Food Sources That Can Impact Thyroid Health

Gluten

Gluten is a highly inflammatory food that may aggravate an individual's digestive system, which can impact the absorption of thyroid hormone replacement medication. Gluten may also contribute to an autoimmune condition known as Hashimoto’s disease (Hashimoto's thyroiditis) that occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks thyroid tissue. If individuals choose to eat products that contain gluten, they should make sure they are only consuming whole-grain pasta and bread, which are higher in fiber and nutrients. They should also avoid taking thyroid medication at the same time.

Sugary Foods

Processed foods tend to contain a large amount of refined sugar, which causes an inflammatory response in the body. They also tend to be quite high in calories and low in nutritional value, which affects the production of hormones, causes weight gain, and increases an individual's risk of developing hypothyroidism. Replacing refined sugar with naturally sweet foods, such as berries and other fruit, supports weight loss and healthy thyroid function. Those seeking to reduce their consumption of sugary foods should be on the lookout for and avoid pastries, candy, granola bars, cereal, and just about anything that comes in a package.