Hyperthyroidism and Iodine Deficiency

Iodine is vital for the development of our brain cells and for the regulation and production of the thyroid hormones. Lack of iodine can lead to a disorder of the thyroid gland called as hypothyroidism. In this disorder, production of the thyroid hormones, such as thyroxine, is suppressed. While treating hypothyroidism, there is always a risk of developing hyperthyroidism due to overzealous treatment. In hyperthyroidism, there is excessive secretion of thyroxine. Deficiency of iodine can be life-threatening for the health and it might be an indicator of some underlying health issue.

Hyperthyroidism

The thyroid gland is small in size yet it is the master gland of our body. It is located in the front of our neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It produces the thyroid hormones, such as triiodothyronine and thyroxine. Hyperthyroidism is a disorder of the thyroid gland in which the thyroid become overactive and produces excessive amounts of thyroxine. Symptoms like drastic increase in the basal metabolic rate, resulting in rapid weight loss, sweating, an irregular or accelerated heartbeat, irritability and nervousness etc. can occur in this condition. Besides the deficiency of iodine, other culprits behind the hyperthyroidism can be Plummer’s disease, Graves’ disease, thyroiditis and toxic adenoma.

Deficiency of Iodine

Our body needs iodine for the production of thyroid hormones, such as triiodothyronine and thyroxine. These hormones play a role in the development of cognitive system of infants and in the regulation of our metabolic functions.

The lack of iodine usually stems from insufficient intake of dietary iodine and it can cause grave complications, for example irreversible damage to the cognition of newborns and metabolic derangement, like hyperthyroidism. According to the WHO, iodine deficiency is the major cause of avoidable mental retardation. Studies done on the American population shows that their iodine intake is above average, but certain exceptions are there and in some cases deficiencies might occur, for example in post- menopausal and pregnant women.

Role of Iodine

Radioactive iodine is used as a cure for a hypoactive thyroid gland or hypothyroidism. It is taken orally to shrivel the thyroid gland up and it can take 3 to 6 months for the symptoms to settle down. Nonetheless, this will also suppress the activity of your thyroid and you might be required to take measure to substitute for the consumed levels of the thyroxine hormone.

This balance of the thyroid hormones and iodine levels is extremely sensitive and the overzealous treatment for the hypothyroidism can produce the reverse disease, i.e. hyperthyroidism.

Preventive measures

For the treatment of hypothyroidism, radioactive iodine plays an essential role but at the same time a suitable supply of dietary iodine must be ensured to keep the thyroid gland healthy. Standard values for the intake of iodine in the diet is 150 micrograms per day in the case of adult women and men, while in lactating and pregnant women the intake should be increased to 290 and 220 micrograms, respectively.

Natural sources of iodine include eggs, seafood, dairy and grains etc. Sea plants, for example seaweed and kelp are rich in iodine. Using an iodized salt can also ensure an adequate intake of dietary iodine.

The Primary Causes of Iodine Depletion

Iodine is basically a micro nutrient, which is required by our body in trace amounts, but still it is very essential for maintaining a good health. Since iodine cannot be manufactured by our body, a perpetual source of iodine is needed for the adequate supply of hormones produced by the thyroid in our body. You can get adequate quantity of the dietary iodine by using the iodized salt etc. On the other hand, if you are not careful about your eating habits and you are not consuming sufficient quantities of iodine, this will result in the deficiency of iodine in your body. In consequence, the production of thyroid hormones is blocked, thereby producing symptomatic features of the deficiency of iodine.

Recommended Daily Amounts for Iodine Intake

Amount of iodine needed for the infants up to the age of one year is 115 to 130 micrograms, on a daily basis. While the recommended daily intake of dietary iodine is 90 micrograms for the kids 1 to 8 years of age and 120 micrograms for the kids 9 to 13 years of age. On the other hand, adolescents and adults require 150 micrograms of iodine in their diet daily. Lactating and pregnant women have increased demand for iodine and require 295 and 220 micrograms, respectively. According to a research conducted on Americans, their iodine intake was found to be more than enough, with men consuming 230 to 300 micrograms and women consuming 180 to 210 micrograms, daily.

Functions of Iodine

A study conducted on the thyroid hormones showed that sixty-five percent of T4 or the thyroxine hormone is made up of iodine while fifty-nine percent of T3 or the triiodothyronone hormone consists of iodine. Both hormones, T3 and T4, are manufactured by our thyroid. These hormones play a vital role in the development of kidneys, brain, heart, muscles and pituitary gland. Their other functions include normal metabolism, enzymatic activity and the protein synthesis. The maintenance of our body temperature, growth and fertility is also regulated by these hormones.

