With the improvement of modern living standards, more and more people are beginning to pay attention to healthy eating. As a healthy food rich in dietary fiber, vitamins and trace elements, whole grains are loved by many people. However, for people with thyroid nodules, not all whole grains are good for health. In fact, there are 2 kinds of whole grains that may adversely affect thyroid function, and patients with thyroid nodules should eat less or no food.
First, we need to understand the relationship between thyroid nodules and thyroid function.
Thyroid nodules are lumps that appear within the thyroid gland and can be cystic, parenchymal, or mixed. Patients with thyroid nodules may have symptoms of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism. Hyperthyroidism causes elevated levels of thyroid hormones, which affects the body's normal metabolism. Hypothyroidism leads to a decrease in thyroid hormone levels, which affects the body's metabolism and growth and development.
Which two whole grains are not good for people with thyroid nodules.
The first type is sweet potato.
Sweet potatoes are a common coarse grain that is rich in dietary fiber, trace elements, and vitamins and has many benefits for human health. However, sweet potatoes are high in starch, and excessive consumption may lead to indigestion. In addition, sweet potatoes contain a substance called "gasification enzyme", and excessive intake may affect the absorption of iodine by the thyroid gland, thus affecting the synthesis of thyroid hormones. Therefore, patients with thyroid nodules should consume sweet potatoes in moderation to avoid aggravating the burden on the thyroid gland.
The second type is corn.
Corn is a whole grain that is rich in a variety of nutrients such as protein, vitamins, carbohydrates, trace elements, and fats. However, the phytic acid content in corn is high, and phytic acid may bind to iodine and affect iodine absorption. Patients with thyroid nodules who consume large amounts of corn for a long time may lead to insufficient iodine intake, which can affect thyroid function. Therefore, patients with thyroid nodules should eat corn in moderation to ensure adequate iodine intake.
How people with thyroid nodules should adjust their diet.
1. Iodine intake.
Iodine is a key component of thyroid hormones, but for patients with thyroid nodules, iodine intake needs to be done with caution. If thyroid nodules are caused by excessive iodine intake, it is necessary to reduce iodine intake of foods. This includes seafood (e.g. kelp, seaweed, shrimp, etc.), marine fish, iodized salt, and iodine-containing supplements. Be sure to have thyroid function tests done before adjusting your diet.
2. Vegetable and fruit intake.
Increasing the intake of fruits and vegetables is important for people with thyroid nodules. Fruits and vegetables are rich in vitamins, trace elements and antioxidants, which help provide adequate nutritional support and boost immunity. It is advisable to choose foods rich in vitamins A, C, and E, such as carrots, tomatoes, spinach, cauliflower, etc.
3. Avoid irritating foods.
For some people with thyroid nodules, certain foods may cause discomfort. Common irritating foods include caffeine, spicy foods, alcohol, and sparkling drinks. If you find that these foods are causing discomfort, it is best to limit or avoid them.
4. Control carbohydrate intake.
For people with thyroid nodules, controlling carbohydrate intake is beneficial for maintaining a healthy weight and metabolism. Choose low-sugar compounds such as brown rice, whole-wheat bread, etc.
5. Eat a varied diet.
It is very important to eat a balanced diet and avoid over-reliance on a single food. Make sure you're getting enough nutrients with vegetables, fruits, eggs and meat. In addition, increasing water intake is beneficial for the elimination of waste products from the body and the maintenance of thyroid function.
Dietary modification for patients with thyroid nodules should be made on an individual basis, and it is recommended to develop a suitable diet plan under the guidance of a doctor. In addition, an active lifestyle and moderate exercise are also essential for the health and well-being of thyroid nodules