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No, the answer isn’t that burrito bowl you ate a couple of hours ago.

It’s a little thing called the thyroid gland.

Woman with curly hair looking at two donuts

Lucas Ottone / Stocksy

What’s on the shelf that makes thyroid disease harder to manage?

What isn’t as necessary to avoid after all?

For guidance, we spoke to specialist Romy Block, MD, and dietitian Amy Shapiro.

bread loaf in yellow backdrop

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“There is an overlap between people with thyroid autoimmune disease and celiac disease,” says Block.

“Those patients may benefit from a gluten-free diet.”

Deli Meats

It looks like the inside of the sandwich is something to avoid as well.

deli meat sandwich and crudite

Maren Caruso / Getty Images

“I recommend removing these items from your diet.”

Overall, cutting down on processed foods, in general, will be beneficial.

), or seeking alternative protein sources like eggs.

many shrimp

Yulia Reznikov

What to Eat Instead:Limit your consumption once a week, or even more sparingly.

“Adequate vitamin D and calcium are important.”

Enough calcium will give your hair a boost as well.

dairy

Photo: Alexandra Shytsman

“Almond milk is a great alternative.”

If your morning latte is non-negotiable, try alternative kinds of milk, like almond or oat.

Do not exceed the recommended 25g of fiber a day for women or 38g a day for men.

soy products on mint green backdrop

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Caffeine and Coffee

The lifeblood of morning hours might be a pitfall for those with thyroid disorder.

Alternatively, cold-pressed oils retain more antioxidants and other benefits.

Alcohol-induced liver damage could lead to a build-up of hormones or medication, which would exacerbate thyroid disease.

Kale Chip

Photo Credit: © Judy Ung

Avoid delivery companies that use processed oils, nitrates, or sodium, notes Shapiro.

“In general, we are not an iodine-deficient country in the U.S.,” says Block.

Making some of these suggested food substitutions will help control the level of iodine you consume.

bowl of green beans and a note

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As a bonus, the swaps might helpcontrol your rosaceaas well.

People dealing with hypothyroidism can also benefit from these diet changes.

Just a few of these changes can get your thyroid back on the right track.

empty coffee mug and saucer

Maren Caruso / Getty Images

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Tafilah Md Yusof / EyeEm / Getty Images

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Maren Caruso / Getty Images

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