Thyroid diseases, along with diabetes, are the most common in the structure of endocrine system pathologies. According to the Ministry of Health in 2017, they are registered (that is, an accurate diagnosis is made) in an average of 3% of the Russian population. According to the World Health Organization, one or another deviation in the work of the gland has half of the world's inhabitants. Diseases are most often reported in women living in the city. With increasing age, the incidence rate increases and can reach 15-20% among women over 60 years of age.
Diseases of the thyroid gland can be characterized by one of two opposite conditions - hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, or they can proceed without changing the level of hormones. The danger is that women often do not distinguish between these conditions. The phrase "I have a thyroid gland" is used by women for any thyroid gland pathology. However, treatment is possible only if you know your diagnosis. The basis for the treatment of pathologies is hormone therapy and the treatment of concomitant conditions, as well as an adequate diet. The purpose of the diet primarily depends on the content of thyroid hormones in the blood.
Consider all three possible nutritional options for thyroid gland in women: with unchanged hormone content (euthyroidism), with reduced (hypothyroidism), and with elevated hormone levels (hyperthyroidism).
Euthyroid goiter
The most common thyroid disease on the planet, with 90% of patients being women. It is characterized by the growth of the thyroid gland without changing its function, that is, without changing the content of gland hormones (T 3 and T 4 ) in the blood. At the initial stage, diffuse (uniform) proliferation is noted in young people and in pregnant women, with chronicity of the process - nodal. The cause of the disease in 90-95% of cases is the lack of iodine in the diet. Accordingly, the treatment will be aimed at reducing the size of the gland (hormonal drug thyroxine) and normalizing the amount of iodine entering the body. After successful treatment, it is also necessary to maintain the state of the thyroid gland due to a proper diet.
At different periods of life, the body requires a different amount of iodine. The needs of women and children in this trace element are given in table 1.
| Table 1. The rate of iodine intake (according to the World Health Organization), 2007 | mcg / day |
| Women | 150 |
| Pregnant women | 220 |
| Nursing | 290 |
| Children 1 to 3 years | 90 |
The main principles of the diet:
- the use of products containing a large amount of iodine - iodized salt, seafood, meat, milk, dairy products;
- the exception from the diet of products that reduce the absorption of iodine in the intestine - cruciferous and squash; lack of selenium and zinc also leads to impaired absorption of iodine.
Products containing iodine are shown in table 2.
| Table 2. The main food sources of iodine |
| Product | Μg / 100 g | The amount of product that provides daily need, g |
| Seaweed Salad | 300 | fifty |
| Mackerel catfish | 390-500 | 40-50 |
| Sea bass, chum, pink salmon, haddock | 150-200 | 75-100 |
| Shrimp | 110-190 | 80-135 |
| Cod, hake, blue whiting | 120-150 | 100-125 |
| Pollock, limonella, mackerel | 75-90 | 133-200 |
| Flounder, sprat, icefish, sardine, capelin, salmon, herring | 30-50 | 300-500 |
| Chicken eggs | 20 | 15 pieces |
| Cereals, cereals, meat, chickens, river fish, vegetables, fruits | 3-10 | 1500-5000 |
As can be seen from the table, the maximum amount of iodine is found in seafood and sea fish. It should be noted that iodine easily volatilizes when stored in the light from iodized salt and during heat treatment of products. Therefore, in the finished dishes, the iodine content will be less. We also note that it is difficult to consume 100 g of sea fish strictly daily, especially for children. For these reasons, doctors recommend using tableted forms of iodine, in which case a person knows what minimum amount of iodine he consumed today.
Pros and cons of a diet:
| pros | Minuses |
| few restrictions make dieting easy | it is difficult to guarantee the intake of the right amount of iodine |
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a pathological condition of the body caused by an insufficient level of thyroid hormones in the blood. Hypothyroidism is registered in 3-6% of women, the frequency increases with age and reaches 15% among women over 60 years of age. Most often, chronic iodine deficiency (advanced euthyroid goiter) leads to hypothyroidism. In addition, the culprits may be: removal of the thyroid gland and treatment with radioactive iodine, the use of antithyroid drugs, an excess of iodine.
The main method of treating thyroid diseases is hormone therapy, however, adherence to an adequate diet is a prerequisite for a complete recovery. For example, thyroid gland pathologies cause numerous hypovitaminoses, the therapy of which is possible only by increasing the intake of vitamins from food, since they are not produced in the body.
The main changes in the body with hypothyroidism, which can be stopped with proper nutrition
- Thyroid hormones are the main regulators of metabolism, so their lack leads to a decrease in the rate of basic metabolism. That is, substances coming from food - proteins, fats and carbohydrates do not have time to be consumed by the cells of the body and, being converted into endogenous fat, are deposited in the body. This leads to a number of changes, including an increase in body weight.