Iodine Deficiency

Our body is neither capable of manufacturing or storing iodine. Therefore, it is important to keep a maintained supply of iodine in the diet. Food items like cheese, eggs, seafood and yogurt are rich in iodine. Other examples included vegetables and fruits grown in the soil rich in iodine. On the contrary, areas which have a low content of iodine in the soil, produce food items low in the iodine content. Residents of such areas are more prone to develop iodine deficiency. On the other hand, there are certain foods abundant in goitrogens, such as cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli etc. The goitrogens block the uptake of iodine which leads to the decreased output of the thyroid hormones. Therefore, avoid consuming such food in huge amounts to prevent the iodine deficiency.

Effects of Iodine Deficiency

Lack of iodine during early life can affect the brain gravely. It can cause hearing, speech and growth problems in addition to mental retardation. Infertility, obesity and slowed mentation are a few of the problems faced by the adults. So, make sure you are taking balanced amount of iodine in the diet.

The Effects of Iodine on Hair Growth

Iodine is a micronutrient which plays a vital role in the development and growth of our hair, by affecting functions of the thyroid gland. In certain conditions of scalp, which involve the hair loss, iodine can be prescribed in the form of a topical treatment. By maintaining adequate intake of dietary iodine, problems of the hair, caused by the thyroid dysfunction, can be prevented. For adults, recommended daily intake of dietary iodine should be around 100 micrograms to 200 micrograms. But keep in mind, that you should always consult a doctor first, before taking any iodine supplements.

Hair and Thyroid Function

Iodine is essential for our health and for maintaining the proper function of the thyroid gland. If dietary intake of iodine is insufficient, it will lead to decreased production of the thyroid hormones, which in turn can produce diseases of the thyroid gland such as hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism or goiter etc. The thyroid, being the master gland of our body, has influence over a number of aspects of our health, one of which is the hair production. A recent study has shown that women might suffer from hair loss produced by thyroid diseases, which are caused by iodine deficiency. Studies have shown that the hypothyroidism produced by the lack of iodine, can cause coarse and dry hair and conditions like heart failure, coma and increased cholesterol levels.

Treating Alopecia Areata with Topical Iodine

Iodine can also influence the growth of hair directly. Therefore, it can also be used topically in cases like Alopecia areata. In this skin condition, irregular, small patches of hairless areas are produces throughout our scalp. Alopecia areata is not linked to any thyroid disease but it might co-exist with it. Topical iodine produces its benefits in Alopecia areata by creating a moderate allergic reaction, which in turn stimulates the growth of hair. Studies suggest that due to its effectiveness in Alopecia areata, topical iodine can be used as a first line drug in this condition. However, in resistant cases where topical iodine does not work, corticosteroid injections can be used as an aggressive approach.

Treatment for the Iodine Deficiency

If you are suffering from coarse hair or hair loss, the underlying cause might be a thyroid disorder. You might consult a doctor for this, who will conduct tests for determining your thyroid function and iodine status, in order to rule out iodine deficiency as a cause. If a diagnosis of thyroid disease due to lack of iodine is made, you might be given iodine prescriptions, as a cure. But iodine supplements can have delirious effects on your body, such as hives, enlarges lymph nodes, bleeding and in severe cases, even death. Therefore, never use iodine supplements unless they are prescribed officially by some licensed health practitioner. A safer alternative is eating diets rich in iodine such as sea kelp, sea food, dairy products, iodized salt and vegetables grown in the soil rich in iodine.

Disclaimer

Even though hair loss can be produced by iodine deficiency but it is not always the case. Other causes of hair loss can be age related loss, medical disorders, hereditary, fungal infections, and prescription medications , such as oral contraceptives, chemotherapeutic agents, anticoagulants, ACE inhibitors etc.

How the Thyroid Gland Regulates Metabolism

The thyroid gland, is the master gland of our body which, regulates our metabolism. The metabolism is the ability of our body to break down the food we eat and converting it to the energy we can use. The food we eat actually acts like a fuel for our body. This fuel is brunt at different paces by our bodied. Therefore, we have the terms fast metabolism and slow metabolism, for people who metabolize quickly and slowly, respectively. The thyroid gland maintains our metabolism through the activity of thyroid hormones. Iodine is taken up by the thyroid and incorporated into the thyroid hormones. The thyroid cells have the ability for both utilizing and absorbing the iodine. Otherwise, all other cells of our body are dependent on the thyroid gland for the regulation of their metabolism.

