Things That Can Mess With Your Thyroid Health and Medication
Things That Can Mess with Your Thyroid Health and Medication-San Diego, California
Your thyroid health is a crucial part of your overall well-being. Many factors can lead to poor thyroid health. This can mean either an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroid) or a sluggish thyroid (hypothyroid). Anyone who has struggled with either of these conditions knows that they can be a real challenge. Advanced Functional Medicine can help you determine ways to avoid sabotaging your thyroid.
Foods that may negatively Impact Your Thyroid Health
Many individuals don’t realize that the foods we eat can affect the thyroid gland in various ways. Here are just a few examples of foods that can interfere with thyroid function.
- Goitrogens
Cruciferous vegetables contain a chemical called goitrogens. Goitrogens can negatively impact individuals who have thyroid issues when eaten raw, in large amounts, because they can interfere with thyroid function. Though this is true, it takes about 4 to 5 large servings of these vegetables served raw to really pose a threat. - Millet
Though millet is not a staple of the American diet, it can be found in small amounts in whole-grain products. A small amount is okay, but eating too much millet may disrupt thyroid function. - Soy Products
Soy products contain isoflavones, chemicals that can block the enzyme TPO or thyroid peroxidase. The thyroid needs thyroid peroxidase to function, which is why soy should be limited in those with thyroid issues. - Alcohol
The consumption of alcohol can inhibit the body’s ability to use thyroid hormones the way it should. - Sugary Foods and Carbohydrates
Excessive sugar intake can lead to weight gain and insulin resistance, which can further complicate thyroid issues.
- Caffeine
Excessive caffeine intake can interfere with thyroid function and impair the adrenal gland, which is closely linked to thyroid function.
Things That Can Interfere with Your Thyroid Medication
What about thyroid medication? If you’re taking thyroid medication, your thyroid problems should be solved, right? Not always. Here is a list of what can interfere with your thyroid medication.
- Food
Make sure to take the thyroid medication one hour before or three hours after a meal - Fatty or Fried Foods
These types of foods can interfere with how medications work. - Hormones
Whether it’s birth control or hormone replacement therapy, these drugs can not be taken at the same time as your thyroid pill. They can bind to the thyroid medication and cause malabsorption. - Multivitamins
These can be very good for you, but if taken with a thyroid supplement, they can decrease or block absorption. The best rule of thumb is to take the thyroid medication first thing in the morning and the multivitamin at least four hours later.
Conclusion
Many foods and habits can inhibit thyroid function. Maintaining thyroid health is essential to preventing a lack of energy and weight issues. If you have other questions or concerns, meet with a functional medicine practitioner.
Advanced Functional Medicine
If you are in the San Diego area and looking for ways to improve thyroid health, look no further than Advanced Functional Medicine. We are the leaders in functional medicine in the San Diego area. We focus on all-natural, nutritional, and functional ways to heal the body from the inside out. We look beyond your current symptoms to analyze your family history, medical history, environmental factors, and more as we create a plan of action to provide the best treatment tailored to your needs. Visit our website to learn more about our services. We practice a practical and effective approach to healthcare to keep our patients happy and healthy.