- Slowing down protein metabolism is especially dangerous for the body, since the proteins in the body perform many important functions, and slowing down their synthesis leads to numerous pathologies, for example, to a decrease in immunity, the formation of edema of the skin, mucous membranes, heart and lungs.
An insufficient level of thyroid hormones in the blood serum leads to increased production of cholesterol and a weakening of its use by the body.
- There are changes in the gastrointestinal tract: decreased appetite, nausea, flatulence, constipation, decreased secretion of gastric juice.
- Due to impaired absorption of iron in the intestine, iron deficiency anemia is noted.
- The conversion of vitamin A precursor, carotene, to vitamin A itself slows down, which leads to yellowness of the skin (since carotene is yellow), "night blindness", and dryness of the cornea.
Features of nutrition in hypothyroidism
Nutrition for hypothyroidism in women has its own characteristics.
Reducing caloric intake to 2100 kcal per day due to carbohydrates and fats. Protein intake remains normal. On average, 70 g of protein and fat, 300 g of carbohydrates are recommended.
Nutrition for the thyroid gland should be aimed at weight loss. To do this, appoint:
- restriction of simple carbohydrates, animal fats;
- restriction of foods that stimulate appetite - salt, spices;
- products are steamed or baked (since high-calorie fats are used for frying).
Limit cholesterol-rich foods.
Exclusion from the diet of products that suppress the absorption of thyroid hormones from the intestines in the composition of drugs and iodine.
If the disease is accompanied by constipation, then:
- include products that stimulate the secretion of gastric juice, with a laxative effect;
- it is necessary to observe a diet that maintains the intestinal tract in the right tone and ensures uninterrupted operation of the entire digestive system;
- gradually an increased amount of fiber is introduced into the diet, which stimulates intestinal motility;
- use cold drinks on an empty stomach, which starts the intestinal locomotor activity;
- physical activity is recommended - gymnastics, work on a garden site, walking at an average speed.
Useful and Prohibited Products
Products that must be used in nutrition for thyroid disease are presented in table 3.
Table 3. Useful products for hypothyroidism |
| Product | Benefit |
| Low-fat beef and veal, rabbit, chicken, turkey | Source of protein, iron |
| Sea kale - dried, salad, canned food | Source of iodine, laxative effect |
| Sea fish | Source of protein and iodine |
| One-day kefir, yogurt, koumiss | A source of beneficial microflora that provides normal bowel function |
| Bran, cereal grains, whole-grain bread, whole grain bread, oatmeal, buckwheat, nuts, raw vegetables and fruits, especially melon, beets, carrots, tomatoes, cucumbers, pumpkin, prunes, figs, raisins, blueberries | A source of coarse fibers that stimulate intestinal motility |
| Cold dishes and drinks on an empty stomach: honey with water, rosehip infusion, juices, ice cream, okroshka, beetroot, aspic | Strengthening intestinal motility |
| Blackcurrant, parsley, green bell pepper | Source of Carotene - Provitamin A |
The list of food products for the thyroid gland - what can not be included in the diet, is shown in table 4.
| Table 4. Limited foods for hypothyroidism |
Product | Reason for exclusion from the diet |
| Fatty Meat | Do not allow to reduce calorie intake, a source of cholesterol |
| Sugar, jam, pastry, white flour baked goods, honey, pasta, mashed potatoes, white cereals | The source of easily digestible carbohydrates - they do not allow to reduce the calorie content of the diet and cause fermentation in the intestine |
| Carbonated drinks, legumes, brown bread, whole milk, sweet apples, grapes, apple and grape juice, bananas, cucumbers, cabbage | Increase intestinal gas production |
| Rice, semolina, pasta, potatoes | Cause constipation |
| Mucous soups and cereals, jelly, mashed potatoes | Slowly moving through the intestines, causing constipation |
| Fatty meats, canned food, smoked meats, eggs | Hard to digest |
| Strong tea, especially green tea, cocoa, coffee, decoctions and jelly from bird cherry, quince, pears | Contain tannins that cause constipation |
Cruciferous and squash vegetables - turnip, cauliflower and white cabbage, turnip, mustard; corn, beans, soy. | Suppress the absorption in the intestines of iodine and thyroid hormones in the composition of drugs |
Pros and Cons of Diet
| pros | Minuses |
| Thyroid-rich nutrition with microelements and vitamins complies with healthy nutrition | Diet is difficult due to salt and sugar restrictions |
| Allows you to maintain weight | |
| Eliminated harmful foods: fats and fast carbohydrates | |
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a pathological condition of the body caused by the toxic effect of an excess of thyroid hormones. The most common causes of hyperthyroidism are: diffuse toxic goiter (Bazedov goiter, Bazedov’s disease) - an autoimmune disease, multinodular toxic goiter that develops due to chronic iodine deficiency, and chronic autoimmune thyroiditis.
