copyright notices, etc
| . |
The Seaweed Gatherers, Paul Gaugin
| copyright, disclaimer, other info about the site. |
| . |
. |
Iodine Research
Resource Network of The Iodine Movement
GOITROGENIC FOODS -- OVERVIEW
(continue research - pg 1, pg 2)
What are goitrogens and in which foods are they found?
Whole Foods
- Goitrogens are naturally-occurring substances that can interfere with function of the thyroid
gland. Goitrogens get their name from the term "goiter," which means an enlargement of the
thyroid gland. If the thyroid gland is having difficulty making thyroid hormone, it may enlarge
as a way of trying to compensate for this inadequate hormone production. "Goitrogens," like
circumstances that cause goiter, cause difficulty for the thyroid in making its hormone....
There are two general categories of foods that have been associated with disrupted thyroid
hormone production in humans: soybean-related foods and cruciferous vegetables. In
addition, there are a few other foods not included in these categories - such as peaches,
strawberries and millet - that also contain goitrogens. The table below shows a list of some
foods that contain goitrogens.
Goitrogens
iThyroid
- Goitrogens are foods which suppress thyroid function. In normals, goitrogens can induce
hypothyroidism and goiter. In hypos, goitrogens can further depress thyroidal function and
stimulate the growth of the thyroid (goiter).
In hyperthyroids, goitrogens may help suppress thyroidal function until normal thyroidal
functioning can be restored. However, this may not be a good strategy. Goitrogens work by
interfering with the thyroidal uptake of iodine. While many hypers try to limit thyroid output by
iodine restriction, this strategy can backfire. Iodine restriction will cause the thyroid to increase
in size (goiter) in an effort to filter more blood to get more iodine. When iodine is then re-
introduced to the diet or accidentally ingested, the now larger thyroid gland has the capacity
for greater thyroid hormone production.
I do not believe that iodine restriction is a good long-term method for controlling thyroid
hormone production. Therefore the consumption of goitrogens is not a good strategy. It is
better to increase copper metabolism by supplementation of copper and the assisting
nutrients. Once copper is replenished and copper metabolism is working properly, the body
will tolerate iodine without increasing thyroid hormone production.
Research
The Iodine Movement
Iodine Supplementation
Resources
About Us
Contact Us
Where to get Iodine
Search Our Site...