A lot of mystery surrounds the topic of soy and hypoactive thyroid. Many people have heard that soy will make the condition worse, or even stop the medication from working. Although researchers have conducted several studies on the topic, there is currently no substantial evidence to support the claim. If you are concerned, it is important to understand the facts, and always consult your physician with any questions you may have.
Hypoactive Thyroid
When you hear that a person has hypothyroidism, or hypoactive thyroid, it means that the thyroid gland is not creating enough of the thyroid hormone. This hormone is responsible for regulating metabolic functions. Several symptoms of the condition include weight gain, slow speech, chronic fatigue, joint pain and sensitivity to cold.
Soy
Soy is in many different products, both as an additive and as a main ingredient. The most popular soy form is tofu, which is common in the vegetarian diet. Soybeans, or edamame, are also popular as an appetizer in Japanese cuisine. If you are experiencing symptoms when you consume soy products, talk to your doctor about the possibility of a soy allergy. The Food Allergy & Anaphylaxis Network ranks soy as one of the more common allergens.
Claims About Soy
Many people have heard that soy interrupts the body's synthesis of thyroid medication. This means that the body will not absorb the medication properly when you eat soy. This is due to the isoflavones found naturally in soy products. Other claims have been that soy contains plant estrogen, which can mimic human estrogen and cause issues for women such as increased risks for breast cancer.
What Studies Show
While it is not dangerous for hypothyroid patients to consume soy, it can interfere with the initial absorption when taken with the medication. Other nutrients that may interfere with the absorption of thyroid medication include fiber, calcium and iron. According to MayoClinic.com, "Generally, it's best to wait four hours after taking thyroid medication to consume any products that contain soy." Soy has also been shown to be preventative in cardiovascular disease and diabetes, even in those with hypothyroidism. The plant estrogen in soy has been shown not to mimic those of the human body, and will not cause symptoms in women.
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