Goitrin & Thiocyanates
Goitrin is a substance found in plant foods, such as rutabaga and the seeds of cruciferous vegetables. Thiocyanates are formed when sulfur-containing vegetables are cut, chewed or crushed. They both weaken the enzyme thyroid peroxidase, making it more difficult for iodine and tyrosine to bind and form thyroid hormones. Goitrin weakens the binding, while thiocyanates compete with iodine to be absorbed by the thyroid, making less iodine available for the production of thyroid hormones.
Foods to avoid:
- * Bamboo shoots* Cassava* Corn* Flax* Lima Beans* Sweet Potato* Cruciferous vegetables:
- o Arugulao Bok choyo Broccolio Broccolinio Brussels sproutso Cabbageo Canola
o Cauliflower
o Chinese broccoli
o Chinese cabbage
o Choy sum
o Collard greens
o Horseradish
o Kale
o Kohlrabi
o Mizuna
o Mustard greens
o Mustard seeds
o Radishes
- o Rapinio Rutabagaso Turnipso Wasabio Watercress
If you have hypothyroidism and eat a lot of these foods, you may be doing yourself more harm than good. Consider reducing your intake. If you can’t give anything up, consider cooking, soaking or fermenting these foods to reduce the thiocyanate levels.
If you do have hypothyroidism and don’t know what to eat, book an appointment with our team of naturopathic doctors can help to guide your diet so that you can stay healthy and balance your thyroid function.
Stay tuned for more foods that affect your thyroid.[/fusion_text]