Hyperactive Thyroid And Soy

Hyperactive thyroid, or hyperthyroidism, occurs when your thyroid gland is overactive, producing too much of the thyroid hormone. This results in increased metabolism and a host of symptoms, ranging from development of swollen thyroid glands to mental health concerns. Though soy has a long history of use by humans, MayoClinic.com notes that it might interfere with absorption of the thyroid hormone.

Hyperthyroidism

Women are disproportionately affected by this condition, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. The center describes hyperthyroidism as three diseases, the most common being Graves disease. All three forms of hyperthyroidism are marked by similar symptoms: development of swollen thyroid gland, rapid heart rate, shortness of breath, moist skin, increased appetite and paradoxical weight loss, as well as tremors. With Graves disease, you also might develop bulging eyes. Mental health symptoms, such as anxiety, psycho-motor agitation and insomnia, also can occur with hyperthyroidism.

Causes

The University of Maryland Medical Center notes that Graves disease, a form of hyperactive thyroid, could be caused by an antibody. This antibody is believed to stimulate the thyroid, producing too much hormone. A non-cancerous tumor also could contribute to developing the condition. The medical center describes secondary hyperthyroidism caused by the pituitary gland overriding the thyroid. Diet also might contribute to the development of hyperactive thyroid.

Soy

MayoClinic.com notes that soy has been a nutritional staple for more than 5,000 years. It is a lean protein, one of the few sources of protein from plants. Soy can come from several dietary sources, including whole soy beans, miso, tempeh, tofu, soy oil and soy milk and cheeses. Soy is rich in nutrients and is a concentrated source of isoflavones. The Linus Pauling Institute notes that soy isoflavones are "polyphenolic compounds that are capable of exerting estrogen-like effects."

Soy Side Effects

In recent years, soy has been marketed as a nutritional power house. However, research also has shown that it could adversely effect your health. Soy can cause numerous side effects, including "stomach and intestinal difficulties, such as bloating, nausea, and constipation," notes MayoClinic.com. The website advises that animal studies and reports of side effects from soy infant formula indicate a potential link between soy and goiter development. Some studies have even linked soy to the development of thyroid cancer, notes Monica Ralli in the journal "Nutrition Noteworthy."

Soy and Hyperactive Thyroid

Use of soy is discouraged for those with hormone-sensitive conditions, according to MayoClinic.com. There are several potential concerns around soy use with thyroid conditions. First, there is some evidence that soy might interfere with absorption of thyroid hormone, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center. Second, soy isoflavones have been found to "inhibit the activity of thyroid peroxidase, an enzyme required for thyroid hormone synthesis," according to the Linus Pauling Institute at Oregon State University. However, Ralli notes, the biology of soy is more complicated than originally thought, noting that soy can both increase and decrease thyroid function through complex interactions in the body that are not yet fully understood.