Goitrogenic Foods

Lourdes González, A.P., M.A., Lac., M.M.Q.Certified Specialist – National Board of Acupuncture

The percentage of people suffering from thyroid conditions has increased significantly, and as a result, it is very common to hear recommendations about eliminating foods from the diet that affect thyroid function due to certain chemicals known as goitrogens.

The problem with this is that most people eliminate a large number of highly nutritious foods, thinking they are harmful when in reality, they are not.

Goitrogens are chemicals that naturally occur in some foods. If consumed raw and in large amounts, they can interfere with thyroid function. However, this does not mean they cannot be eaten. When these foods are cooked, the goitrogenic chemicals are no longer a problem.

For people with healthy thyroid function, consuming these foods poses no issue, as their thyroids simply produce more hormones as the body needs them. On the other hand, some people who already have thyroid issues may begin to experience what is known as a goiter. This occurs when the thyroid tries to compensate for the low hormone production and begins to grow or swell due to increased cell proliferation.

Even though these foods are known as goitrogens, that does not mean they will necessarily cause a goiter.

People with Hashimoto’s or Graves’ disease (hyperthyroidism) can consume most of these foods and usually are not affected, even when eating them raw. People with undiagnosed symptoms of hypothyroidism, or those taking medication for hypothyroidism, tend to be slightly affected when eating these foods raw—but not when they are cooked.

Soy and canola, however, are two goitrogens that do affect people with Hashimoto’s and should not be consumed by them.

What are these foods?

• Bok choy

• Broccoli

• Brussels sprouts

• Cauliflower

• Cabbage

• Canola oil

• Cassava (yuca)

• Kale

• Corn (millo)

• Mizuna

• Mustard greens

• Radishes

• Spinach

• Pears

• Peaches

• Strawberries

• Sweet potatoes

• Pine nuts

• Peanuts

• Almonds

• Soy (or soya)

It is important to remember that most goitrogenic foods are highly nutritious, and we should not stop consuming them. On the contrary, we should include them in our daily diet. We just need to remember to steam them, or include them in soups or stews.

The author is a certified specialist in Chinese Medicine, Acupuncture, and Holistic Nutrition. For more information, contact 797-894-1414.