ATTENTION HYPOTHYROID SUFFERERS!!!!

AngelicaDulas

For those of you who suffer from hypothyroid issues and are taking a supplemental hormone, please be aware of this!! This is something that your Doctor may not have discussed.

Goitrogenic foods equate to a food that interferes with the endocrine system and adversely affects the body's absorption of your naturally produced hormones i.e. thyroid (hypothyroid)

The following excerpt was taken from this site:

http://www.suite101.com/lesson.cfm/18912/2313/3


The following foods are considered goitrogenic: cabbage, broccoli, turnips, rutabaga, mustard greens, kale, spinach, Brussels sprouts, peaches, pears, strawberries, and radishes cauliflower, millet, and African cassava.

These foods should not be eaten in large quantities and generally not raw especially if you are on thyroid replacement hormones and still have a thyroid because they can negatively interact with your medication, nullifying its effects. Cooking seems to break down the enzymes enough to make the anti-thyroid effect a non-factor.

Other foods that fall on this list are potatoes and corn. These starchy vegetables may also have a goitrogenic effect, although we, in the Western world, are less likely to consume either of these raw anyway. Therefore, they may not be as much of a factor for us.

The final food product that has been deemed questionable for the hypothyroid is soy. Yes, soy! I know that may be shocking because soy is hailed as a hormonal savior these days. However, that may not be true for the thyroid.

Some experts contend that as little as 30 mg of soy isoflavones will cause trouble by competing with hormones for the same receptor sites on cells. Because of that, they can cause endocrine disruptions. The endocrine system may mistake the isoflavones for a hormone and not send out signals that the hormone needs to be produced, which could be problematic if you already have lower than normal levels of thyroid hormone production.

Soy isoflavones can also wreak havoc on the thyroid by causing anti-thyroid antibodies to be produced. This would create a situation in which the thyroid would attack itself just as in autoimmune thyroiditis. Over time, this could cause hypothyroidism to occur or worsen, if it already exists.


* Here is a link to a good forum that discusses the difference of opinion and effects of taking the different supplements available to those who suffer hypothyroidism. Check it out! The discussion starts at the bottom of the page and works up:


http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/team_messageboard_thread.asp?board=0x732x12734065

Lets start a discussion here; what are you all taking and how long, any switches between types of meds? And times you've noticed an interference or drop in your hormones due to diet?

Edited to add this: http://www.stopthethyroidmadness.com/ An interesting and informative look at hypothyroidism and how to talk to your Dr. about your symptoms etc.