The thyroid gland is controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland. When the secretion of thyroid hormones is inadequate, the TRH (TSH releasing hormone) is secreted by the hypothalamus, which in turn stimulates our pituitary gland to release the TSH (Thyroid Stimulatory Hormone). Consequently, the thyroid produces increased hormones under the effect of TSH.

Anatomy and Location

The word thyroid is derived from a Greek word which means ‘shield’. It is a butterfly like gland which consists of two lobes, attached through a band like structure, known as the isthmus. The thyroid gland is located in front of our neck, just below the Adam’s apple.

Types of Thyroid Hormones

There are basically two main types of thyroid hormones, i.e. thyroxine (T4) and triiodothyronine (T3). If you have a normally functioning thyroid gland, it will produce 20% of T3 and 80% of T4 approximately. It also produces another hormone, called calcitonin, in smaller amounts. Calcitonin helps in regulating the calcium level in our blood.

Thyroid Disorder & Diseases

There are a number of thyroid disorder and diseases. These ailments can occur at any age and have a number of underline causes, for instance dietary deficiency, injury, tumor etc. But the following are the most common causes of thyroid disorders:

Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism (too little or too much thyroid hormone respectively).
Presence of lumps and nodules in the substance of thyroid gland.
Abnormalities in the growth of thyroid gland.
Thyroid neoplasia.
Different kinds of thyroiditis, for example Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, De Quervain’s thyroiditis, silent thyroiditis etc.

Here are some details about commonly occurring thyroid diseases:

Goiter: It is a swelling which forms in the region of our neck. A goiter associated with hyper active thyroid is called toxic. On the other hand, an endemic or simple goiter is a goiter caused by the deficiency of iodine and it is non-toxic in nature.

Hyperthyroidism: A hyperactive thyroid produced by an access of thyroid hormones is related to hyperthyroidism. Its symptoms include increased motility of the bowel, nervousness, anxiety, intolerance to heat, weight loss, increase in appetite etc.

Hypothyroidism: This is just exact opposite to hyperthyroidism. There is decreased production of the thyroid hormones. In infants, this problem can lead to cretinism. Symptoms of hypothyroidism are intolerance to cold, constipation, sluggishness, slowed mentation, decreased appetite, weight gain etc.

Can Kale Cause Hypothyroidism?

Kale is a food item which is rich in many nutrients like anti-oxidants, iron, vitamin C, calcium, fibers etc., yet it is getting all of the negative attention because of its speculated association with the hypothyroidism. Let us figure out whether these speculations are true or not.

Kale has been referred to as a goitrogenic vegetable, just like cruciferous veggies which are rich in goitrogens, for example collard greens, turnips, cabbage, bok choy, Brussel sprouts, broccoli, arugula, watercress and cauliflower etc.

These veggies contain thiocyanate, this substance can interfere with iodine metabolism when present in large quantities. Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones, therefore high levels of the thiocyanate can lead to the decreased production of thyroid hormones known as the hypothyroidism, along with a compensatory enlargement of the thyroid gland.

If taken in moderation, kale or any other cruciferous veggie is very beneficial for our health. Their benefits outweigh any thyroid risks associated with them. Despite the popular belief, goitrogenic effects of kale are produced only when its consumption is excessive. According to the experts, even if a person is suffering from an underlying thyroid disease, normal usage of cruciferous vegetables will not aggravate his or her condition. However, just to be on the safe side, you must seek advice from a doctor to keep your thyroid condition under control.

Amount of Kale You can Eat Safely

Exact thiocyanate content present in the kale is unknown. Similarly, the quantity of kale which must be ingested to produce a thyroid problem is also undefined at the moment. The studies have shown that the people who drink pressed juice of kale are more prone to its side effects on the thyroid gland. Juicing the kale concentrates it, therefore making it unsuitable for the people taking a diet deficient in iodine or those who are on a restricted diet, for example vegans. Americans have overcome iodine deficiency by adding sufficient iodine to their diet, in the form of iodized salt etc. and by taking supplements and multivitamins which contain iodine. Amount of iodine needed for the infants up to the age of one year is 115 to 130 micrograms, on a daily basis. While the recommended daily intake of dietary iodine is 90 micrograms for the kids 1 to 8 years of age and 120 micrograms for the kids 9 to 13 years of age. On the other hand, adolescents and adults require 150 micrograms of iodine in their diet daily. Lactating and pregnant women have increased demand for iodine and require 295 and 220 micrograms, respectively. According to a research conducted on Americans, their iodine intake was found to be more than enough, with men consuming 230 to 300 micrograms and women consuming 180 to 210 micrograms, daily.

