It is a fact that hypothyroidism needs a balanced diet in order to be treated effectively. But which foods are finally forbidden and which are allowed? We put things in their place, with the help of a pathologist with expertise in clinical nutrition.

Hashimoto’s thyroiditis is now a very common autoimmune condition, with the vast majority of patients being women. In simple words, we would say that the body attacks itself without reason and destroys the cells of the thyroid gland, resulting in its hypofunction (hypothyroidism).

As the thyroid gland is the orchestrator of the hormonal system, in most cases hypothyroidism requires life-long medication, namely synthetic levothyroxine.

However, there are also those cases that do not show obvious symptoms, in which monitoring and nutrition are usually recommended, without prescribing the hormone supplement.

Hashimoto: Diet is needed in addition to the pill

According to  studies , regardless of whether or not one takes the pill for Hashimoto’s thyroiditis, certain lifestyle changes are necessary to prevent the disease from affecting other areas of health. Thus, attention to diet, sufficient rest and mild physical exercise are most often recommended.

As hypothyroidism is a very common condition, the information one can find on the internet about its treatment, or even hear from those around them, is a lot, sometimes conflicting and sometimes wrong.

Cruciferous vegetables: beneficial or harmful?

One of them concerns cruciferous vegetables, i.e. broccoli , cabbage , kale , turnips , turnips , cauliflower and Brussels sprouts . So it is said that if you have hypothyroidism, cruciferous vegetables are not the best as they contain bronchodilator. Bronchiologens are natural chemicals found in vegetables that can disrupt thyroid function. Does such a thing apply?

We asked Angela Spanou , MD, MSc, CN, a pathologist specializing in clinical nutrition, about the nutritional myths that follow hypothyroidism. “Both cruciferous vegetables and soy are beneficial not only in Hashimoto’s autoimmune thyroiditis, but also in all autoimmune diseases, as they have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects ,” he told us.

So why do we often hear that the bronchodilator contained in cruciferous vegetables can be harmful to thyroid function? “The truth is that foods containing bronchodilator, when consumed too often, affect the functioning of the thyroid gland. But this only happens when they are consumed raw . When these foods are cooked, they cease to have a bronchodilator effect. The raw consumption of these foods can be done up to 2 times a week ,” says the expert.

Is soy allowed?

Regarding soy, a food with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-carcinogenic effects, it has the property of reducing the body’s absorption of the synthetic hormone thyroxine , which patients usually take in pill form.

“This means that we should not consume soy and its products 1 hour after taking the thyroxine morning pill. Therefore, one can eat soy without fear, as long as it is done from noon onwards “, answers Dr. Spanu .