Goitrogens are substances that can cause the thyroid gland to swell and create a goiter. Foods like soy and cruciferous vegetables contain natural goitrogens, while drugs like amiodarone and lithium can also affect thyroid function. Cooking these foods can negate their effects, and even those with hypothyroidism can consume them in moderation.
Goitrogens are substances that make the thyroid gland unable to process iodine properly and affect its ability to make hormones. When these agents block iodine uptake, the gland can swell and create a mass in the neck called a goiter. There are a variety of foods that have goitrogenic properties. Certain drugs and other chemicals can also interfere with the thyroid’s ability to deal with iodine. A goiter is not necessarily caused solely by the ingestion of goitrogens, particularly those that come from food, but those with impaired thyroid function may want to avoid them, as they may increase the likelihood of a goiter occurring.
There are several foods that contain natural goitrogens. Soy and soy products like tofu are some of the main types of foods that can decrease thyroid gland function. They contain isoflavones, a type of phytonutrient that blocks iodine processing, which in turn decreases thyroid hormone production. Isoflavones are generally considered to be good for health, but their goitrogenic properties may make them less than ideal for those with impaired thyroid function.
Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts also contain goitrogens. In these plants, which are all in the Brassica genus, the substances that affect the thyroid are called isothiocyanates. Other vegetables in this family with goitrogenic properties include turnips, kale, and cabbage.
Several other foods are also considered mild goitrogens. Fruits like strawberries, peaches, or pears can affect the thyroid. Pine nuts, peanuts, and millet may also be goitrogenic; spinach and sweet potatoes also fall into this category. Those who eat these foods, such as soy or cruciferous, should be concerned primarily if they are eaten raw; cooking them destroys goitrogens and therefore negates their effects. In general, the level of goitrogens in these foods is not sufficient to cause a goiter in a healthy individual, and even those with hypothyroidism can consume them in moderation, but should avoid excessive consumption.
Some drugs can affect thyroid function and lead to the development of a goiter. Using amiodarone to treat an irregular heartbeat can lead to hypothyroidism and goiter. Lithium, often taken for psychiatric disorders such as bipolar, can decrease thyroid hormone production. Anticonvulsants such as carbamazepine and phenobarbitone can also affect hormone levels. Certain hyperthyroid medications such as propylthiouracil, methimazole, and potassium perchlorate are specifically used to decrease thyroid function and may be excessively goitrogenic.
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