Goitrogenic Foods - Two Big Anti-Thyroid Foods To Avoid

By Scott McLeod


Have you heard the term "goitrogenic" or goitrogenic foods? These are foods or dietary components that induce stress and inflammation of the thyroid gland (goiter), thus inhibiting its proper function. Now, what is considered "goitrogenic" to people suffering from hypothyroidism, typically has no negative thyroid consequences to those not suffering from hypothyroidism. With that in mind, let's begin and address the two big dietary groups actually contributing to the worsening of your hypothyroidism.

Transgressor #1 - Soy Products

The evidence is clear however, many consultants are proponents of hypothyroid diets that are high in soy. Do not consume this uninformed advice.

Soy is known to be estrogenic, meaning that the human body reacts to it much like it would estrogen in the body. Among other consequences this sets in motions a cascade of hormonal imbalances. Estrogen inhibits the thyroid gland from secreting its thyroid hormones. Here is a list of foods that are high in soy: soybeans, edamame, soy milk, tofu, soy burgers and other products derived from soy. Avoiding products containing soy will also help you avoid the negative consequences they cause to your thyroid.

Offender No. 2 - Polyunsaturated Fats

There has been some research that has been given media exposure touting the health benefits of polyunsaturated fats.However, this research does not acknowledge much evidence showing the negative effects, especially those sufferers of hypothyroidism.

Polyunsaturated fats actually block the ability of the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone. They also block the transportation of thyroid hormone in circulation which doesn't allow it to be effectively distributed throughout the body. Not only that, these fats block your cells from being able to utilize thyroid hormone once they get it.

What foods are high in polyunsaturated fats and thus need to put on your no-no list? A lot of vegetable oils including soybean oil, safflower oil and then there's corn oil. Mayonnaise also happens to be high in these PUFs. Watch out for some seeds and nuts including flax seeds (and flax seed oil), sunflower seeds and walnuts. One last admonition, check your salad dressing because most are heavily comprised of high polyunsaturated fat culprit, soybean oil as well as others.




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