Is Soy Good For Thyroid Problems?

Soy is a widely cultivated plant of the pea family that yields pods containing soybeans. It was likely introduced to the United States by Chinese immigrants in the early 18th century; the U.S. is now the world's biggest soy producer, according to the United States Department of Agriculture. Soy is nutritious and valued for its many health benefits. Nevertheless, soy contains compounds that interfere with thyroid function. If you want to use soy, talk to your doctor first.

Soybean Composition

Unlike other beans, soy contains all essential amino acids in adequate amounts and therefore is a complete protein. These essential amino acids cannot be synthesized in your body; you must take them in through diet. Soy is also high in polyunsaturated fats and carbohydrate and rich in vitamins and minerals, including ascorbic acid, folic acid, calcium and iron. Soy is full of isoflavones, plant-derived compounds with estrogenic effects. These substances have been clinically shown to have benefits in hormonally related cancers, including breast and prostate cancers, according to the Stanford School of Medicine.

Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease is a condition in which the thyroid gland does not supply enough thyroid hormones. It most commonly affects women than men. Women older than 50 years of age are at an increased risk of developing thyroid problems. Low thyroid hormone levels affect growth and mental development in children. In adults, low thyroid conditions can lead to weight gain, hair loss, lethargy, poor memory and goiter.

Soy and Thyroid Disease

Dietary soy isoflavones can inhibit thyroid peroxidase. The enzyme thyroid peroxidase catalyzes the synthesis of thyroid hormones by incorporating iodine into a protein called thyroglobulin. Thus, the inactivation of thyroid peroxidase can cause iodine deficiency, which is the most common reason of thyroid-related problems.

Other Side Effects

Soy allergy is common in people who are also allergic to other legumes, such as peas and peanuts. It is an abnormal reaction by the body's immune system to soy protein. Soy allergy can initially be experienced as skin reactions, itching, swelling, breathing difficulty, gastrointestinal problems and a drop in blood pressure. There is a link between soy and gout, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. Soy contains purines, chemicals that result from the natural death of cells, which can increase the risk of gout attacks.