Drugs & Foods to Avoid for Hypothyroidism

Drugs & Foods to Avoid for Hypothyroidism

Overview

Hypothyroidism, also called underactive thyroid, is a condition that occurs when the thyroid does not make enough thyroid hormones. The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped endocrine organ located at the base of your neck just below the larynx. It releases hormones that control metabolism. Autoimmune problems, radiation therapy, radioactive iodine, thyroid surgery and certain foods and medications can cause hypothyroidism.

Foods to Avoid

When you have an underactive thyroid, you should avoid foods that interfere with thyroid function. These foods include spinach, kale, broccoli, turnip, mustard greens, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, millet, cassava, linseeds and pine nuts, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Consult your doctor before you take soy products because they may interfere with the absorption of thyroid hormone. Soy products include soy milk, tofu, soybeans and soy sauce.

Caffeine, Alcohol and Tobacco

If you have hypothyroidism, avoid taking caffeine, tobacco and alcohol. Caffeine is a stimulant drug that can affect thyroid functioning. Caffeine is found in coffee, tea, chocolate, energy drinks and soft drinks. Tobacco contains nicotine, a psychoactive ingredient that can affect the thyroid. Alcoholic beverages such as beer, wine and spirits can also affect the thyroid.

Medications to Avoid

Avoid taking drugs without consulting your doctor because some medications can cause hypothyroidism. Drugs used to treat hyperthyroidism are the most common causes of hypothyroidism, according to PubMedHealth. Hyperthyroidism drugs include radioactive iodine, methimazole and propylthiouracil. Treatment of hyperthyroidism with these drugs can cause irreversible hypothyroidism. Other drugs that can cause hypothyroidism include lithium and amiodarone.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism causes your metabolism to slow. At first, you may notice that you are fatigued and sluggish. As your metabolism continues to slow, additional symptoms of hypothyroidism include increased sensitivity to cold, headaches, a swollen lump at the base of the neck, constipation, slow heart rate, brittle hair, pale dry skin, voice hoarseness, puffy face, depression, muscle stiffness, menstrual problems and unexplained weight gain, as well as slowed growth and development in children, according to MayoClinic.com.

source : livestronge.com

Foods to Avoid for Triglycerides

Foods to Avoid for Triglycerides

Triglycerides are fats that are carried into the bloodstream by the foods you eat, extra calories and carbohydrates, or release from fat stores in the body, according to University of Wisconsin Health. Excess triglycerides in the body can cause heart disease. High triglyceride levels can be caused by genetics, diabetes or kidney disease, some medications, and consuming certain triglyceride-causing foods.

Alcoholic Beverages

Triglyceride levels become elevated when even a small amount of alcohol is consumed, according to MayoClinic.com. Drinks such as wine, beer, spirits and any other type of alcohol will raise your triglyceride levels. Try to keep drinking to no more than two drinks per day for men, and no more than one for women. If you have already been diagnosed with high triglycerides, refrain altogether.

Simple Sugars

Simple sugars refer to foods that raise blood sugar levels quickly after ingestion. Simple sugar that will raise your triglycerides include candy, cake, donuts, ice cream, cookies, pies, jams and jellies. Soda is also a simple sugar, and may be worse than the rest due to the fact it is in liquid form and can enter the bloodstream faster.

Saturated and Trans Fats

Foods that contain partially hydrogenated oils such as many baked goods and some margarines have trans fats, which raise triglyceride levels in the body. Saturated fat found in full fat dairy products and fattier cuts of meat can also do some damage. Choose cuts of meat that are leaner, or at least trim any visible fat. Also, try to consume low fat or fat free dairy products, as long as sugar hasn't been added as a replacement.

Starchy Foods

Foods that contain a lot of starch can wreak havoc with triglyceride levels. Starches are converted to sugar by your body, and include foods like bread, pasta, potatoes, rice and some cereals.

source : livestronge.com

Foods to Avoid to Prevent Gout

Foods to Avoid to Prevent Gout

Gout is an arthritis condition caused by uric acid build up in the joints and connective tissues. Uric acid is produced when the human body breaks down purines, which are naturally found in tissues and everyday foods. The abnormal accumulation of uric acid results from the kidneys' inability to excrete uric acid or the body's overproduction of uric acid. Avoiding high-purine foods helps to reduce uric acid and gout attacks.

