Thursday, November 14, 2013

Goitrogenic Foods - Two Big Anti-Thyroid Foods To Avoid

By Scott McLeod


Goitrogenic and goitrogenic foods are terms that many have not heard. The term goitrogenic relates to the term and clinical condition called goiter which is inflammation of the thyroid gland, simultaneously inhibiting its proper function. Goitrogenic foods can contribute to this condition. Foods that are goitrogenic are usually harmful to those suffering from thyroid conditions like hypothyroidism and not those with normal functioning thyroids. Keeping that in mind, lets move forward with those BIG two dietary groups exacerbating 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.

Offender No. 2 - Polyunsaturated Fats

Media exposure has been given to the body of research that shows such great benefits polyunsaturated fats can create by incorporating into your diet. This research ignores or is ignorant of just as much evidence demonstrating the catastrophic effects polyunsaturated fats can have on sufferers of hypothyroidism.

Polyunsaturated fats actually block the ability of the thyroid gland to secrete thyroid hormone. They also block the transportation of thyroid hormone in circulation which doesn't allow it to be effectively distributed throughout the body. Not only that, these fats block your cells from being able to utilize thyroid hormone once they get it.

Polyunsaturated fats isolated by themselves are liquid at room temperature so besides some sources that contain amounts of them, many of the following AVOID list are oils. Avoid corn oil, safflower oil and soybean oil. Avoid mayonnaise (I'm sorry sandwich fans). Try to not consume walnuts, sunflower seeds and flax seeds (or flax seed oil). My final recommendation is to take a look at any salad dressing you plan on consuming because most of them are very high in polyunsaturated fats... many are comprised of soybean oil.




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