What does fact checked mean?
At Healthfully, we strive to deliver objective content that is accurate and up-to-date. Our team periodically reviews articles in order to ensure content quality. The sources cited below consist of evidence from peer-reviewed journals, prominent medical organizations, academic associations, and government data.
- Pubmed Health: Hypothyroidism
- Pubmed Health: Hypothyroidism
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center: Iodine
- "Thyroid"; Risk Factors for Goiter and Thyroid Nodules; Knudsen, et al.; 2002
- "Thyroid"; Risk Factors for Goiter and Thyroid Nodules; Knudsen, et al.; 2002
The information contained on this site is for informational purposes only, and should not be used as a substitute for the advice of a professional health care provider. Please check with the appropriate physician regarding health questions and concerns. Although we strive to deliver accurate and up-to-date information, no guarantee to that effect is made.
Greens, Kale & Thyroid Problems
Green vegetables, especially kale, contain chemicals called goitrogens that may inhibit absorption of dietary iodine. A decrease in iodine in your body can worsen symptoms of hypothyroidism, a condition where your thyroid gland does not produce enough hormones. The hormones produced by your thyroid gland are essential for regulating your metabolism. Goitrogens are almost completely destroyed during cooking, so avoid eating raw kale in excess with hypothyroidism.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism can be caused by iodine deficiency or damage to your thyroid gland. Located in your neck, your thyroid gland may swell during hypothyroidism, a condition called a goiter, from which goitrogens derive their name. Your doctor will measure levels of thyroid hormones in order to diagnose you with hypothyroidism. Treatment includes medication with synthetic thyroid hormones and careful control of iodine in diet 1.
- Hypothyroidism can be caused by iodine deficiency or damage to your thyroid gland.
Role of Iodine
Can You Reduce a Goiter with Nutrition?
Learn More
Iodine is an essential mineral used primarily to produce thyroid hormones. When healthy, your thyroid gland stores sufficient amounts of iodine to produce the thyroid hormones that your body needs. Iodine is also added to table salt, so deficiency in developed nations in rare in healthy people. Iodine deficiency may develop as a consequence of hypothyroidism, as your thyroid no longer stores iodine efficiently.
- Iodine is an essential mineral used primarily to produce thyroid hormones.
Goitrogens
Goitrogens are chemicals in food such as kale, cruciferous vegetables and soybeans. Many, but not all, green vegetables contain some levels of goitrogens. Even when eaten frequently, foods containing goitrogens will not cause thyroid disease in healthy people. You need only monitor goitrogen intake after you have been diagnosed with thyroid disease. Kale and green vegetables are very healthy foods, rich in nutrients, and do not need to be avoided completely. If you have thyroid disease, continue to eat these foods cooked. Dietary guidelines given by your doctor should take precedence.
- Goitrogens are chemicals in food such as kale, cruciferous vegetables and soybeans.
- Kale and green vegetables are very healthy foods, rich in nutrients, and do not need to be avoided completely.
Cooking Kale
Can I Eat Seaweed If I Have Hyperthyroidism?
Learn More
Sautée kale with olive oil and garlic for a quick side dish. You can also mix kale with other greens, such as turnip greens, and simmer until tender. Kale can also be baked to make kale chips, a healthy snack. Tear small pieces of kale from the stems, coat lightly with oil and sprinkle with a small amount of seasoning salt. Bake the kale on a baking sheet at 350 F until crisp.
- Sautée kale with olive oil and garlic for a quick side dish.
- Tear small pieces of kale from the stems, coat lightly with oil and sprinkle with a small amount of seasoning salt.
Related Articles
References
- Oregon State University: Linus Pauling Institute: Micronutrient Information Center: Iodine
- "Thyroid"; Risk Factors for Goiter and Thyroid Nodules; Knudsen, et al.; 2002
- American Thyroid Association. Iodine Deficiency. 2020.
- Eastman CJ, Zimmermann MB. The iodine deficiency disorders. In: Feingold KR, Anawalt B, Boyce A, et al., editors. Endotext. South Dartmouth, MA: MDText.com, Inc. Updated February 6, 2018.
- Ahad F, Ganie SA. Iodine, Iodine metabolism and Iodine deficiency disorders revisited. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2010;14(1):13-17.
- Kostoglou-athanassiou I, Ntalles K. Hypothyroidism - new aspects of an old disease. Hippokratia. 2010;14(2):82-87.
- American Thyroid Association. Hypothyroidism in Children and Adolescents. 2020.
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine. Updated July 9, 2019.
- U.S. National Library of Medicine. Congenital hypothyroidism. Updated February 11, 2020.
- Johnson LE. Iodine. Merck Manual Professional Version. Updated October 2018.
- Murthy MB, Krishnamurthy B. Severe irritant contact dermatitis induced by povidone iodine solution. Indian J Pharmacol. 2009;41(4):199-200. doi:10.4103/0253-7613.56069
- Puchalski AR, Chopra IJ. Radioiodine treatment of differentiated thyroid cancer despite history of 'iodine allergy'. Endocrinol Diabetes Metab Case Rep. 2014;2014:130084. doi:10.1530/EDM-13-0084
- Schabelman E, Witting M. The relationship of radiocontrast, iodine, and seafood allergies: a medical myth exposed. J Emerg Med. 2010;39(5):701-707. doi:10.1016/j.jemermed.2009.10.014
- National Institutes of Health, Office of Dietary Supplements. Iodine. Updated July 9, 2019.
- American Cancer Society. Radioactive Iodine (Radioiodine) Therapy for Thyroid Cancer. Updated March 14, 2019.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Potassium iodide (KI). Updated April 4, 2018.
- Kalra S, Unnikrishnan AG, Sahay R. The hypoglycemic side of hypothyroidism. Indian J Endocrinol Metab. 2014;18(1):1-3.doi:+10.4103/2230-8210.126517
Writer Bio
Chris Daniels covers advances in nutrition and fitness online. Daniels has numerous certifications and degrees covering human health, nutritional requirements and sports performance. An avid cyclist, weightlifter and swimmer, Daniels has experienced the journey of fitness in the role of both an athlete and coach.