**Video Transcript**
What would you think if I said that there’s a popular food out there that may not be the best for your thyroid?
And what if that food is soy?
If you’re curious to find out if that’s true and what it could mean to your health, stick with me.
Health Benefits Of Soy
There’s been a lot said and written about the health benefits of soy – it’s potential to help the heart, manage menopausal symptoms, and reduce the risk of certain cancers are some of the most discussed.
Soy comes in many forms, including:
- Soy milk
- Tofu
- Soy sauce
- Tempeh
- Edamame (soy beans)
- And Miso
Soy and Thyroid Health Concerns
However, is there anything you should be concerned about when you’re about to tie into that chunk of tofu? When it comes to your thyroid, it may well be.
Soy is a potential problem for anyone dealing with thyroid issues as it’s considered by some to be a “goitrogen”, that is, a substance that causes a swelling of the thyroid gland known as goiter. This is often accompanied by a lowering of thyroid function.
This effect on the thyroid is thought to be related to certain compounds found in soy called phytoestrogens – the ones that are believed to impart soy with its potential healing properties. However, when it comes to the thyroid, these phytoestrogens may not be so good.
Research Findings on Soy and Thyroid Function
According to a research study published in 2008, university students consuming soybeans over a 7-day period had higher levels of the phytoestrogens in their blood by the end, as expected. However, their levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH), T4 thyroid hormone, and T3 thyroid hormone showed various changes suggestive of lowered thyroid function1.
Other research is somewhat unclear regarding the long-term effects of soy on the thyroid gland. Some suggest a lowering of thyroid hormones; others don’t.
Final Thoughts
The take home message here is: if you suspect you have a thyroid problem, consider limiting your soy intake. Small amounts might be alright, but regular soy consumption could negatively impact your thyroid hormones.
If you do consume soy, fermented forms, like tempeh and miso, tend to be better choices as they are often easier to digest.
Thanks for listening! Please don’t forget to like, subscribe, and comment. I’m Dr. Pat Nardini, ND. Keeping Your Wellness First.
Until next time, this is Dr. Pat Nardini, ND, putting “Your Wellness First!”
If you have questions about naturopathic medicine, or you’d like to take your first step into the world of naturopathy, contact us at Nardini Naturopathic, and let’s book an appointment.
Yours in health,
Dr. Pat Nardini, Naturopathic Doctor
320 Danforth Ave suite 206,
Toronto, ON, M4K 1N8
-https://g.page/NardiniNaturopathicDanforth
Dr. Pat Nardini, ND is a licensed doctor of naturopathic medicine in Toronto, Ontario. He offers science based natural health solutions with a special focus on thyroid conditions.