In a nut shell, our media is trying to exaggerate the goitrogenic effects of the thyroid gland on our body. Our body needs greens and eating them in moderate quantities is, in fact good for our health. However, you must consult a physician and seek his advice regarding your risk for the thyroid disease and food items good for your health.

Can Walnuts Cure Thyroid?

Can Walnuts Cure Goiters?

Basically the thyroid is a gland which is butterfly in shape and located a little below our Adam’s apple, in the front of our neck. Almost any issue with our thyroid gland can lead to its swelling or inflammation which results in the formation of a goiter. The thyroid gland can enlarge to such an extent that it can be visually seen and even obstruct swallowing and talking, in extreme cases. Although, in most cases, enlargement of thyroid is due to its dysfunction but sometimes this is not the case. Walnuts are believed to be very beneficial for our health since they are rich in many nutrients. Walnuts are very efficacious for the treatment of goiter as they can reduce the activity of thyroid gland. However, someone on the medications for hypothyroidism should not consume walnuts as they can interfere with the effects of these medicines. Whenever you notice a swelling in the front of your neck, always consult a doctor.

Causes

The leading cause of thyroid enlargement is the deficiency of iodine. In the absence of iodine, production of thyroid hormones is suppressed. In certain cases, goiter develops even before the dysfunction of thyroid has occurred. Iodine deficiency can be caused by the decreased content of iodine in the soil or the decreased intake of vegetables in the diet.

Worldwide, about ninety percent of goiters are cause by the lack of iodine. Other causes include radiation exposure, infections, hormone imbalance e.g. in puberty or pregnancy, cyst, dietary factors, a hyperactive thyroid and tumors etc.

Signs and Symptoms

In the beginning phase, goiters are generally benign and do not cause any severe symptoms. Even if they enlarge in size, they might be confused with weight gain mistakenly. But when the symptoms do occur, they can be like the feeling of tightness in the throat, difficulty in swallowing of food, chronic dry cough and difficulty in breathing. A progressive goiter might mimic asthma, allergic reaction or the feeling of something being stuck in the throat.

Relation of Goiter with the Dietary Factor

In North America, goiters are very rare because of the consumption of iodized salt. We know that a number of factors play a vital role in the dysfunction and enlargement of the thyroid gland. Increased intake of vegetables belonging to the genus Brassica, for example broccoli, cauliflowers and turnips etc., can lead to the formation of goiter. Same is the case with food items that are rich in copper content such as liver, avocados, walnuts and soy beans. Thyroid function is also suppressed by excessive amounts of copper. Walnuts also contain certain toxins in them which are called goitrogens. These substances block the activity of thyroid gland by decreasing the uptake of iodine in it.

Synthroid and Walnuts

The hormones produced by the thyroid gland maintains the production of energy and our basal metabolic rate. As a replacement to this hormone a medicine is used which is called ‘synthroid’. This medicine is prescribed in the cases of hypothyroidism, in which the production of thyroid hormone is insufficient. Walnuts can interrupt with the absorption of synthroid in our body.

Can Seaweed Get Rid Of Thyroid?

Can Seaweed Get Rid Of Goiters?

Seaweed is a very rich source of iodine and is sold in health food stores and Asian markets. However, it is still an acquired taste for Americans, who are not accustomed to it yet. But it is packed with two nutrients, essential for the production of thyroid hormones, which are selenium and iodine. Therefore, in disease like hypothyroidism, adding seaweeds, such as kelp, can help significantly in boosting up the thyroid functioning.

Thyroid and Iodine

The thyroid gland is present in front of the neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is called the ‘master gland’ of the body and is vital for the proper functioning of our body. Thyroid uses the amino acid tyrosine and iodine for the production of hormones like thyronine and throxine. These hormones regulate temperature, growth and function of all of the cells in our body.

In addition to that, they also influence our cognitive functions like memory and concentration. If these hormones are not synthesized properly, it might lead to certain symptoms, such as weight gain, fatigue, anxiety etc.

Seaweed and Iodine

Seaweed belongs to a heterogeneous class of marine plants, consisting of algae. These plants derive their nutrition from the vast ocean.

There are many kinds of algae which make up the structure of seaweed, such as red, green and brown algae. Among them, brown algae has the most iodine content. The iodine content is the highest in the Icelandic kelp. Hijki, arame and kombu are also good reservoirs of iodine.

