Same goes for the thyroid hormone and adrenal stress or insufficiency. The adrenals are little organs that sit atop your kidneys. They introduce the "fight or flight" or what we experience today, chronic cortisol release, that leads to a host of health related issues: including hypothyroidism, diabetes type II, cancer, heart disease.... the list goes on.
To understand the correlation between the thyroid and adrenals here's a study from 2006 that states that thyroid hormone replacement therapy is unwarranted if adrenal insufficiency is in action. Oddly enough I don't see enough of this correlation in treatment with the patients I see, they are automatically put on a thyroid hormone, based on test thyroid hormone results, without looking at the whole endocrine function and where it misplaced it's step.
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Reversible subclinical hypothyroidism in the presence of adrenal insufficiency.
For those that are on hormone therapy I would get your panel tested again WITH additional cortisol levels so that you can accurately see where the endocrine cascade has gone awry.
For those who would like a little more holistic at the dinner table. Here's some good and not so great foods that you can intake to help with your hypothyroidism. I don't agree with adding more dairy but more Vitamin D supplements and foods, would be better option.
9 Foods to Avoid With Hypothyroidism
Foods to Avoid
Hypothyroidism can be a tricky condition to manage, and what you
eat can interfere with your treatment. Some nutrients heavily influence the
function of the thyroid gland, and certain foods can inhibit your body's
ability to absorb the replacement hormones you may take as part of your thyroid
treatment. There's no such thing as a "hypothyroidism diet" that will
make you well, but eating smart can help you feel better despite the condition.
Here are nine foods to limit or avoid as you manage hypothyroidism:
Soy
The
hormone estrogen can interfere
with your body's ability to use thyroid hormone, says Stephanie Lee,
MD, PhD associate chief of endocrinology, nutrition, and diabetes at Boston
Medical Center and an associate professor at the Boston University School of
Medicine. Soy is loaded with plant-based phytoestrogen, and some researchers
believe too much soy may increase a person's risk for hypothyroidism. People
with hypothyroidism should moderate their intake of soy. However, because soy
hasn't been definitively linked to hypothyroidism, there are no specific
dietary guidelines.
Cruciferous Vegetables
Cruciferous vegetables, such as
broccoli and cabbage, can interfere with the production of thyroid hormone,
particularly people who have an iodine deficiency. Digesting these vegetables
can block the thyroid's ability to absorb iodine, which is essential for normal
thyroid function. People with
hypothyroidism may want to limit their intake of broccoli, Brussels
sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower, kale, turnips, and bok choy. Cooking the
vegetables can reduce the effect that cruciferous vegetables have on the
thyroid gland. Limiting your intake to 5 ounces a day appears to have no
adverse effect on thyroid function.
Gluten
People
with hypothyroidism may want to consider minimizing their intake of gluten,
a protein found in foods processed from wheat, barley, rye, and other grains,
says Ruth Frechman, RDN, a dietitian and nutritionist in the Los Angeles area
and a spokesperson for the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. Gluten can
irritate the small intestine and may hamper absorption of thyroid hormone
replacement medication.
However, if you do choose to
eat gluten, be sure to choose whole-grains varieties of bread, pasta, and rice,
which are high in fiber and other nutrients and can help improve bowel
irregularity, a common symptom of hypothyroidism. Also be sure to take your
hypothyroidism medication several hours before or after eating high-fiber foods
to prevent them from interfering with the absorption of your synthetic thyroid
hormone.
Fatty Foods
Fats have been found to disrupt
the body's ability to absorb thyroid hormone replacement medicines, Dr. Lee
says. Fats may also interfere with the thyroid's ability to produce hormone
as well. Some health care professionals recommend that you cut out all fried
foods and reduce your intake of fats from sources such as butter, mayonnaise,
margarine, and fatty cuts of meat.
Sugary Foods
Hypothyroidism can cause the
body's metabolism to
slow down, Frechman says. That means it's easy to put on pounds if
you aren't careful. "You want to avoid the foods with excess amounts of sugar
because it's a lot of calories with no nutrients," she says. It's best to
reduce the amount of sugar you eat or try to eliminate it completely from your
diet.
Processed Foods
"Processed foods tend to
have a lot of sodium, and people with hypothyroidism should avoid sodium,"
Frechman says. Having an underactive
thyroid increases a person's risk for high blood pressure, and too
much sodium further increases this risk. Read the Nutrition Facts label on the
packaging of processed foods to find options lowest in sodium. People with an
increased risk for high blood pressure should restrict their sodium intake to
1,500 milligrams a day, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and
Prevention.
Excess Fiber
Getting enough fiber is good
for you, but too much can complicate your hypothyroidism treatment. Guidelines
currently recommend that older adults take in 20 to 35 grams of fiber a day.
Amounts of dietary fiber from whole grains, vegetables, fruits, beans, and
legumes that go above that level affect your digestive system and can interfere
with absorption of thyroid hormone replacement drugs. If you're on a high-fiber
diet, ask your doctor if you need a higher dose of thyroid
medication. Your maintenance dose may need to be increased if you
aren't absorbing enough medication.
