Peanuts and Thyroid Disease

Thyroid disease can be inherited, but may also be caused by iodine deficiency. According to the University of Maryland Medical Center (UMMC), iodine deficiency is rare in the United States, due to the availability of iodized salt. The UMMC also indicates that certain allergenic foods, like peanuts, can cause thyroid disease symptoms to flare up.

Function

• The thyroid gland functions by emitting hormones throughout your body. Thyroid hormones directly affect your metabolic rate.

Cause

• Peanuts are considered a goitrogenic food, or one which disrupts thyroid function. Such foods block iodine, a necessary component of thyroid hormone production.

Types

• The UMMC states that peanuts can interfere with hormone production in both hypothyroid and hyperthyroid patients.

Theories/Speculation

• Anti-goitrogenic food proponents advocate the complete removal of peanuts from your diet if you have thyroid disease.

Prevention/Solution

• Although goitrogens like peanuts can make your thyroid symptoms flare up, you do not have to avoid them all entirely, but use them sparingly instead. Articlehealthandfitness.com recommends eating organic peanuts, as they may be less toxic.