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Thyroid Disease & Nutrition
Goitrogens and Thyroid Disease
Goitrogens are naturally occurring or synthetic chemicals that can disrupt the production of hormones in your thyroid. Consuming large amounts of these substances may impact thyroid health.
Goitrogens are found in common foods, such as cruciferous vegetables (including broccoli, cauliflower, and kale). These foods offer health benefits, but individuals with thyroid conditions should consult a healthcare provider about limiting their consumption of these vegetables.
There are three types of goitrogens: goitrins, thiocyanates, and flavonoids. Goitrogens compete with iodine for thyroid absorption, which can interfere with normal thyroid function.
Certain foods are naturally high in goitrins and/or thiocyanates. Examples of foods high in goitrogens foods include:
Foods that are high in flavonoids include:
- Berries
- Red wine
- Soy products such as tofu, tempeh, edamame, and soy milk
- Teas, especially green, white, and oolong varieties
Foods that contain goitrogens are able to disrupt thyroid function by inhibiting your body’s ability to use iodine. More specifically, goitrogens can block the process by which iodine is incorporated into the key thyroid hormones.
In very large quantities, goitrogens can cause a goiter or an enlarged thyroid. They can also act like antithyroid drugs, slowing down your underactive thyroid and potentially causing hypothyroidism.
There are a few sensible guidelines to consider if you have an underactive thyroid or are worried about goitrogens in your diet. Here's what you can do to minimize the risk of negative effects:
- Consume in moderation.
- Cook goitrogenic vegetables.
- Increase your iodine and selenium intake.
Goitrogens are compounds that can affect the normal function of the thyroid. While foods high in goitrogens are usually safe for healthy people to consume, people with thyroid conditions may want to avoid them.
To access the full article on how goitrogens affect thyroid function, click here.
