compound (Phytoestrogens), which affects the body’s absorption of the hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Avoid soy products or supplements without medical advice.
