A properly functioning thyroid gland is crucial for maintaining your overall health. However, in recent years we have seen a sharp incline in thyroid conditions, such as hyperthyroidism. Many people believe that you need to steer clear of certain supplements and products, including anything containing soy. But, how much truth is there to these claims, and should you be concerned? Let’s explore these health claims in the article below.
The Role of the Thyroid and Related Diseases
The thyroid is a small gland located just below the Adam’s apple. It is part of your endocrine system and helps regulate energy production, metabolism, and overall body function. Your thyroid supports growth and development during infancy, regulates your metabolism, and enhances nervous system activity. It performs these tasks through the release of hormones such as triiodothyronine and thyroxine, which control how your body utilizes energy. This affects everything from brain function and digestion, to body temperature and heart rate.
There are several conditions that can potentially affect the functioning of the thyroid gland, including hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), goiter, thyroid cancer, thyroid nodules, and thyroiditis. The common causes of hypothyroidism include postpartum thyroiditis, congenital hypothyroidism, and an iodine deficiency. Hyperthyroidism occurs when the gland overproduces hormones. The symptoms of this condition include a rapid heartbeat, sweating, tremors, and unexplained weight loss.
Can People With a Thyroid Condition Consume Soy?
Many people diagnosed with thyroid conditions are often advised not to consume any products containing soy. This was because soy had a reputation as being an endocrine disruptor. However, it turns out that this conclusion was based on the results obtained from animal studies. New research involving 18 clinical trials, though, has revealed that consuming soy actually has little effect on thyroid function. However, soy supplementation was linked to a small increase in TSH levels, yet does not appear medically significant. It’s important to note that soy is more likely to impact thyroid function if a person is iodine-deficient.
While soy may not directly affect the thyroid directly, there may be issues with its consumption and certain thyroid medications. Hypothyroid treatment typically involves taking levothyroxine, a thyroid hormone medication, daily. Research has revealed that eating soy can make it harder for your body to absorb the thyroid medication. Therefore, it is important that you take the medication in the morning on an empty stomach. However, this doesn’t mean that soy needs to be cut out completely, you just need to be more aware of when you eat it.
Read More: 9 Foods to Consider Limit if You Have Hypothyroidism
What About Thyroid Conditions and Avoiding Supplements?
Soy is not the only thing that people diagnosed with a thyroid condition are often advised not to consume. There are also several supplements that are often considered potentially disruptive. One of the supplements people are told to avoid is iodine supplements. While iodine is crucial for proper thyroid functioning, both iodine excess and deficiency can present certain issues. Excessive iodine consumption can increase the risk of developing thyroid conditions, including thyroid cancer. If you suffer from any thyroid conditions, always check with your doctor first before starting to take iodine supplements.
While beta-carotene supplements have been shown to increase the risk of developing certain cancers such as lung cancer, there is no conclusive evidence that its consumption can increase your thyroid cancer risk, but it’s better to stay away from high doses. Some people also believe white fungus supplements can stimulate the growth of thyroid nodules, but there is no conclusive scientific evidence that points to this relationship. More studies are required to determine if there is indeed any link between white fungus consumption and thyroid nodule growth.
In conclusion, despite widespread concerns about soy consumption, new research indicates that moderate soy consumption has no substantial impact on thyroid function. However, one should be cautious if one has an iodine deficiency and be conscious of when they eat soy if on medication. Furthermore, certain supplements should be used with caution, and medical advice is required before incorporating them into your regimen. If you have been diagnosed with any of the above thyroid conditions, it’s always best to discuss your food, medicine, and supplement intake to rule out any potential issues and side effects.
Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and is for information only. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions about your medical condition and/or current medication. Do not disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking advice or treatment because of something you have read here.
Read More: 15+ Warning Signs of Thyroid Problems You Need to Recognize