Purines in Food

Purine-rich foods include anchovies, mackerel, sardines, shellfish, scallops, mussels, organ meats, yeast extracts and game meat. Foods that contain moderate amounts of purine include shrimp, eel, beef, pork, poultry, veal, herring, trout, asparagus, spinach, mushroom and legumes. MayoClinic.com recommends that gout patients avoid high-purine foods and restrict or limit their daily intake of foods that contain moderate amounts of purine. According to a study appearing in the "New England Journal of Medicine" in 2004, the combination of high-purine foods and high protein contributes to gout. In addition, foods low in protein but high in purines such as mushrooms and legumes were shown not to increase the development of gout in men.

Fructose

Fructose has been shown to increase the production of uric acid. Fructose is a simple sugar that the body uses for energy and is commonly found in fruits. The amount of fructose consumed from whole fruits is less than added sugars such as high-fructose corn syrup, corn syrup, table sugar, fruit juice concentrates and sucrose. Sugar sweetened beverages that contain large amounts of fructose such as fruit juices and sodas are associated with higher uric acid levels and should be avoided or restricted if the person has gout, according to MayoClinic.com.

Fatty Foods

Foods that are high in fat and cholesterol contain large amounts of purines. Fatty and fried foods such as poultry skin, butter and marbled meats should be limited as they contribute to uric acid production in the body, states Gout.com. Therefore, avoiding high fat foods can help decrease a person's risks of triggering gout attacks. According to MayoClinic.com, most gout diets are low-cholesterol and low-fat. It is recommended that no more than 30 percent of a person's daily caloric intake should come from fat, states MedlinePlus.

source : livestronge.com

What Foods to Avoid in Obesity ?

What Foods to Avoid in Obesity

Physicians consider adults with a body mass index over 30 obese. Body mass index, BMI, calculates body fat from a person's weight and height. Obesity may be related to unhealthy lifestyles such as poor physical activity and unhealthy food choices. One in three adults in the US population is considered obese, states Mayo Clinic. Obesity not only can threaten physical health, obese people face discrimination and social marginalization as well. Dietary modifications such as including more fruits and vegetables in your diet and avoiding high-calorie, low- nutrient foods may help prevent and control obesity.

Fats

Avoid food with a high fat content such as fried food and pre-packaged snacks. Fats provide more calories per kilogram than carbohydrates and protein. Excessive fat intake will not only influence obesity but will increase your risk of developing cardiovascular disease. The American Heart Association recommends limiting fat to 25 to 35 percent of your total daily calories. Limit saturated fats to 7 percent and trans fats to 1 percent of total daily calories. Cholesterol intake should be less than 300 mg per day, 200 mg in case of coronary heart disease.

Refined Carbohydrates

Products such as white flour and sugar are rich in calories but lack nutrients such as vitamins, minerals and fiber. These may have an impact in your body weight and increase your blood glucose levels. Avoid products with added sugars such as carbonated drinks and fruit beverages. Also skip pastry and sweet products such as doughnuts, cakes, chocolates and candy.

Sodium

Obesity is associated with hypertension and cardiovascular disease. Cutback your sodium intake by avoiding canned and frozen food; select fresh and low or sodium-free versions instead. Avoid processed/ cured meats such as hot dogs, salami and potted meats. Also avoid seasonings, broths and sauces with added salt. Opt for herbs and spices such as black pepper, parsley and cilantro to flavor your food.

Alcohol

Alcohol can add a significant amount of calories to your diet. It does not provide the necessary nutrients to nurture your body. Excessive alcohol intake may worsen obesity and cause nutrient deficiencies. The lining of the stomach and small intestine may be damaged by alcohol, resulting in impaired nutrient absorption, reports Medline Plus.

source : livestronge.com

What Foods Should You Avoid Eating When Taking Warfarin?

What Foods Should You Avoid Eating When Taking Warfarin?

Warfarin is a prescription drug used to prevent clots from developing in your blood, according to the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists. According to MayoClinic.com, foods and beverages containing large amounts of vitamin K can reduce the effectiveness of warfarin. The Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University says that vitamin K helps the body to form blood clots and that patients on warfarin should consume only between 90 to 120 micrograms (mcg) of vitamin K per day.