Seaweed and Selenium

Seaweed is also a great source of selenium. Studies have shown that the selenium is essential for the conversion of thyroxine hormone into threonine hormone. In the absence of selenium, this conversion would not take place and hence no thyroid hormones will be produced. The recommended daily allowance, or the RDA, of selenium and iodine is 55 mcg and 150 mcg per day, respectively.

Add Seaweed to your Diet

Japanese use seaweed in their recipes. They add kelp flecks as a substitute of salt and seasoning to their grain dishes and soups. It can also be used in sushi. For that, take a nori leaf and put shredded vegetables and rice on it then wrap it up. Your sushi is ready, you can eat it with sauce of your liking. As seaweed is rich in nutrients, it is very beneficial for your health. But keep this in mind that it contains very high amount of potassium. Seaweed contains approximately thirty-four times more potassium as compared to a banana.

Heart arrhythmia can be triggered by excessive potassium in the body, therefore consult a doctor before adding a lot of seaweed to the diet.

Don’t Overdo to It!

Some varieties of kelp are so rich in iodine that just a few ounces of it provides approximately 3 times of the recommended daily intake of iodine. Either excess or deficiency of iodine can block the production of thyroid hormone. Iodine intake 5 times of recommended daily intake can block the production of thyroid hormone. So keep your seaweed intake in check, to keep a healthy thyroid.

Treating Goiter with Beets

Beetroot belongs to the family of plants which also contains quinoa, spinach and Swiss chard. Beet contains various compounds in it, which are very beneficial for the human health. One of such compounds is phytonutrient, which has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant qualities. These attributes make them effective for shrinking the enlarged thyroid, also known as a goiter. Such compounds are present not only in the root of beet but also its green part. Always see a physician when you notice that you are developing a neck swelling, especially in front of the neck.

Causative Agents for Goiter

Basically, the thyroid is a gland which is butterfly in shape and located a little below our Adam’s apple in front of our neck. Just like other glands in our body, the thyroid is highly sensitive to dietary deficiencies, toxins and changes in the environment. Almost any issue with our thyroid gland can lead to its swelling or inflammation which results in the formation of a goiter. The goiter signifies some kind of imbalance but it is not virtually an indication of thyroid dysfunction or disease.

According to various researches, frequent causes of goiter include hypothalamic or pituitary dysfunction, hormone imbalance, cancer, radiation exposure, iodine deficiency and autoimmune ailments like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis or Graves’ disease.

Symptoms

Symptoms and signs are not present in all cases of thyroid enlargement and they depend upon the causes of swelling. Complaints commonly associated with goiter include feeling of tightness in your throat, hoarseness, difficulty in swallowing, coughing and difficulty in breathing. A thyroid swelling can be significative of some kind of thyroid disease. Excessive production of thyroid hormone is known as hyperthyroidism. In this condition, patient loses weight due to increased metabolism, feels nervous, and develops insomnia and oily skin. On the contrary, decreased production of the thyroid hormone, which is called hypothyroidism, leads to depression, weight gain due to reduced metabolism, dry skin and fatigue.

Advantages of Beets

For the prevention of goiter, foods rich in iodine like kelp are recommended usually. Even though beetroot does not contain any iodine, it is still very effective for the treatment of goiter. This is because it contains phytonutrients like betalains in abundance. Vulgaxanthin and betanin are betalains present in beetroots, which have anti-inflammatory, detoxifying and anti-oxidant properties. These compounds suppress the functions of COX-2 and COX-1 enzymes which in turn leads to the reduction of swelling and inflammation in the body. That is why, consumption of beet can cure goiter caused by causes other than the deficiency of iodine.

Suggestions

Although beets are efficacious for goiter, they cannot absolutely cure it. Betalains present in beets make them effective for the reduction of thyroid swelling. Do not cook beets in a microwave or at high heat, because excessive heat can destroy phytonutrients in it. Therefore to achieve full benefits of beet, boil, steam or bake them lightly, without peeling them. After gentle cooking, skin can be easily rubbed off them. This method will help in preserving phytonutrients while cooking the beets.

How Exercise Affects The Thyroid

Exercise is so important unfortunately there are some ailments that can make it difficult on a person. A big one that affects the ability to exercise is problems with the thyroid. This is the gland in charge of regulating your metabolism. There are symptoms like fatigue and pain that can keep you from working out. It can be easy to just say you can’t work out, but there are some things you can do to stay healthy and fit. The key is to not give up on your fitness because of an illness.

