Hypothyroidism
Dietary tips:
Goitrogens:
Naturally occurring goitrogens are found in legumes and plants in addition to cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, turnips.
Goitrogens interferes with the uptake of iodine by the thyroid gland which can worsen the hypothyroidism condition.
Below is a list of vegetables that contain goitrogens:
- Bok choy
- Broccoli
- Chinese Broccoli
- Cabbage
- Cauliflower
- Brussel sprouts
- Collards
- Kale
- Watercress
- Radishes
- Spinach
- Turnips
- soy
The above list includes some of the very beneficial cruciferous vegetables which contain sulphoraphane compounds.
We should not avoid these vegetables. Fortunately, various procedures like soaking, washing, boiling and cooking can help reduce the goitrogenic potential of a plant. (1)
Patients with hypothyroidism should follow the above procedure when consuming food that contains goitrogens.
(1) J Clin Diagn Res. 2016 Jan; 10(1): FE01–FE03
Iodine
Fish is a rich source of iodine which is beneficial to patients with hypothyroidism. If the mercury content is of concern to you, Ottawa Public Health has published a document outlining the mercury content and consumption safety of various kinds of fish
Below is a link to the document:
https://www.ottawapublichealth.ca/en/Public-Health-Topics/resources/Documents/fish_women_children_en.pdf