Coffee
Caffeine has been found to
block absorption of thyroid hormone replacement, Lee says. "People who
were taking their thyroid medication with their morning coffee had
uncontrollable thyroid
levels, and we couldn't figure it out," she says. "I now
have to be very careful to tell people, 'Only take your medication with
water.'" You should wait at least 30 minutes after taking your medication
before having a cup of joe.
Alcohol
Alcohol consumption can wreak
havoc on both thyroid hormone levels in the body and the ability of the thyroid
to produce hormone. Alcohol appears to have a toxic effect
on the thyroid gland and suppresses the ability of the body to use thyroid
hormone. Ideally, people with hypothyroidism should cut out alcohol completely
or drink in careful moderation.
7 Hypothyroidism-Friendly Foods to Add to Your Diet
Eat Right to Support Thyroid Function
When
you have hypothyroidism,
or an underactive thyroid, symptoms can include fatigue, depression, constipation,
and other more serious health concerns. Fortunately, eating certain foods can
help boost the effectiveness of your thyroid — a little butterfly-shaped gland
in your neck with a big role in how well your body works.
The thyroid produces hormones
that regulate mood, metabolism, energy levels, body temperature, heart rate,
and blood pressure. Hypothyroidism occurs when this gland isn't producing
enough hormones. Along with taking your thyroid medication, you can bolster
thyroid function with a well-balanced diet that includes lots of produce and
protein, among other healthy foods, says Gregory B. Dodell, MD, an
endocrinologist in New York City. The next time you're at the grocery store,
look for these seven nutrient-rich foods.
Fish
The omega-3 fatty acids found
in fatty fish such as wild salmon, trout, tuna, or sardines make this food an
excellent choice for lunch or dinner, says Virginia Turner, MS, RD, LDN,
clinical nutrition manager at The University of Tennessee Medical Center in
Knoxville. Unmanaged hypothyroidism can increase the risk for heart disease
as a result of higher levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL), the
"bad" cholesterol. "Omega-3s are known to decrease inflammation,
help with immunity, and lower the risk for heart disease," she adds. Fish
is also a good source of the nutrient selenium, which is most concentrated in
the thyroid. Selenium also helps decrease inflammation.
Nuts
Another great source of
selenium, nuts make a handy snack that you can take anywhere. They also go well
in salads or stir-fries. Brazil nuts, macadamia nuts, and hazelnuts are all
particularly high in selenium, which helps the thyroid
function properly. With Brazil nuts, you only need to eat one or
two; with other nuts, a small handful is enough to get your daily nutrients —
and be sure to keep an eye on portion size, as nuts are also very high fat.
Whole Grains
Constipation is a common
symptom of hypothyroidism. Whole-grain foods such as cereal, bread, pasta, and
rice are high in nutrients in addition to fiber, which can help with bowel
regularity. However, fiber can interfere with synthetic thyroid hormones,
cautions Turner. Some people with hypothyroidism choose to avoid whole-grains
altogether, but if you do choose to eat them, "the recommendation is to
take your thyroid
medication several hours before or after eating foods rich in
dietary fiber," she says.
Fresh Fruits and Vegetables
An
early symptom of hypothyroidism is weight gain.
Low-calorie, high-density foods such as fresh produce are the cornerstone of
every successful weight loss program. Include either fresh fruits or veggies at
each meal, if possible. Specific foods such as blueberries, cherries, sweet
potatoes, and green peppers are also rich in antioxidants, nutrients that are
known to lower risk for heart disease.
However, people with
hypothyroidism may want to limit their intake of cruciferous vegetables, such
as broccoli and cabbage, to 5 ounces a day, as they can block the thyroid's
ability to absorb iodine, which is essential for normal thyroid function.
Seaweed
Seaweed
has a high concentration of iodine, an essential nutrient for thyroid function.
"Iodine is the precursor for the production of thyroid hormone," Dr.
Dodell explains. Seaweed, packaged as nori, wakame, and dulse, can be used in
sushi, soups, and salads. Another plus: Seaweed offers nutritional benefits of
fiber, calcium, and vitamins A, B, C, E, and K.
It is possible to have too much
iodine, which can worsen thyroid disease, Dodell cautions. However, according
to the American
Thyroid Association the likelihood of this is greater if you're
taking supplements that contain iodine. Be sure to talk with your physician
before increasing your iodine intake.
Dairy
There is an association between
vitamin D deficiency and Hashimoto's disease, the most common cause of
hypothyroidism, according to a study in the issue of August 2011 issue of the
journal "Thyroid".
Fortified milk not only has added vitamin D, but also significant amounts of
calcium, protein, and iodine. Because Hashimoto's may also lead to changes that
contribute to gut issues like heartburn, foods such as yogurt with good
bacteria may help regulate other bacteria, Dodell says.
Beans
An inexpensive and versatile
food, beans are a great source
for sustained energy, which can be helpful if hypothyroidism leaves
you feeling drained. Beans contain protein, antioxidants, complex
carbohydrates, and loads of vitamins and minerals. They are also high in fiber,
which can be beneficial if you suffer with constipation, a common side effect
of hypothyroidism. If you're new to beans, there are many varieties to try, all
of which can be used as the base for entrées, as side dishes, and to enhance
soups, salads, and stews. Just be sure not to overdo it — guidelines recommend
that adults get 20 to 35 grams of fiber each day, but excess fiber can
interfere with your hypothyroidism treatment.
