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.
Culprit #1 - Soy
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.
Culprit #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.
The ability of the thyroid gland itself to secrete thyroid hormone is inhibited by polyunsaturated fats. They not only block the transportation of thyroid hormone not allowing it be distributed efficiently to the tissues throughout the body, they block your cell from being able to use thyroid hormone when its finally received.
So now you're asking, "What foods and dietary groups contain these polyunsaturated fats?" Quite a number of vegetable oils, which include soybean oil, safflower oil and corn oil. The sandwich-making favorite mayonnaise is also high in polyunsaturated fat. Certain seeds and nuts, which include sunflower seeds, flax seeds (and their oil) as well walnuts are high in PUFs. Finally, take a look at the salad dressing you plan on dripping across those greens, many are derived from soybean oil and other culprits high in polyunsaturated fats.
Culprit #1 - Soy
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.
Culprit #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.
The ability of the thyroid gland itself to secrete thyroid hormone is inhibited by polyunsaturated fats. They not only block the transportation of thyroid hormone not allowing it be distributed efficiently to the tissues throughout the body, they block your cell from being able to use thyroid hormone when its finally received.
So now you're asking, "What foods and dietary groups contain these polyunsaturated fats?" Quite a number of vegetable oils, which include soybean oil, safflower oil and corn oil. The sandwich-making favorite mayonnaise is also high in polyunsaturated fat. Certain seeds and nuts, which include sunflower seeds, flax seeds (and their oil) as well walnuts are high in PUFs. Finally, take a look at the salad dressing you plan on dripping across those greens, many are derived from soybean oil and other culprits high in polyunsaturated fats.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about symptoms of hypothyroidism, then visit Scott McLeod's site to read about hypothyroidism symptoms.