Soy vs. thyroid

Sister_Someone

Hey! I know I've already asked this in tips and tricks, but I only got one response, so I'm curious to hear more input.

I know soy as a goitrogenous food isn't recommended for people with low thyroid function, but what's the guideline for those who have had their thyroids completely removed?

My uneducated guess was that I don't have a thyroid, therefore I can't get goiter. My endocrinologist agreed that it made sense and while he doesn't recommend reintroducing soy, he didn't discourage me from it either.

While researching on the internet, I've read somewhere, possibly here, can't remember, that soy interferes with the medication and should be avoided anyway even though I don't have a thyroid. Livestrong says that it's best to not eat soy within few hours from taking medication, but says nothing about avoiding it at all.

I'm looking forward to hearing more input, as I'm running out of things to eat for protein but I wouldn't like to mess up my levels again just because I'm tired of beans and nuts.

mgmlap

for me..knowing that Soy is a big GMO product..and the fact that it is bad since it increases estrogen levels..thats why I stay away. If I have soy..its cause I am having some kickass sushi...do some of your own research...it may surprise you...


btw..if you need protein ideas..my diary is open...

NancyNiles

I had my thyroid removed a year ago and haven't hear anything about soy being a problem.

I'm unsure about how soon after meds you can have it, but my endo told me not to eat or drink anything (clear liquids only) for an hour after taking my meds. I need my coffee in the morning, so I actually set my alarm for an hour before I need to be up, take my pill, then go back to sleep for an hour, lol.

Anyway, I've spoken to my endo at length about my dietary needs/restrictions because I'm trying to lose the weight I gained before it was removed, and if soy was an issue I'm sure he'd have said something. If it interferes with med absorption, then it will show up when you get your levels tested. Until then, I really wouldn't worry about it. If you have a future issue with med absorption, you can address it then.

Oh, and yes, don't worry about the goiter issue, you obviously can't get one now

P.S. You may already know this, but you can't have grapefruit.

jamiesadler

I had mine removed 2 years ago and while I do not have any adverse reactions to soy I don't seek it out. If its in what I consume thats fine but I am not a big tofu or other soy product consumer.

Sister_Someone

Thanks everyone for your replies!

I've decided to reintroduce soy products in moderation and only after at least 6 hours from medication (that is, in the afternoon), and see how, if at all, it reflects on my levels.

@mgmlap
Thank you for offering your diary. Even though it didn't help much since you eat fish and meat while I'm vegetarian, looking through it gave me ideas for snacks.

@Nancy
Actually, my endo didn't focus on soy very much either. I found out on this group's board that many hypo people avoid soy since it's known as a goitrogenous food and said to interfere with meds.
I know about the grapefruit, but I never really liked it to begin with.