Broccoli, a crunchy green vegetable of the Brassica species, is not only a regular part of many diets but also may have an effect on hormone levels. Broccoli contains phytonutrients that may help protect the body against certain types of infections or cancer. It may also affect your thyroid gland, the small gland on the front of your neck that produces hormones. In some situations, eating broccoli may have an effect on the body by altering high levels of thyroid hormone.
Hyperthyroidism
Hyperthyroidism is a condition that occurs when your thyroid begins producing too much thyroid hormone. This can result in metabolism changes, typically causing it to increase. People with hyperthyroidism may have weight loss, a rapid pulse, excess perspiration and may feel anxious or shaky. The release of too much hormone can occur due to antibodies or changes in the pituitary gland. A goiter, which occurs when the thyroid gland becomes enlarged, can also cause hyperthyroidism.
Iodine Deficiency
Iodine is a nutrient that is needed for the thyroid to function properly. In some areas of the world, iodine deficiency is severe due to lack of this element in the diet. Under normal circumstances, the thyroid takes iodine from the bloodstream to use for thyroid hormones. When the body does not have enough iodine, it increases its production of thyroid stimulating hormone, or TSH. When too much TSH is secreted, the thyroid gland can become enlarged, causing a goiter. Broccoli is a type of food that, when eaten in large amounts, can get in the way of how the body uses iodine. If a goiter develops due to deficient iodine uptake, it can affect the body's secretion of thyroid hormone, possibly causing hyperthyroidism.
Goitrogens
Broccoli is a type of substance called a goitrogen, which affects how the thyroid functions. For people with low levels of thyroid hormone, or hypothyroidism, goitrogens can exacerbate the condition, further depleting the body of thyroid hormones. Alternatively, hyperthyroidism due to excess thyroid hormone can potentially be controlled by eating broccoli, as it has the opposite effect. If you have hyperthyroidism, check with your doctor about eating broccoli for this condition, but avoid self-managing your diagnosis by consuming excess amounts of this vegetable.
How Much to Eat
According to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University, goitrogens such as broccoli have an effect on thyroid hormones, but this depends on the amounts that you consume. A random serving of broccoli on occasion may have no effect on thyroid function. Alternatively, consuming large amounts of broccoli or other cruciferous vegetables can slow thyroid hormone production, particularly if you already have low levels of iodine in your blood.
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