What is Hypothyroidism?

Hypothyroidism is what occurs when the cells in your gland are minimized. They have been damaged and this affects the number of hormones your body is getting. It completely throws off the balance of the way your body operates. It can be the direct result of medicine, surgeries, or a condition when the gland is attacked by your own immune system. This sometimes can happen after you have a baby.

How it Affects Exercise

Exerting yourself in a physical way really makes you feel tired. It’s hard for you to function once you start working out. If this is something that continues to happen you eventually will give up going to the gym or trying to get in better shape. This gets worse the longer you have the ailment and it can cause you to gain weight no matter what you try to do to keep it off.

What is Hyperthyroidism?

When you have an autoimmune disorder or you have inflammation around the thyroid then you have Hyperthyroidism. The gland will produce too many hormones when this happens and can cause adverse reactions in the body.

How it Affects Exercise

When you have Hyperthyroidism you might find your heart rate goes up quickly when you’re exercising and sometimes even when you aren’t exerting yourself. This can be very dangerous and result in heart failure and problems if you aren’t careful. This is going to make strenuous exercise impossible to carry out without a lot of risk. Your body also can lose weight due to the overproduction which can cause it to become weak and make it difficult to exercise.

How to Overcome

It isn’t hopeless there are still things people with the diseases can do to help their body get healthy, they just can’t work out in the way others are. It is important to always consult your doctor when taking on any exercise regimen and especially if you have problems with your thyroid. It can also be difficult for you to find the motivation you need to get out there and work out because of the way it affects your body and the way you feel when you try to work out. The first thing you have to do no matter your fitness level is get motivated. So tell yourself you can do it and figure out what you can and can’t do. This will be the way you show the disease whose boss.

Which Foods Cause Thyroid?

Which Foods Cause Goiters?

The thyroid gland is a butterfly like organ which is present in front of our neck, just below the Adam’s apple. It is also known as ‘the master gland’ of our body because it controls and regulates the other glands. Enlargement of this gland is known as a goiter. Research has shown that this increase in size is basically a counter-regulatory phenomenon which occurs when the thyroid hormone production in our body is not adequate. Goitrogens are food items which influence the output of thyroid hormones and worsen the goiter. If eaten in excess, these goitrogens can interfere with the healthy function of our thyroid gland. Therefore, goitrogens should not be used by someone who has a goiter.

Cruciferous Vegetables

Cruciferous veggies are rich in sulfur containing compounds such as glucosinolates. Byproducts of these compounds, known as isothiocyanates, are produced when glucosinolates are broken down. According to an elaborate research these byproducts, isothiocyanates, can block the uptake and absorption of iodine by our thyroid gland, thus leading to the formation of a goiter. Goiter is essentially caused by the deficiency of iodine and consumption of cruciferous vegetables produces a relative lack of iodine by hindering effects of iodine on the functions of thyroid. Some examples of such vegetables are Brussels sprout, turnips, broccoli, cabbage, bok choy, collards, cauliflower, turnips, kohlrabi, rutabaga, kale and mustard. These vegetables have more goitrogenic potential when eaten raw and as a whole.

If you have a goiter and still want to eat these vegetables then the best way is to either boil them well or shred them finely. Research has shown that shredding the cruciferous vegetables can decrease the amount of isothiocyanate up to seventy-five % in them while boiling can decrease it up to ninety-five % of the original quantity.

Soy Products

Anyone who is suffering from an enlarged goiter or deficiency of iodine must avoid food items containing soy and soybeans. According to a scientific report, soy has destructive effects on the thyroid gland and these effects are aggravated by an already existing lack of iodine in the body. Food items which contain soy in them are tofu, soy bar, soy beans, soy milk and any product which has ‘soy’ in its ingredients such as salad dressings and mayonnaise etc.

More Goitrogenic Foods

In addition to soy products and cruciferous vegetables, food items like strawberries, peanuts, millets, spinach, peaches, bamboo shoots, sweet potatoes, pine nuts, pears and radishes etc. are also labelled as goitrogenic foods. These food products are only mildly goitrogenic. They contain abundant amount of ‘flavonoids’ which have many health benefits. But according to a recent research, some flavonoids can also suppress the output of thyroid hormones thus interfering with the thyroid function.

In a nutshell, the above mentioned food items must be avoided by someone who has a goiter. A number of health care practitioners seem to have the opinion that those who do not have an existing thyroid problem would stay alright even after consuming goitrogenic foods as long as their consumption is not very excessive.