Broccoli and the Thyroid
 

I was very surprised to read, in an article by Mary Shomon, that broccoli, cauliflower, kale and brussel sprouts should be eaten moderately for people with thyroid issues. According to the author, these foods contain enzymes that promote goiter formation and can inhibit the thyroid hormone, especially if eaten raw.

Has anyone here with thyroid issues limited their intake of these veggies? If so, what are your alternatives?

I eat a lot of broccoli, etc. in salads to help in dieting and because these veggies are anti-cancer and because I actually LIKE broccoli! I have a benign lesion on my thyroid, but the TSH test is in normal range. My doctor doesn't want to test me further, even though I have signs of thyroid disorder, because he says my thyroid is fine.

I will seek a second opinion, but in the meantime, I'm wondering if anyone has had the experience of seeing nodules/goiters increase due in part to diet.

I eat alot of broccoli and cauliflower and brussel sprouts and haven't had anything abnormal happen and my levels are checked every 3 months.

Hi Gladdy,

My doctor said that "a lot" of these veggies is more than one pound a day. If you eat more than a pound a day of these, I would consider steaming some of it.

Take Care,
Katy

Thanks for the tip, Katy!
G

The only thing I avoid due to my thyroid condition is soy. I eat broccoli, brussel sprouts and cauliflower and have not seen any ill effects. I avoid soy like the plague because I have experienced thyroid related problems after eating it.