Short Answer: Corn is bad for hyperthyroidism because it has goitrogens and is a high-glycemic food. They can interfere with thyroid hormone production and increase inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance.
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that affects your thyroid gland, which is located at the front of your neck.
In hyperthyroidism, your thyroid gland produces and releases too much thyroid hormone, which regulates your metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature.
This can lead to various health problems, such as weight loss, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, irregular heartbeat, and eye problems.
One of the key factors in managing hyperthyroidism is diet.
What you consume can affect your thyroid function, which can impact your hyperthyroidism symptoms and overall health.
To effectively manage hyperthyroidism, you should consume foods rich in antioxidants, such as berries, cruciferous vegetables, and nuts, and avoid foods high in iodine, such as seaweed, dairy products, and iodized salt.
Now, corn is a starchy vegetable and grain that contains fiber, vitamins, and minerals.
People usually eat corn as a side dish, in salads, soups, or popcorn.
Corn is bad for hyperthyroidism because it contains goitrogens, which are substances that interfere with thyroid hormone production.
Goitrogens can worsen hyperthyroidism symptoms and make it harder to treat.
Corn is especially bad for people with Graves’ disease, which is the most common cause of hyperthyroidism.
One medium ear of corn can give you 19 grams of carbs, 2.4 grams of fiber, 6.4 grams of sugar, and 0.16 milligrams of thiamin.
Goitrogens can inhibit the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland, which is essential for making thyroid hormones.
Goitrogens can also increase the size of the thyroid gland, causing a goiter.
Furthermore, corn is a high-glycemic food, which means it can raise your blood sugar levels quickly.
High-glycemic foods are bad for hyperthyroidism because they can increase inflammation, oxidative stress, and insulin resistance, which can worsen thyroid function and increase the risk of complications.
That’s why I suggest you limit your corn intake to avoid aggravating your hyperthyroidism.
Stick to one serving of corn per week, which is about half a cup of cooked corn or one small ear of corn, to minimize the negative effects.
Also, you shouldn’t eat corn if you have or are suffering from celiac disease, which is an autoimmune disorder that causes gluten intolerance.
Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye, and also in some corn products.
Eating gluten can trigger an immune response that damages your small intestine and affects your nutrient absorption.
This can also affect your thyroid function and worsen your hyperthyroidism.
You can buy fresh corn in your local market or order it online.
Always choose organic corn, which is free of pesticides and genetically modified organisms (GMOs).
GMOs are plants that have been altered in a laboratory to have certain traits, such as resistance to herbicides or pests.
GMOs can have negative effects on your health and the environment.
You can store fresh corn in the refrigerator for up to one week, or in the freezer for up to six months.
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Finally, remember, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, stress management, and essential medical care, is key to managing hyperthyroidism effectively.
I always recommend my hyperthyroidism patients to follow a hyperthyroidism-friendly diet to improve their overall well-being and enjoy a longer and healthier life.
