Thyroid-Friendly Diet: Foods to Avoid for Thyroid Health

There are certain ingredients that contribute to hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid, and hypothyroidism, or underactive thyroid. Staying away from these ingredients can help you to avoid added aggravation with your thyroid.

Cadmium

• High doses of cadmium (over 40 mcg) can cause you to become hyperthyroid. Cadmium, found in some imported chocolates and brown rice, interferes with zinc metabolism, which is important for your thyroid to operate properly.

Fruits

• If you are hyperthyroid and have just begun treatment, it is wise to avoid fruit until your hyperthyroidism is under control. Fruit sugars can promote a deficiency in copper, which can cause or aggravate hyperthyroidism.

Sulfur

• Sulfur can also deplete the amount of copper in your body. It is best to stay away from sulfur exposure in foods. Sulfur can be found in egg yolks, for example.

Goitrogens

• Avoid foods high in goitrogens, as they impair the functioning of your thyroid. Turnips, Brussels sprouts, radishes, apricots and millet are high in goitrogens, but cooking generally neutralizes goitrogens.

Monosodium glutamate

• Monosodium glutamate (MSG) is a flavoring agent that can work against your hypothalamus and contribute further to hypothyroidism. It can be found in some processed meat and in Chinese food.