How Do Soy Products Affect Your Thyroid?

How Soy Products Affect an Underactive Thyroid

Hypothyroidism is a common medical condition that stems from having an under-active thyroid. With the correct diet, this condition can be effectively ridden. However, there is some speculation as to what the right diet may consist of. Soy has been known to be a highly regarded health food in recent decades, but in the case of an under-active thyroid, this is certainly not the case.

With many essential bodily functions resting on its health, the thyroid is a gland located just below the Adam's apple in the neck. Aspects such as body weight, vision, mental function, bone formation, heart rate, and menstrual regularity are all affected by the thyroid and a poorly functioning thyroid is certainly a cause for concern.

Why not to Eat Soy

Although soy foods are, in general, healthy for the human body, when plagued by an underactive thyroid, avoid these foods at all costs. Foods derived from or containing soy also contain a chemical that reacts with iodine, a vital element in the production of the thyroid hormone. So when suffering from hypothyroidism, make sure to keep food items such as soy milk, soy flower, and tofu off of the grocery list.

Pending more research into this condition, most doctors strongly support the idea that diet is critical to a healthy thyroid. For quite some time, it has been agreed upon that a lack of iodine leads to an under-active thyroid and ultimately goiter. Foods in the common American diet that are considered goitrogens or foods with components that are known to interfere with proper thyroid function, include popular items such as peanuts, peanut butter, and of course, soybeans.

Supportive Research

There are a great number of foods that fall into the category of goitrogens that most people may not have even realized. Ingestion of high amounts of these types of foods can result in a lack of iodine, which can lead to an enlarged thyroid in drastic scenarios, also known as a goiter. Millet, cruciferous vegetables, along with other foods contain goitrogens. Although this research has persisted for some 70 plus years, it may come as relative news to vegans who base their diets mainly off of soy foods.

Granted, there is no evidence that diets consisting of high amounts of soy products directly cause thyroid problems in people who are nutritious and healthy. Although, there is some potential danger when consuming a large quantity of soy compared to a marginal iodine intake.

The bottom line is enough iodine in a daily diet is crucial to having a healthy thyroid. All too often do Americans seem to get caught up in the trend of healthful, soy foods (not to mention unhealthy fast foods). Many people overlook the benefits of eating foods that actually nourish the body and instead, simply count calories, carbohydrates, and grams of fat. Nutrients are what the body really needs and iodine is definitely no exception, especially in the case of a healthy thyroid.

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