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Diet for thyroid surgeries What you need to know
Table of Contents
1. How does the shield work?
The thyroid gland is part of the internal secretion glands. It is responsible for the regulation of the function of most tissues affecting the body's metabolism, thermogenesis (heat production) and calcium-phosphorus economy. The function of the thyroid is controlled by the cerebrospinal gland, which releases thyroid hormones (TSH), thus stimulating thyroid to produce T3 and T4 hormones.2. What is hypothyroidism?
The disorder consists of excessive production of triiodothyronine and thyroxine. In other words, the thyroid becomes overactive because the signals controlling its work are disturbed. Consequently, there are more hormones in the body than it needs. The most common causes of the development of overactivity are Graves-Bassedow disease (it has an autoimmune basis) and thyroid tumor.3. Hyperactivity of the thyroid gland Symptoms
In simplistic terms, hypothyroidism can be described as the body's action at its maximum rate. As a result, fever, increased sweating, shaking of the hands, heartbeat, and increased metabolism are observed, and thus unintentional weight loss despite increased appetite. People with hypothyroxia often experience nervousness, anxiety, irritability, sleep disturbances and muscle weakness, and stimulated peristalsis of the intestine leads to more frequent delivery of stool and rhythm.4. Diets with hypothyroidism energy value
The primary purpose of nutrition in thyroid overactivity, when hormone levels are not yet balanced, is to prevent the body from losing weight. Due to accelerated metabolism, the body is in a phase of catabolism, i.e. an increased breakdown of molecules or tissues with the release of chemical energy. This leads to an increased use of all resources and consequently to greater energy needs, but when these are not met there is uncontrolled weight loss.5. The diet in hyperthyroidism the ratio of macronutrients
It is recommended that protein constitutes 1215% of the energy value of the diet (D. Wolańska-Buzalska, pzh. gov. pl). However, for people with weight loss, an increased protein supply is suggested up to approximately 90100 g (P. Tuchendler, Z. Zdrojewicz, 2017). Its main source should be lean meat, vegetables, seeds of legumes and occasionally fish (not more than 23 times a week due to its fat content, as excess of this element in the diet can exacerbate the disease). Full fat products should be 2035% of the fat content of the food and be of vegetable origin.6. Is this a diet for hypothyroidism at all? What else is there to look out for?
Calcium and vitamin D are particularly important in the diet of people with thyroid disorders because they are involved in bone homeostasis (D. Wolańska-Buzalska, pzh. gov. pl). Tuberculosis causes calcium imbalance, which predisposes to osteopenia and osteoporosis. These are particularly susceptible to women who, as they age, are at increased risk of bone loss and are more likely to become dependent on bone loss.7. Is this a hypothyroid diet to avoid at all?
Snack salts and fast foods are particularly high-energy foods which may seem desirable in hyperthyroidism. However, they are definitely not recommended because of their pro-inflammatory trans fats content.8. Diets with hypothyroidism long-term effects
In addition to the apparent signs of hypothyroidism, which significantly reduces the comfort of life, there are other long-term effects of the disease that are not immediately apparent. Among the patients with hyperthyroidism half of the patients have impaired glucose tolerance, and about 3% of them are already battling diabetes (M. Gierach, J. Gierach, R. Junik 2014).9. Summary
A diet will not cure thyroid dysfunction, but it will improve well-being and, consequently, the comfort of life. A nourished body will be able to fight the disease more effectively. Proper nutritional intervention is important especially before hormonal balance at the time of significant weight loss.
