The Thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland in the front of the neck, below the Adam’s Apple. It is a very important hormonal gland that works with the adrenal gland and hypothalamus in the brain to produce hormones that regulate the metabolism and how the body processes proteins. It even lowers cholesterol. Hormones from the Thyroid also help the heart beat stronger and faster, and increase the intake of oxygen. This allows blood to flow easier through the body and keep its core temperature up. The hormones from this gland are also closely linked to growth in humans over their lifetime, especially in the brain development stages for the fetus. Other functions include stabilizing sleep, sexual functions, the menstrual cycle and even thought patterns.
Naturally, because this small gland performs so many important functions in the body, keeping it in good health is essential. Poor Thyroid health can lead to a myriad of problems, such as trouble losing weight, trouble processing protein, out of control or stunted growth, lack of a sex drive, menstrual troubles and lower core body temperatures. These are just a few of the things that can affect a human if the gland is not in peak condition. Some side effects of a poorly-working Thyroid go un-diagnosed and are never more than a minor nuisance. Other side effects can lower the quality of life for an individual and, in some cases, even be life-threatening.
Diseases and conditions are often to blame for a poorly-functioning Thyroid, which include cancer, inflammation, hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism, to name just a few. In serious cases, medicine is required to treat someone suffering from a disease or major medical condition affecting the gland. However, preventative measures can be taken to increase the health of a Thyroid or prevent it from falling into poor health in the first place. One of these preventative measures is, of course, a good diet. There are a variety of foods that greatly affect the small gland, for better or worse. Some of the foods that impact the Thyroid the most are as follows:
1. Sugar
Sugar is notoriously bad for the body, and the Thyroid is no exception. It compromises the entire immune system, which the small gland is a big part of, especially in the intestines and stomach. Sugar destroys the lining in the stomach and intestines, which can lead to leaky gut syndrome. Leaky gut syndrome is a condition that greatly reduces the body’s ability to digest food and keep its auto-immune functions up.
It also causes insulin spikes in the bloodstream, which slowly erodes the thyroid gland. In addition to erosion, sugar stops the gland itself from being able to release insulin in the bloodstream in proper speed and amounts. With less insulin in the body, individuals put themselves at greater risk of type 2 diabetes and other immunity problems. Sugar also feeds cancer cells, which can grow out of control in any part of the body. It is a key factor in the development of many auto-immune problems, and always makes existing auto-immune issues worse.
2. Soy
Another very destructive food for the small butterfly gland and the stomach is soy beans. Soy beans are a popular protein substitute in the vegan and vegetarian communities, and are usually billed as being healthy. But nothing could be further from the truth. Most soy beans on the market today are genetically modified and contain dangerous chemicals. Soy beans are known to tamper with hormone levels and pump unnecessary estrogen into the body, increasing the risk of some forms of cancer and throwing off the balance the hormones in general. Also, soy beans are very difficult for the stomach to digest. Most of the protein in soy does not get processed or used by the body. They also stop the body from absorbing iodine, which is a very important compound for a balanced system. Finally, the lectins in soy beans irritate the lining of the stomach and intestines, which leads to leaky gut syndrome and other auto-immunity problems.
3. Gluten
A third culprit of poor auto-immune function is gluten. Gluten is very difficult to avoid, because it is found in most breads, rices, some grains, and most processed foods. Yet this substance is very inflammatory for the body, which lowers its overall functions and can lead to auto-immune diseases like cancer. In certain individuals, it can cause the production of anti-bodies that attack the body’s own tissues and organs. Though not everyone is this seriously affected, the amount of inflammation that gluten causes can cause damage to the digestive system and body’s immunity. A good amount of products that contain gluten also contain sugar, which will double the damage to the consumer’s body.
4. Grains
Though gluten is found in many grains, there are some grains that remain gluten-free. Some of these include brown rice, quinoa, and buckwheat. While these grains can be healthy for the body, most people consume too much of them, and they start to negatively affect the thyroid. This is because grains are carbohydrates, which turn into sugar once they are digested. Eating too much of these foods can cause blood sugar spikes that damage the gland, and cause it to produce too little insulin. Those who already have blood sugar imbalances would do well to avoid grains altogether for a time. And those who want to avoid blood sugar troubles need to limit their intake of grains. Too much sugar in the bloodstream can lead to major immunity complications like insulin resistance and even type 2 diabetes.
5. Dairy
Just like the other offenders on the list, dairy is a large source of inflammation for many people. Even those without obvious dairy sensitivity suffer from inflammation in the gut. The main cause of the trouble is casein, which is a by product found in cow milk, cheese, ice creams and yogurt. Many people have difficulty digesting dairy, which leads to many cases of bloating, reflux and irritable bowel syndrome. This can make it difficult for someone to digest the rest of their foods and pull important nutrients from it. Not to mention, dairy can foster the growth of bad bacteria in the intestines, causing problems like yeast and fungi overgrowth. This can manifest itself in the form of yeast infections, congestion, and skin rash, to name just a few symptoms. In addition to all this, the inflammation in the body can lead to breakdown of the auto-immune system, just like the rest of the culprits on the list. But not as much as the next offending food.
6. Sugar
Sugar deserves another mention on the list because it is the absolute worst food for Thyroid function and general health. Too much of it in the blood breaks down the actual thyroid gland. If the Thyroid is not present, it definitely will not be able to help the body function normally. If sugar stops the Thyroid from producing enough insulin, the body may develop insulin resistance, blood sugar sensitivity, and even type 2 diabetes. Once this happens, not only will an individual be forced to give up sugar for the sake of their health, but they will also have lowered immune function and greater susceptibility to auto-immune diseases. Cancer cells feed on sugar and can grow faster as a result. The thyroid gland can be a cancer host just as the rest of the body. And cancer lowers the body’s ability to function overall and can, of course, result in death. There is also a surprising amount of sugar in the next food on the list.
7. Seafood
Seafood has been known to be a type of protein that can impact the function of the thyroid gland. Seafood improves the function of the thyroid gland because it is high in iodine. Iodine is a mineral that is known to help the efficiency of the thyroid gland. The thyroid gland is responsible for controlling metabolism and healthy growth.
8. Corn
Corn is a surprising addition to the list, as it is a vegetable, therefore considered healthy. But corn is a very starchy vegetable, which means it is high in carbohydrates. And, as mentioned earlier, carbohydrates turn into sugar in the bloodstream once they are digested. A very carb-loaded vegetable, like corn, is still dangerous to the Thyroid gland. Consuming corn in high amounts is especially dangerous, because of the blood sugar spikes. Corn that is made into oil is also very unhealthy for the Thyroid and the rest of the body. Corn oils and other oils are made of chemicals that stop the thyroid from producing its hormones. If the thyroid cannot produce its hormones, the auto-immune system and many of the body’s functions simply will not work correctly. Corn and other starchy vegetables should be avoided as much as possible to maintain a healthy and well-functioning thyroid.
