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Here’s What You Should Know about Goitrogenic Foods and Thyroid Health

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Those with thyroid problems should steer clear of goitrogenic foods, like this broccoli.
If you have problems with your thyroid gland, you may want to avoid goitrogenic foods like cauliflower, brussels sprouts, and broccoli. iStock/Serena Williamson

Do you have a thyroid disorder? They’re increasingly common—in fact, approximately 20 million Americans have some form of thyroid disease. (1) Numerous factors can impact your thyroid, like chronic stress, pituitary dysfunction, resistance to thyroid hormones, and even your gut microbes. Even the foods you eat could make your symptoms worse.

Goitrogenic foods like cabbage, cauliflower, kale, and broccoli, can cause swelling of the thyroid gland. Eating these things occasionally may not cause a problem, but if you eat them habitually or you have other risk factors, you could be hurting your thyroid health.

Check out this infographic to find out which foods are goitrogenic, how they affect your thyroid gland, and the best way to cook them to minimize their effects.

Cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and broccoli can be healthy additions to your diet—unless you have a thyroid disorder. Check out this infographic to find out more about goitrogenic foods and how they impact the thyroid gland. #nutrition #optimalhealth #chriskresser

What You Should Know about Goitrogenic Foods and Your Thyroid

Even at low concentrations, goitrogenic foods can inhibit iodine uptake and interfere with your thyroid. Certain chemicals and medications can have a similar effect. Find out more below.

goitrogenic foods and thyroid health infographic
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  1. My thyroid has been removed and I have gained 3 dress sizes despite being on the blood sugar diet. No one seems to care how unhappy this makes me