PT health Life – In addition to treatment, nutritional care is also necessary for thyroid cancer patients to strengthen thyroid function with foods. Following a nutrient-dense diet rich in whole foods is enough to maintain optimal thyroid function.
Thyroid diseases include hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and thyroid cancer , which are common conditions. Depending on the type of disease, thyroid conditions are often treated with medications such as thyroid hormone replacement , surgery, and other procedures, such as radiation therapy for thyroid cancer.
In addition to conventional treatments for thyroid conditions, research shows that dietary interventions, including dietary supplements, have beneficial effects on the treatment of certain thyroid conditions. Thyroid.
1. The importance of diet for people with thyroid cancer
For people with thyroid cancer, in addition to complying with treatment, following a nutritious diet, prioritizing healthy foods, not smoking, exercising regularly… is very important. . These measures have a positive impact, helping patients restore their health and reduce the possibility of cancer recurrence.
2. The most important nutrients for thyroid health
Selenium : Is an essential mineral for the production of thyroid hormones, helping to protect the thyroid from damage caused by oxidative stress. The thyroid gland contains high amounts of selenium and a deficiency can lead to thyroid dysfunction. You should supplement more natural foods rich in selenium such as red snapper, tuna, beef liver, mushrooms, shrimp, fish, and nuts.
Iodine: Iodine is important for thyroid function. In fact, currently the only known role of iodine is to support thyroid hormone production. Triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) are thyroid hormones that contain iodine. Iodine deficiency causes thyroid disease, however, too much iodine can cause thyroid problems such as thyroiditis, making symptoms worse.
Zinc : The mineral Zinc is essential for the production of thyroid hormones. Optimal zinc concentrations are required to achieve healthy levels of T3, T4, and thyroid-stimulating hormone. Foods rich in zinc that are good for cancer patients include: chicken, shrimp, crab, pumpkin seeds, sunflower seeds, lentils, black beans, green beans, whole grains…
Iron : The thyroid needs iron to convert T4 to T3, the active form of thyroid hormone. Iron deficiency is associated with thyroid dysfunction. Good sources of iron include chicken, salmon, mackerel, tuna, eggs, spinach, kale, broccoli, lettuce, beans, whole grains, dried fruits, etc.
Other nutrients , including vitamins B , A, C, and E are also needed for optimal thyroid function. Lack of one or more nutrients affects thyroid health, increasing the risk of thyroid disease. Food sources rich in vitamins B, A, C, E such as chicken, whole grains, yogurt, eggs, whole grains, beans, green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes…
Omega-3: These fatty acids help cells become sensitive to thyroid hormones. Supplement omega-3 fatty acids by eating oily fish, sardines, salmon, flaxseeds, halibut…
3. Foods to eat and avoid for people with thyroid cancer
3.1. Foods to eat
Chicken: A source of animal protein rich in amino acids, especially tyrosine – which builds thyroid hormones and dopamine – both essential for weight control. A lack of tyrosine in the diet leads to an underactive thyroid, and a dopamine deficiency is linked to cravings and weight gain.
Fatty fish: Is a rich source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids. The body converts these fatty acids into decomposing and protective compounds, which have anti-inflammatory effects, enhance immunity, and are good for the thyroid.
Although all fish contain some omega-3 fatty acids, fatty fish such as salmon, sardines, herring, mackerel, anchovies, etc. are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. best.
Nuts: The healthy fat content in nuts has anti-inflammatory properties that may help support a better functioning immune system.
Cashews, almonds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds… contain lots of healthy fats, protein, fiber and are a source of many nutrients, including vitamin E, magnesium, selenium, good for people with thyroid disease. .
Olive oil: The main fatty acid in olive oil is a monounsaturated fat called oleic acid. Oleic acid has been shown to reduce inflammation, and may even have beneficial effects on genes linked to cancer.
Whole grains: Provide many important nutrients such as fiber, protein, vitamins, minerals. In particular, fiber, antioxidants and many types of plant compounds found in whole grains help reduce inflammation and prevent disease.
Green leafy vegetables: Spinach, lettuce and green leafy vegetables are recommended for the diet of thyroid cancer patients. Because these vegetables are rich in magnesium and minerals, these are substances that help promote the thyroid gland’s metabolism.
Beans: Beans are rich in fiber, which helps support digestion. Beans are also one of the best plant sources of antioxidants, especially chickpeas.
In addition, some beans such as pinto beans contain a special antioxidant called kaempferol. This antioxidant helps reduce chronic inflammation and prevent the development of cancer.
Berries: Berries are rich in antioxidants, which can help control thyroid dysfunction. Blueberries contain the highest amount of antioxidants among all fruits and vegetables. Raspberries are also a great source of fiber, vitamin C, manganese, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatories.
Yogurt: Yogurt is rich in vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency can put you at a higher risk of obesity and thyroid diseases. Vitamin D deficiency is also linked to the development of autoimmune thyroid diseases and is more common in people with these diseases. The anti-inflammatory, immune-boosting properties of vitamin D may protect the thyroid from damage.
In addition to vitamin D, yogurt is also rich in probiotics that help balance beneficial bacteria in the intestines because it can be eliminated by thyroid disorders.
3.2. Foods that should be avoided
Cruciferous vegetables: Broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage… although they are vegetables that bring many health benefits, consuming them in excess can hinder thyroid function by ways to inhibit iodine absorption or disrupt thyroid hormone production. Variety is key, moderation should be followed to maintain a balanced and varied diet without overloading on specific goitrogenic foods.
Unfermented soy products: Some compounds found in soy products such as soy milk and tofu can interfere with the thyroid’s ability to make hormones. If you have hormone imbalance or thyroid disorder, you should eat less or not eat soy or tofu.
However, fermented soy products such as miso or tempeh are good for the thyroid, so people with cancer can use them.
Processed foods: Processed foods often contain soy, empty calories or additives that are not good for health. Especially processed foods contain high fat content, which will reduce the production of thyroxin by the thyroid gland, and even reduce the effectiveness of drugs to treat hypothyroidism.
Animal organs: Animal organs contain a lot of lipoic acid. If the body receives too much of this fatty acid, it can disrupt the functioning of the thyroid gland. Lipoic acid affects many thyroid medications in use.
Gluten foods: Gluten is a protein found in wheat, rye and barley, affecting the digestive system, specifically the intestinal tract. Products containing gluten are usually bread, cookies, cakes, vegetarian dishes…. Some people are gluten intolerant, and eating these foods causes bloating, diarrhea, and stomach pain. … Because gluten causes an auto-immune response, it may increase the risk of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
Fiber and sugar: Fiber is good for the digestive system, but eating too much fiber will prevent the body’s absorption of drugs. Patients need to limit food intake but should not completely eliminate it because this is a necessary food for the digestive process. The same goes for sugar and sweeteners. When the thyroid gland’s function is impaired, it affects the conversion of sugar into energy, causing weight gain and affecting the functioning of the thyroid gland.
Coffee or drinks containing caffeine: Also reduces the effectiveness of thyroid medication because caffeine stimulates the digestive system, reducing the drug’s absorption.
Above is reference information about diet for people with thyroid cancer. However, depending on each person’s medical condition, it is best for the patient to ask for advice from a treating doctor or nutritionist about a suitable diet. For example, someone starting radioactive iodine treatment will follow a low-iodine diet for two weeks and for one to three days afterward.
In addition, patients should only take dietary supplements and vitamins according to their doctor’s advice and instructions because some thyroid supplements can lead to negative side effects and even harm the thyroid gland.
