Should I avoid these foods if I have a Thyroid Deficiency?

I’m often asked about FOODs categorized as “Goitrogens.”

Goitrogens are substances (Foods, Medications, Chemicals) that disturb thyroid function by interfering with the utilization of Iodine to make thyroid hormone. As a result, the brain thinks it needs to stimulate the thyroid with further signals. In doing so it will trigger more tissue proliferation of the thyroid resulting in a goiter and potentially elevation of Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

The impact of environmental components and medications should certainly be considered but today we are talking about Food.

Which Foods Are Classified as Goitrogens?

• Soybeans
• Brassica: Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Brussel Sprouts etc.
• Spinach
• and more….

I know, I know. Many of you are dying for me to tell you to avoid these foods…well…

Here are the important take-aways:

In some regions of the world where Iodine deficiency is endemic, avoiding goitrogenic foods may actually be useful clinically but this is typically NOT the case in the United States.

Cooking significantly removes the goitrogenic components in these foods, and given these are so nutrient dense in antioxidants, fiber, and minerals/vitamins I cannot recommend avoiding them!

So like your Grandma says, “Eat your Brussels!”