In many books and other thyroid resources, you will find the word “goitrogenic”. When a food is described as being goitrogenic, it is said to decrease the function of the thyroid gland’s output; therefore, if you have hypothyroidism, you should avoid the food. You must be careful with this generalization, as it is not true in all cases. I recommend that you monitor your body's response after eating such foods. If the food gives you a sluggish feeling, then avoid it; however, if you notice no effect, then it is acceptable for you to consume the food in moderation. Foods that are included on this list are: broccoli, cauliflower, peanuts and peanut butter, cabbage, millet, radishes, soy products, kale, watercress, brussels sprouts, kohlrabi, mustard, rutabaga, and turnips.
Note that taking your thyroid medication with soy products is not encouraged, as the soy tends to block absorption. Eating soy in general also needs to be moderated, as soy has been found to have estrogenic qualities. Altering your body’s estrogen levels also alters the other hormones of the body, including the thyroid function.
Iodine and tyrosine are substances that your thyroid gland needs from your diet. Iodine-rich foods include shellfish, ocean finfish (tuna and salmon), kelp, dulse, edible seaweed, onions, asparagus, some dairy products, and sea salt. Tyrosine, an essential amino acid, can be found in small amounts in soybeans (be leery of processing), chicken and other poultry, fish, almonds, pumpkin seeds, sesame seeds, avocados, bananas, lima beans, legumes and some dairy products.
You can also use supplements to support the thyroid function. A popular iodine supplement is called Iodoral: your dosage can be properly determined by completing the Metametrix Iodine Lab Test mentioned in Part 4 of the series. Tyrosine can also be taken in the form of a supplement. A company that produces a quality tyrosine supplement is Designs for Health. For questions regarding supplements, please feel free to contact Lea-Ann at 847-707-0847.