Re: Intro and Diet Question

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Here is some goitrogenic info sources and foods to beware of that may

cause problems to anyone with Thyroiditis. Soy is the number one

thing to avoid. Since it is in most, if not all, processed foods

this will be a huge challenge if you currently consume lots of

proccessed foods. Also many thyrioders have gluten intolerance and

must avoid wheat and gluten products. Put that together, like me,

and you will be eating only vegetables, fruit, and organic (as

possible) meat, brown rice and potatoes occassionally. I eat gluten-

free grains now and then, too. I also have dairy allegies, but can

eat eggs with no problem. I follow a low carb diet with no (very

little) processed foods, gluten-free, soy-free, and mostly dairy-free.

Fluoirde is to be avoided, too.

http://thyroid.about.com/b/a/040397.htm#more

Good luck,

Bj

Goitrogen? Goitrogens are — foods or substances or medications -

which may affect thyroid function and/or utilization of thyroid

medications.

What are goitrogens? Following is a quote from a good source for info

on all things thyroid: http://www.thyroidmanager.org

" A number of compounds have the ability to inhibit thyroid hormone

synthesis. Irrespective of their mechanism of action, they are

collectively called goitrogens, because as a result of a decrease in

serum thyroid hormone level, TSH secretion is enhanced, causing

goiter formation. "

Some goitrogens occur naturally in food, and others are in drugs with

goitrogenic side effects.

Many of these goitrogens are so effective at inhibiting thyroid

hormone that people who are dealing with Graves' or hyperthyroidism

are encouraged to consume them.

You can read more about these goitrogens at this link:

http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-2.htm

-Soy as a goitrogen-

The effect of soy on the thyroid is a very controversial topic and

new evidence is turning up all the time:

http://www.communitypharmacy.coop/article.cfm?articleID=153

In addition, here is a link to Shomon's article(s) on the

downsides of soy and thyroid disease, with links to referenced

material:

http://thyroid.about.com/cs/soyinfo/a/soy.htm

Although, I don't agree with some of his opinions, Dr. Weil

says this about soy:

" …you're unlikely to get too many isoflavones as a result of adding

soy foods to your diet -- but you probably will take in too much if

you take soy supplements in pill form. At this point, I can only

recommend that you avoid soy supplements entirely. "

- If you have had a total Thyroidectomy it is my understanding that

most goitrogenic compounds won't have an effect on you with the

exception of soy which can interfere with exogenous thyroid meds.

- If you have a partially functioning thyroid and are taking

supplemental thyroid meds, most goitrogenic foods/substances need to

be eaten cooked/steamed, not raw, and in moderation.

- Soy has other effects on thyroid hormone utilization besides the

actual thyroid hormone production and is best avoided by all thyroid

patients.

http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter15/15-4.htm

" Thyroid hormone should not be given with substances that

interfere with its absorption, such as iron, soy, or fiber. "

(Look about half way down the page under " Therapy " near the end of

the first paragraph.)

GOITROGENIC FOODS

• Almonds (http://www.thyroidmanager.org/Chapter5/5a-2.htm)

• Asparagus

• Babassu (a palm-tree coconut fruit popular in Brazil and

Africa)

• Bamboo shoots

• Bok Choy

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cabbage

• Cauliflower

• Chick peas (garbanzos)

• Flaxseed (this is up for debate, some sources say the seeds,

even ground, are a problem but the oil, without lignans, is okay)

• Garlic

• Groundnuts

• Herbs of the Barbarea and Residea families (I have never been

able to find out what these are, if you know please tell us).

• Horseradish

• Kale

• Kohlrabi

• Leafy greens (turnip greens, mustard greens, collard greens)

• Legumes (beans and peas)

• Lima beans

• Linseed

• Maize

• Millet (cooking seems to increase goitrogenic effect)

• Mustard greens

• Nectarines

• Onion

• Peaches

• Peanuts (roasted are probably okay)

• Pears

• Pine nuts (pignoli)

• Processed meats (often contain soy)

• Radishes

• Rapeseed - from which canola oil is derived (this is not a

typo, we do not mean Grapeseed oil)

• Rutabaga

• Spinach

• Soy

• Strawberries

• Sweet potatoes

• Swiss chard

• Turnip greens

• Walnuts

• White turnip

• Wasabi

• Watercress

Note: Many of these foods can be consumed and lose much of their

goitrogen properties -should be only be eaten- after cooked/steamed

and in moderation. Also, not every food will cause problems for

every person. Listen to your body! If you eat a food and it makes

you feel fatigued or otherwise unwell, avoid it in the future.

>

> Hi everyone. Just found this group yesterday and am hoping I can

> learn from you! I saw a dr yesterday who, based on my symptoms and

> finding an enlarged thyroid, believes I have Hashimotos and

> Hypothyroid. We won't get the lab results until next Monday, so in

> the meantime I'm trying to learn as much as I can. He did tell me

> yesterday I should immediately start avoiding soy products, but I'm

> curious as to what type of diet you all believe is best for someone

> with a thyroid problem to follow?

>

> Thanks in advance...I can already tell you're going to be very

helpful

> on this journey!

>