 

Green Leafy Vegetables

Green leafy vegetables, such as kale, collard greens, spinach, Swiss chard, Brussels sprouts, mustard greens, parsley and watercress are foods that have high amounts of vitamin K and should be avoided if you are taking warfarin. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, 1 cup of chopped raw kale has 547 mcg of vitamin K, 1 cup of chopped cooked broccoli has 220 mcg of vitamin K and 1 cup of raw Swiss chard has 299 mcg of vitamin K. You should choose other vegetables that do not contain large amounts of vitamin K. Green tea also contains vitamin K and should be avoided, according to MayoClinic.com. You should talk with your doctor before making any major changes in your diet concurrent with taking warfarin, or if after you begin warfarin therapy you are unable to eat for a few days, or if you have an upset stomach, diarrhea or fever, according to MayoClinic.com.

Oils

Vitamin K is found in some oils, particularly soybean oil, canola oil and olive oil. According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, 1 tbsp. of soybean oil contains 25 mcg of vitamin K, canola oil contains 16.6 mcg of vitamin K, olive oil contains 8.1 mcg of vitamin K and mayonnaise contains 3.7 mcg of vitamin K. Since these oils are used in many prepared dishes and meals, it is best if you prepare your own salad dressing with other ingredients. Fish oil may also affect warfarin therapy. Research by Mitchell .S. Buckley published in the "Annals of Pharmacotherapy" in 2004 reported a case in which a 67-year-old woman taking warfarin doubled her intake of fish oil that consequently altered the effectiveness of warfarin.

Cranberry

Cranberry is a fruit that is eaten with salads or juiced for a delicious beverage. However, if you are taking warfarin, you should avoid eating cranberries, drinking cranberry juice or take cranberry herbal products, according to MayoClinic.com and Drugs.com. Research conducted by Jonathan Aston published in "Pharmacotherapy" in 2006 found after review and analysis of studies on the interaction between warfarin and cranberries, that ingestion of large volumes of cranberry juice destabilizes warfarin therapy. Moreover, the United Kingdom's Committee on Safety of Medicines alerted clinicians that cranberries potentiates warfarin, and that patients should avoid consuming both concurrently.

source : livestronge.com

Foods to Avoid With Hyperkalemia

Foods to Avoid With Hyperkalemia

Hyperkalemia is a condition in which potassium levels in blood are above normal levels. Although potassium is needed in the body for nerve and heart function, elevated levels in blood may cause health problems. It may cause abnormal heartbeats, irregular pulse and nausea. Hyperkalemia may result from alcoholism kidney disease and Addison's disease. Treatment to reduce potassium levels includes diet modifications and the use of diuretics.

Fruits

Fruits are sources of potassium. A rich source can provide between 250 to 500mg of potassium per serving. Fruits such as apricots, avocados, orange, peaches, prunes, raisins, bananas, figs and kiwis should be avoided because of their high potassium content. For a low potassium option, choose blackberries, grapefruit, strawberries and tangerines, which provide up to 150mg of potassium per serving. Canned fruits such as canned pears and plums are also popular choices.

Dairy Products

Avoid milk and other dairy products, which may be high in potassium. Dietetic supplements used to substitute meals are also high in potassium. Read the label or ask your doctor or dietitian for specific recommendations.

Vegetables

Refrain from consuming lima, navy and kidney beans, lentils, all kind of nuts, parsnips, potatoes, spinach, yams, sweet potatoes and tomatoes. For lower potassium versions, opt for asparagus, cucumber, lettuce, onions, peas, turnips and cabbage.

Juices and Substitutes

Avoid prune, pomegranate and tomato juice. Opt for apple and cranberry juice. Frozen grape juice, lemonade and peach and pear nectar are also low in potassium. Some salt substitutes may contain potassium. If for health reasons you need to use a salt substitute, consult your dietitian to find a low-potassium or potassium-free option to season your foods. Monitor the portion size of your food, which also plays a role in the amount of potassium in your diet. Contact your dietitian for a specific diet plan tailored to your health needs.

source : livestronge.com