WHFoods: What are goitrogens and in which foods are they found?

Goitrogens are foods that can further slow thyroid function.  The foods that were consistently listed in several articles included broccoli, cauliflower and cabbage.  If you suffer from hypothyroidism and are a fan of these veggies, don't worry too much.  The groitrogen effect of these foods are weakened when these veggies are cooked.  If you're like me and you don't like to cook your veggies because you are concerned with preserving the nutrients, there is a way to cook veggies so that most of the nutrients are preserved.

There are two methods that I've used.  One is to make soup by bringing the water (or broth) to a boil, removing the pot from the heat completely, and then adding all of the fresh veggies to the water.  Let it sit in the water for 30 min to an hour (depending on what you are cooking).  For sprouts and greens even less time would be needed but for potatoes or beets, you may want to add time and heat (in other words, turn the heat way down to almost off instead of removing from heat completely).

The other method I've used is blanching.  Bring the water to a boil, then take it off the heat completely.  Immerse the veggies into the water for 20 seconds, then remove immediately.  Immersing veggies into cold water or ice water immediately after is optional.

I know raw foodies would cringe at the thought of this, but unfortunately raw food diets aren't for everyone.  For those of us with thyroid or digestive issues, it will take some time before the body will be able to digest raw food properly.  Once your metabolism starts to digest properly, raw food may be an option.  It is highly advisable that people with former thyroid or digestive issues extend the transitional period before completely switching to raw food.

WHFoods: What are goitrogens and in which foods are they found?