Iodine is essential for the production of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4).
Iodine blockage by goitrogens can worsen hypothyroidism and lead to goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland).
✅ Good news:
cooking deactivates most goitrogens .
Steaming or boiling cruciferous vegetables reduces their goitrogenic activity by up to 90%.
🟢 Tip:
Enjoy these nutrient-rich vegetables—but cook them if you have hypothyroidism.
Eat raw vegetables in moderation if you’re healthy and eating a balanced diet.
❌ 2. Soy products (especially unfermented ones)
Hormone Mimic
Food products worth paying attention to:
Soy milk, tofu, edamame, soy protein isolate, soy sauce
Soy contains isoflavones (such as genistein), which are phytoestrogens — plant compounds that can:
Blocks thyroid peroxidase (TPO) , an enzyme necessary for the production of thyroid hormones
Interferes with the absorption of thyroid medications
Increased risk of hypothyroidism , especially in people with low iodine intake
This is particularly concerning in the case of:
People with Hashimoto’s thyroiditis
People taking levothyroxine (wait 4 hours after taking the medication before consuming soy)
🟢 Tip:
Fermented soybeans (e.g., miso, tempeh, natto ) are less problematic in moderation.
Limit your intake of unfermented soybeans if you have thyroid issues.
❌ 3. Gluten
Food products worth paying attention to:
Bread, pasta, cereals, baked goods, beer (anything with wheat, barley, rye)
For people with Hashimoto’s disease (the most common cause of hypothyroidism), gluten may be a major trigger .
Why?
The gluten protein, gliadin , looks similar to thyroid tissue.
In sensitive individuals, the immune system can attack the thyroid through molecular mimicry .
Research shows a strong link between celiac disease and autoimmune thyroid disease .
🟢 Tip:
Even if you don’t have celiac disease, trying a gluten-free diet (for 4-6 weeks) can reduce inflammation and improve thyroid antibody levels.
❌ 4. Refined sugar and processed foods
Inflammation booster
Food products worth paying attention to:
Sweets, sodas, cookies, white bread, packaged snacks
High sugar consumption increases chronic inflammation – a key factor in the flare-ups of autoimmune diseases , including Hashimoto’s disease.
