Guest guest Posted January 15, 2009 Report Share Posted January 15, 2009 Certain foods contain compounds called goitrogens that interfere with normal thyroid function or, after they are ingested, interact with other substances in the body to form goitrogens. “Natural goitrogens can suppress the thyroid function,” Vasconcellos explains. Goitrogenic foods include the cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, brussels sprouts, cauliflower, cabbage, rutabagas, turnips, kohlrabi, kale), millet, peaches, peanuts, walnuts, pine nuts, radishes, spinach, and strawberries. The isothiocyanates in these foods reduce thyroid function by interfering with the activity of an enzyme called thyroid peroxidase, which helps normal thyroid function by adding iodine atoms onto thyroid hormones. Soy, a staple in the vegetarian diet, is also a goitrogen and appears to increase T-4 without affecting T-3 levels. Isoflavones in soy, such as isothiocyanate, block the activity of thyroid peroxidase. Ultimately, this impairs thyroid function and can lead to weight gain. Nutritionists and physicians recommend limiting intake of natural goitrogens but not eliminating them, since soy and cruciferous vegetables provide other proven benefits. Women with a thyroid condition should limit soy intake to no more than one daily serving, which is equivalent to 4 ounces of tofu, 2 teaspoons of soy sauce, or 8 ounces of soy milk. Cruciferous vegetables and other foods mentioned above should also be limited to 1 cup two to three times per week. “Greater than 1 cup daily is considered excessive for those with a thyroid condition,” Vasconcellos says. She adds that cooking appears to make the goitrogenic compounds in these foods inactive and recommends that women with thyroid disorders consume goitrogenic foods in cooked form rather than raw. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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