You may have not heard of the term "goitrogenic" or "goitrogenic foods," however these foods and dietary components that can cause inflammation of the thyroid gland (goiter) and thus inhibit its proper functioning. Most foods that are considered "goitrogenic" are only harmful to those suffering from hypothyroidism and not those with normal functioning thyroids. Having said that, let us take a look at two MAJOR dietary groups contributing to the worsening of your hypothyroidism.
Offender No. 1 - Soy
There is monumental evidence demonstrating why high soy diets are catastrophic to hypothyroidism sufferers, YET so many are advising their patients or clients to consume a diet as such. This is POOR, uninformed advice that should be avoided at all costs if you suffer from hypothyroidism and I'll tell you why.
Research has concluded that soy is estrogenic in nature. This means that human body reacts to it like its own supply of estrogen. Your body will try to adjust for elevated levels and in the process cause hormonal imbalances. More strictly, in terms of thyroid impact, estrogen and substances that mimic it block the thyroid gland from secreting thyroid hormone. Avoid soy containing products including: soy milk, edamame, tofu, soy burgers, soy cheese and all other soy. Avoid these and you'll avoid the negative thyroid consequences associated with their consumption.
Culprit #2 - Polyunsaturated Fats
Some research has hit the media that touts the health benefits of polyunsaturated fats. These findings and reporting are limited in that they do not discuss the disasterous effects this wreaks on the thyroid glands of hypothyroidism sufferers.
Polyunsaturated fats are responsible for blocking the ability of the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone. These fats block proper circulation in order to distribute thyroid hormone throughout the body. In addition they also block the cells ability to utilize the thyroid hormone if and when it is finally received.
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.
Offender No. 1 - Soy
There is monumental evidence demonstrating why high soy diets are catastrophic to hypothyroidism sufferers, YET so many are advising their patients or clients to consume a diet as such. This is POOR, uninformed advice that should be avoided at all costs if you suffer from hypothyroidism and I'll tell you why.
Research has concluded that soy is estrogenic in nature. This means that human body reacts to it like its own supply of estrogen. Your body will try to adjust for elevated levels and in the process cause hormonal imbalances. More strictly, in terms of thyroid impact, estrogen and substances that mimic it block the thyroid gland from secreting thyroid hormone. Avoid soy containing products including: soy milk, edamame, tofu, soy burgers, soy cheese and all other soy. Avoid these and you'll avoid the negative thyroid consequences associated with their consumption.
Culprit #2 - Polyunsaturated Fats
Some research has hit the media that touts the health benefits of polyunsaturated fats. These findings and reporting are limited in that they do not discuss the disasterous effects this wreaks on the thyroid glands of hypothyroidism sufferers.
Polyunsaturated fats are responsible for blocking the ability of the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone. These fats block proper circulation in order to distribute thyroid hormone throughout the body. In addition they also block the cells ability to utilize the thyroid hormone if and when it is finally received.
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.
About the Author:
Learn more about hypothyroidism symptoms. Stop by Scott McLeod's site where you can find out all about symptoms of hypothyroidism and how to treat it naturally.