In diseases characterized by hyperthyroidism, the work of many organs and systems is disrupted. The most dangerous are failures on the part of the cardiovascular system, in particular heart rhythm disturbance.
The main changes in the body with hyperthyroidism, which can be stopped with proper nutrition
Thyroid hormones regulate the metabolism, so their excess leads to:
- strengthening all types of metabolism, as a result of which reserves of proteins, fats and glycogen are consumed, potassium and calcium are excreted, other micro and macro elements and vitamins are actively consumed;
- increase in energy consumption in the body, first due to fat stores, as a result, a person loses weight, then the body proteins begin to be consumed, which is extremely life-threatening.
A negative effect on the central nervous system is manifested by increased nervous excitability, tearfulness, rapid exhaustion, tremor, and sleep disturbance.
There are disorders of the gastrointestinal tract: a change in appetite, upset stool, abdominal pain, vomiting, and sometimes constipation. The pancreas is disrupted, which leads to an increase in blood glucose. In severe cases, the liver suffers.
Features of nutrition for hyperthyroidism
- The appointment of a high-calorie diet (3000-3200 kcal) by a uniform increase in proteins, fats and carbohydrates. On average, a diet should contain 100 g of protein (55% animal protein), 110 g of fat (25% vegetable), 450 g of carbohydrates.
- Seafood and dairy products, vegetables and fruits should prevail in the diet. It is recommended to use mineral and vitamin complexes.
- Nutrition for the thyroid gland should be fractional - 5 times a day.
- The food is steamed.
Hyperthyroidism is often accompanied by diarrhea. In this case, it is assigned:
- the exclusion of mechanical, chemical and thermal irritation of the intestine, food is steamed, wiped, served warm;
- reduction in the supply of coarse fibers, enhancing intestinal motility due to mechanical irritation;
- the exclusion of products containing essential oils that cause chemical irritation;
- the exclusion of products leading to increased gas formation and the inclusion of products that inhibit fermentation;
- compliance with the drinking regime (2 liters of water per day);
- the use of probiotics to restore intestinal microflora.
Products
| Table 5. Useful products for hyperthyroidism |
| Product | Benefit |
| Sea fish and seafood | Source of protein and iodine. Excess iodine blocks the synthesis of thyroid hormones |
| Low-fat meats in the form of slices or pre-cooked minced meat, cottage cheese, dairy products, eggs | Protein source |
| Vegetables and fruits | Source of Potassium and Vitamins |
| Dairy | Source of Calcium and Vitamins |
| Chilled (15 ) drinks - broth of wild rose, dried fruit, fruit drink, green tea, low-fat sour-milk products | Body fluid regulation |
| Decoction of chamomile, rosehip, mint, sage, lingonberry, wild strawberry, raspberry, barberry | Inhibit fermentation in the intestines |
| One-day kefir, yogurt, koumiss | A source of beneficial microflora, ensuring the normal functioning of the intestine, a source of calcium |
Table 6. Limited foods for hyperthyroidism |
| Product | Reason for exclusion from the diet |
| Spicy and spicy dishes, spices, alcohol, strong broths, spices, caffeinated products - coffee, tea, chocolate, cocoa | Excite the central nervous system |
| Salty foods | Increase blood pressure, cause swelling |
| Carbonated drinks, legumes, brown bread, whole milk, sweet apples, grapes, apple and grape juice, bananas, cucumbers, cabbage | Increase intestinal gas production |
| Onions, garlic, spinach, garlic, sorrel, radish, mushrooms | Contain essential oils that irritate the intestinal mucosa |
Advantages and disadvantages
| pros | Minuses |
| Thyroid-rich nutrition with microelements and vitamins complies with healthy nutrition | Are absent |
| Keeps weight constant | |
| Easy to carry | |
FAQ
- What are the features of nutrition with nodes in the thyroid gland?
When the nodes are in the thyroid gland, nutrition and treatment are prescribed based on the level of thyroid hormones. Here all three cases are possible: without a change in the level of hormones (see euthyroid goiter), with a drop in the level (see hypothyroidism) or with an increase in the level of thyroid hormones (see hyperthyroidism).
- What are the nutritional characteristics of goiter?
Goiter - diffuse or nodular growth of thyroid tissue without specifying changes in its function. Goiter can occur without changing the function of the gland (see euthyroid goiter), with a decrease in function (see hypothyroidism) and with an increase (see hyperthyroidism).
- What are the features of nutrition after removal of the thyroid gland?
The thyroid gland can be removed completely or partially. After partial removal, the remains of the gland take on all the work on the synthesis of hormones, therefore, treatment and a special diet are not prescribed. After complete removal of the thyroid gland, nutrition and treatment are prescribed as in case of hypothyroidism, taking into account the fact that thyroid hormones are now not synthesized at all in the body.