Saturday, November 9, 2013

Goitrogenic Foods - Two Big Anti-Thyroid Foods To Avoid

By Scott McLeod


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

Despite clear evidence many hypothyroidism consultants continue to endorse diets that are high in soy. DO NOT listen to this uninformed advice and I will tell you why.

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

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.

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.




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