|
Please address foods and hypothyroidism in a future article. This disease raises cholesterol levels and many foods that lower CHOL levels interfere with thyroid function and/or the impact of thyroid medications. What foods lower LDL but do not interfere with thyroid function?
Answer by Theresa Davis, MS RD DietDetective Nutritionist: Hypothyroidism means that the thyroid gland is "under-functioning" or producing less thyroid hormone than normal. There are many symptoms of hypothyroidism, some of these include: high blood cholesterol, weight gain, cold intolerance, dry skin, constipation, fatigue and many others.
A common treatment for hypothyroidism is thyroid hormone replacement medication. You do not need to follow a special diet when being treated for hypothyroidism, but you do need to be aware that certain foods and nutrients can impair thyroid hormone absorption. Some foods or nutrients than can impair thyroid absorption include: iron and and calcium supplements, soy foods, high fiber foods, and possibly foods in the cabbage family such as cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, brussel sprouts etc. You can still enjoy these foods as long as you take your thyroid hormone medication several HOURS BEFORE or AFTER eating these foods.
Thyroid hormone replacement usually lowers cholesterol levels elevated by the condition, however if you find that you still have elevated cholesterol and LDL levels after thyroid treatment, a diet high in soluble fiber and low in saturated and trans fats can help reduce cholesterol and LDL levels. Soluble fibers are found in legumes / beans, oats, barley, fruit and vegetables; saturated fats are found in red meats, chicken skin, sausage, bacon, full fat dairy foods, tropical oils; trans fats are found in fried foods and commercial baked goods or foods containing shortening, stick margarine and hydrogenated oils. Other foods that may help improve cholesterol levels include foods containing omega 3 fatty acids (fatty fish, walnuts, flax seeds and canola oil) and phytosterols (spreads such as Benechol, Promise active, Promise active supershots, Cocovia bars and various other specialty "heart smart" products). Finally Exercise, weight loss and for some people medication can help improve cholesterol levels.
HAVE A QUESTION? EMAIL INFO [AT] DIETDETECTIVE.COM
Trackback(0)
 |
TrackBack URI for this entry
Subscribe to this comment's feed
Janet Podleski is one half of the sister act that wrote the bestselling cookbooks, Looneyspoons, Crazy Plates and their latest, Eat, Shrink & Be Merry! Janet and her sister, Greta, are also monthly columnists for Canada's number-one magazine, Reader's Digest, and were voted into Canada’s Top 40 Under 40 in 2000. The sisters and their inspirational, self-publishing success story have been featured on dozens of national TV programs such as The Today Show, CNN, Canada A.M. and QVC, as well as on hundreds of radio shows, and in magazines and newspapers across North America. In addition to a B.A. in Psychology, she has also earned a degree as a Registered Holistic Nutritionist. 
Brenda J. Ponichtera is a registered dietitian and author of several award-winning cookbooks, all designed to prove that "healthful eating doesn't have to take a lot of time in the kitchen."
Calorie Bargain: Oikos Organic Greek Yogurt
Calorie Bargain: Green Mountain Gringo Mild Salsa
